
Cabbage roll casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. This recipe is a great way to enjoy the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of individual wrapping.
Ground beef is a common filling choice, but you can also use ground pork or a combination of the two. The key is to cook it until it's browned and fully breaking down, making it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
One of the best things about cabbage roll casserole is its versatility - you can serve it as a main course or as a side dish. It's also a great way to use up leftover cabbage, which can be a challenge to incorporate into meals.
The cabbage roll casserole recipe typically involves layering the ingredients in a baking dish, starting with the cabbage and meat mixture.
Instructions and Preparation
To make this cabbage roll casserole, you'll need to preheat your oven to 375°F. This is the temperature you'll be baking the casserole at.

First, brown the beef or pork with some onion and garlic over medium heat, making sure there's no pink remaining. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
Next, add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings to the pan, and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes until it's thickened.
While the meat sauce is cooking, you can start preparing the cabbage. Chop it into 1-inch squares, rinse it, and shake off any excess water.
To cook the cabbage, heat some oil in a skillet and add half of the cabbage along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook the cabbage just until it's softened, which should take about 10 minutes. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage.
Now it's time to assemble the casserole. Place half of the cooked cabbage in a 9x13-inch baking dish, followed by half of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers, covering the dish with foil and baking for 45 minutes.
If you're using a smaller baking dish, you'll need to divide the broth between the two dishes accordingly.
For the final step, remove the foil and top the casserole with a cheese mixture made from cheese, egg, and milk. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
A unique perspective: Caserole Pan
A Cozy
This casserole makes a hearty family-sized meal, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
You can easily feed a crowd with this recipe, which serves a family of four to six people.
The casserole reheats and freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Instructions
To start cooking, preheat your oven to 375°F. This is a crucial step to ensure your dish turns out right.
You'll need to brown the beef or pork, onion, and garlic over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy mess.
Next, stir in diced tomatoes (including juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and seasonings. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes until it thickens.
While the meat sauce is cooking, prepare the cabbage by chopping it into 1" squares and rinsing it under cold water. Shake off excess water to prevent sogginess.
Heat oil in a skillet and add ½ of the cabbage along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cook just until the cabbage is softened, about 10 minutes. Repeat with the remaining cabbage for even cooking.

Now it's time to assemble the casserole. Place ½ of the cabbage in a 9x13 casserole dish, followed by ½ of the meat sauce. Repeat the layers for a delicious and satisfying casserole.
To complete the dish, cover the casserole with foil and bake for 45 minutes. This will ensure the flavors meld together perfectly.
After 45 minutes, remove the foil and top the casserole with a cheese mixture made from combining cheese, egg, and milk. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes.
Recommended read: Cream Cheese Corn Caserole
Cook's Note
As you start preparing the Cozy Cabbage Roll Casserole, you may want to consider using a smaller baking dish in addition to the 9x13-inch dish. If you do need a smaller dish, be sure to divide the broth as needed between the two dishes.
Keep in mind that the amount of broth you use will depend on the size of your dishes. If you're unsure, it's always better to err on the side of caution and add a little more broth to ensure the casserole cooks evenly.

One thing to keep in mind is that you can easily make this casserole low-carb by swapping out the rice for riced cauliflower. This is a great option if you're watching your carb intake or following a low-carb diet.
Here's a quick reference guide to help you adjust the recipe to your needs:
Nutrition and Storage
Cabbage roll casserole is a nutritious meal option, with each serving containing 352 calories. The dish is also a good source of protein, with 17 grams per serving.
The high fiber content in cabbage, with 5 grams per serving, can help promote gut health. This is especially beneficial when combined with prebiotics found in other ingredients.
To store cabbage roll casserole, it's best to refrigerate it at 40°F (4°C) or below. This will help prevent bacterial growth and keep the dish fresh for up to 3-4 days.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts are a crucial part of understanding what we're putting into our bodies. The information provided on nutrition labels can be overwhelming, but it's essential to know what to look for.
A serving size is a standard measurement of the amount of food that provides a certain number of calories. For example, if a recipe yields 12 servings, each serving would have approximately 352 calories (as seen in Example 1).
The Percent Daily Value (% DV) is a way to measure how much of a nutrient is in a single serving. It's based on a 2,000 calorie diet, but your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Here are some key nutrients to pay attention to:
- Total Fat: 21g (26% DV) - as seen in Example 1
- Saturated Fat: 8g (42% DV) - as seen in Example 1
- Cholesterol: 64mg (21% DV) - as seen in Example 1
- Sodium: 840mg (37% DV) - as seen in Example 1
- Total Carbohydrate: 26g (9% DV) - as seen in Example 1
- Dietary Fiber: 5g (17% DV) - as seen in Example 1
- Total Sugars: 8g - as seen in Example 1
- Protein: 17g (34% DV) - as seen in Example 1
By understanding these key nutrients and their % DV, you can make informed decisions about the foods you eat.
How to Freeze
Freezing is a great way to preserve leftovers, and cabbage roll casserole is no exception. You can safely freeze it for up to three months.
To freeze cabbage roll casserole, use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Featured Images: pexels.com


