Cabbage Roll Casserole

This hearty and savory cabbage roll casserole combines the flavors of rich tomato sauce with cabbage, beef, and cheese. Without the hassle of making traditional cabbage rolls, the casserole version is perfect for any weeknight dinner!

Cabbage rolls are absolutely delicious, but it takes a lot of effort to stuff and roll them. When you're short on time but want to enjoy the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls, make this cabbage roll casserole. Similar to homemade lasagna, this recipe is layered with seasoned ground beef, tomato sauce, rice, and cabbage topped with melted mozzarella cheese. And just like my beef enchilada casserole, this is one of the most delicious and comforting casseroles you'll ever eat!

Traditional cabbage rolls require you to boil the cabbage leaves and then fill them with meat, rice, tomato sauce, and cheese. They are then rolled and baked. While delicious, it's messy and can be a hassle if the cabbage leaves rip. That's why I love this version so much. This is more of an unstuffed cabbage casserole version that is made in the crock pot.

This dish is made with simple ingredients that can be found at any local grocery store. This is a budget friendly meal and you'll enjoy the flavors of classic cabbage rolls in every bite! And, it pairs amazingly well with this romaine lettuce salad, this homemade garlic and rosemary flatbread, or these oven baked roasted potatoes!

Jump to:

• ✔️ Quick Recipe Overview
• ℹ️ Why This Recipe Works
• 🛒 Ingredients You'll Need
• 📋 Variations
• 🔪 How To Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
• 🙋 Recipe FAQs
• 💭 Expert Tips
• 🥗 Serving Suggestions
• Cabbage Roll Casserole

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🛒 Ingredients You'll Need

• Ground Beef - adds flavor and protein to the dish.
• Cabbage - use fresh cabbage, not frozen. The cabbage will turn to mush if frozen.
• Onion - use a small yellow or white onion to ensure the flavor is balanced and not overbearing.
• Garlic - for the best flavor, use fresh cloves of garlic instead of the jarred version or garlic pasta.
• Tomato Sauce - helps add flavor and helps cook the rice.
• Diced Tomatoes - use cans instead of fresh diced tomatoes. It adds the perfect amount of flavor and texture.
• Tomato Soup - used as a thickening agent and adds additional flavor.
• Rice - helps thicken the casserole and adds carbs.
• Seasonings - salt, thyme, and paprika are used to provide a balanced flavor in every bite.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

📋 Variations

It's easy to make modifications without changing the incredible taste of this comforting dish.

• Instead of ground beef, try using ground turkey meat, pork, or any plant based meat.
• To keep this dish lean, use 92% or 96% ground beef.
• Substitute brown rice for white rice.
• To make a low carb version, leave out the rice completely.
• Add some heat by adding ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a freshly chopped jalapeno pepper.
• Try using pepper jack or Monterey jack cheese instead of mozzarella.
• For a Mexican flavor, add in a small can of chopped green chiles.

🔪 How To Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Start by chopping the onion. Put the ground beef in a large skillet. Add the chopped onion, fresh garlic, paprika, thyme, and salt to the skillet and cook over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain the fat in a colander and then set aside.

Step 2: Next, add 1 cup of the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, 1 cup water, and ½ can of tomato soup to the skillet with the cooked ground beef.

Step 3: Add the rice to the skillet and mix well until heated through, about 10 minutes. Set aside.

Step 4: While the beef and cabbage roll sauce is heating in the skillet on the stove top, go ahead and cut the cabbage into 4 wedges and remove the core. Chop the cabbage into large bite sized pieces.

Step 5: From there, layer ½ of the beef and cabbage roll sauce mixture in the crock pot. Then, layer ½ of the freshly chopped cabbage.

Step 6: Repeat the layers again.

Step 7: After the layering is complete, combine the remaining tomato soup, remaining tomato sauce, and ⅓ cup water into a large bowl.

Step 8: Stir to combine and then pour the mixture over the top layer of cabbage. Put the lid on the crock pot and cook on low for 4 hours.

Step 9: Once done, turn the crock pot off and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Allow the cheese to melt before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste.

This easy family favorite combines all the delicious flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls with a lot less work. These are lazy man cabbage rolls in casserole form that is cooked to savory perfection!

🥗 Serving Suggestions