STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE Recipe

If you’re searching for a hearty, comfort-packed meal that brings all the joy of a classic into one easy dish, STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine tender cabbage leaves layered with a savory blend of ground meat, aromatic vegetables, tomato goodness, and gooey, melted mozzarella—all baked to bubbly perfection. This recipe takes everything wonderful about traditional cabbage rolls and transforms it into a cozy, family-friendly casserole—no rolling skills required!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each item on the list brings its own unmistakable character, creating that signature balance of flavors, textures, and vibrant color that makes this dish so inviting.

• Cabbage: The star of the show! A large head yields plenty of tender leaves for layering and always adds a lovely sweetness and slight crunch.
• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: Choose your favorite—beef gives a richer flavor, while turkey keeps things lighter but just as satisfying.
• Cooked Rice: This is what makes the filling so hearty and comforting, creating soft pockets of texture amid the meat.
• Onion: Finely chopped to melt into the filling, bringing sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: For an aromatic kick that marries perfectly with the meat and tomatoes.
• Tomato Sauce: It coats everything in luscious, tangy richness—absolutely essential for moisture and flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: These add a pop of acidity and juiciness, keeping the casserole from ever tasting dry.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Just a tablespoon, but it packs an unbeatable umami boost and complexity.
• Dried Oregano: An Italian-inspired touch for gently earthy flavor.
• Dried Thyme: Lends a subtle warmth that works wonders with tomatoes and meat.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste—the finishing touch to let every ingredient shine.
• Grated Mozzarella Cheese: For that irresistible golden topping and creamy finish that binds it all together.

How to Make STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to bake that gorgeous casserole the moment you’re done assembling. Preheating is crucial for even cooking, ensuring cheese gets perfectly melty and the casserole is bubbling in every corner.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Remove the core from your cabbage, then carefully submerge the head in the water. After just 2–3 minutes, the outer leaves should soften and become beautifully flexible. Gently peel them off and let them cool. This quick blanch makes the leaves so much easier to roll and keeps their fresh flavor intact.

Step 3: Cook the Meat Filling

Next, heat a large skillet over medium. Add your ground beef or turkey, breaking it apart as it browns. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat (especially important for beef). Toss in the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until everything is tender and fragrant—the kind of smell that tells everyone something special’s on the way.

Step 4: Mix the Filling

Now it’s time to bring the filling together. Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about five minutes to blend all those lovely flavors—this step transforms simple ingredients into a cohesive, crave-worthy filling for your STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE.

Step 5: Assemble the Rolls

Set out your cabbage leaves on a clean surface. Drop a generous spoonful of the meat and rice mixture onto each leaf, then roll tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place each roll seam-side down in a large baking dish. The layering might feel a little rustic—that’s part of the charm!

Step 6: Top and Cover

Pour any extra meat and rice mixture over the top of your rolled cabbage parcels. This helps every bite soak up all that juicy tomato flavor. Cover the dish snugly with aluminum foil to keep the casserole moist while it bakes.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in your preheated oven for 45 minutes. Remove the foil, sprinkle the top generously with that glorious grated mozzarella, then return the dish to bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes more. When the cheese is bubbly and turning golden, your STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE is ready for its grand debut!

How to Serve STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE

Garnishes

A sprinkling of fresh parsley or dill makes for a cheerful, color-popping finish. If you love a little tang, a dollop of sour cream on each serving brings classic Eastern European flair and creamy contrast to the piping-hot casserole. You can even toss on a few chili flakes for gentle heat!

Side Dishes

STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE is a meal in itself, but it sings alongside a crusty hunk of buttered bread or simple mashed potatoes (for soaking up those delicious sauces). For a lighter touch, try serving with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette—it’s perfect for balancing out the casserole’s rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

While this casserole is a natural for big family pans, you can also portion it into individual ramekins before baking for a dinner-party-worthy presentation. For a cozy twist, serve generous scoops in shallow bowls, then garnish as you would a stew. Or, use the leftovers to stuff into a hollowed-out bell pepper or zucchini for a next-day lunch that feels brand new.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any remaining STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE will keep beautifully! Just let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—perfect for easy heat-and-eat lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar. After cooling, portion the casserole into airtight, freezer-safe containers. It will last up to 3 months. For ultimate convenience, make a double batch and freeze one for future you—there’s nothing like pulling out a homemade dinner when life gets busy.

Reheating

To reheat, transfer individual portions or the whole casserole to an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes). If you’re using a microwave, reheat in one-minute increments for even warmth. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh herbs before serving to revive that just-baked magic!

FAQs

Can I use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version?

Absolutely! Swap in cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb take on STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE—it will blend in perfectly with the meat while still giving that signature texture. Just be sure to drain any excess moisture from the cauliflower before mixing.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth to keep the filling moist. The combination of lentils, rice, and all those warm spices makes for a delicious, satisfying vegetarian STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE.

Do I have to roll the cabbage, or can I layer it like lasagna?

You’re in luck—STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE is super flexible! Instead of rolling, simply chop the cabbage into strips and layer it with the filling, lasagna-style, in the baking dish. It’s even easier and still delivers all the classic flavors.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Reheat your leftovers with a splash of extra tomato sauce or broth and cover tightly with foil. This steams the casserole as it warms, so every bite stays moist and tender. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top right before the final few minutes of reheating gets you that freshly-baked feel.

Can I prep STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to one day in advance. Simply cover it and refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready. Bonus: letting everything sit overnight actually helps the flavors meld even deeper for an even tastier result.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that nourishes the soul and brings people together, give this STUFFED CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE a try. It’s easy, homey, and bursting with comfort—perfect for big gatherings or cozy nights in. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to favorite, too!