Name: Cabbage Roll Casserole
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups); 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme; 2 cups tomato sauce, divided; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1/2 cup beef broth or water; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

I love this Cabbage Roll Casserole because it brings all the cozy, comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into an easy bake‑and‑serve dish. It’s layered with savory seasoned meat, rice, and cabbage, topped with a tangy tomato sauce that makes every bite satisfying and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I make this recipe when I want the classic taste of cabbage rolls without all the wrapping. It’s simpler to prepare, quicker to bake, and just as flavorful as the original. I enjoy how the cabbage softens in the oven and mingles with the seasoned meat and rice. Whether I’m feeding a family or bringing it to a potluck, it always disappears fast. Cabbage Roll Casserole

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beef
onion, chopped
garlic, minced
cabbage, chopped or shredded
cooked rice (white or brown)
salt
black pepper
dried herbs (like oregano, thyme, or parsley)
tomato sauce
tomato paste
beef broth or water
Worcestershire sauce (optional)
olive oil or butter

Directions

I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
In a skillet, I heat a little olive oil or butter over medium heat and add the chopped onion. I cook until the onion softens, then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
I add the ground meat to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and cook until the meat is browned and no longer pink.
I stir in the cooked rice and some of the tomato sauce so the mixture comes together.
In the prepared casserole dish, I layer part of the chopped cabbage on the bottom, then spread half of the meat‑rice mixture on top.
I repeat with another layer of cabbage and finish with the rest of the meat mixture.
I whisk together the remaining tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth (plus Worcestershire sauce if I’m using it), then pour it evenly over the layered casserole.
I cover the dish with foil and bake for about 45–60 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the casserole is bubbling.
I remove the foil for the last 10–15 minutes so the top gets slightly browned and caramelized.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6–8 servings.
Total time: about 1 hour 30 minutes, including prep and baking. Cabbage Roll Casserole

storage/reheating

I store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm a portion on the stove in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it until heated through. If it looks dry, I add a splash of broth or sauce as it warms.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes. I’ve used ground turkey or chicken when I want it lighter, and it still tastes great with the seasonings and sauce.

Do I have to pre‑cook the rice?

Yes. I cook the rice before adding it to the casserole so it’s fully tender when the dish is done baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. I assemble the casserole the night before, cover it, and keep it in the fridge. Then I bake it the next day—it’s even more flavorful.

What type of cabbage works best?

I usually use green cabbage because it softens nicely in the oven, but savoy or napa cabbage also works well and adds gentle sweetness.

Can I freeze leftover casserole?

Yes. Once cooled, I portion it into freezer‑safe containers and freeze for up to 2–3 months. I thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Conclusion

This Cabbage Roll Casserole turns all the great flavors of classic cabbage rolls into an easy, cozy bake that I love serving any time I want something hearty and delicious with minimal fuss. It’s simple, satisfying, and always a crowd‑pleaser.