A deconstructed version of cabbage rolls, this Cabbage Roll Casserole starts with a rice-infused meatloaf layer, and is topped with chopped cabbage and smothered with a seasoned tomato sauce. Comforting, super easy to make, and so delicious! If you love cabbage rolls like I do, you should also try this Cabbage Roll Soup.
I have always LOVED cabbage rolls, but the time it takes to steam the cabbage and then roll them all up is a little too much effort for the stage of life I’m in. This Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe is the perfect alternative. Same great flavors but a fraction of the prep time. Yay!
Baking this in a covered Dutch oven-style pan is the preferred way. You could technically use a 9×13 pan and cover it tightly with foil, but that will make the meat layer a little thinner and the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Cut the cooking time by 30 minutes if you use a 9×13 pan.
I am so excited for you to try this recipe. A couple of my kids don’t love the cabbage on top, but they still love this dinner because the meat layer is a lot like a porcupine meatball, and I’ve yet to meet a child who didn’t like them.
Simple Dinners Your Family will Love:
- Corn Chowder
- Kielbasa and Roasted Vegetables {Just Chop, Toss, Bake}
- Beef and Peppers with Egg Noodles
- Korean Beef Bowls
- Pesto Parmesan Pork Chops
- Classic Meatloaf Recipe
Step by step pictures for how to make Cabbage roll Casserole
Frequently asked questions about making Cabbage Roll Casserole
Can I use ground turkey in place of ground Beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey. If you use turkey, I suggest substituting 1 tsp beef bullion and 1/4 tsp regular salt in place of the salt called for in the meat mixture. This helps give it more of a beef flavor.
Can I use minute rice or do I need to use regular Long Grain Rice?
Minute rice should work fine, it may be extra enlarged though since it will be cooking so long. The only issue is that the texture might be a little different, but the taste should still be great.
Can I shred carrot or zucchini into the meat mixture?
Yes, I often shred a carrot into the beef mixture and my sister always adds a zucchini. You could even finely chop mushrooms or any other veggie you want to try and hide from your kids.
What type of pan is best for Cooking Cabbage ROll Casserole?
I prefer cooking this in a Dutch oven style pot (mine is enamel coated) that has a tight-fitting lid. When cooked this way it needs to bake for 2 hours in a 350-degree oven. It also works to cook this in a 9×13 baking dish but the meat layer will be thinner so the cooking time will need to be adjusted. You will only need to cook it for 1.5 hours if you use a 9×13 pan. You will also need to cover it tightly with foil.
Can I use tomato sauce as a substitute for crushed tomatoes?
Yes, that is a good substitute option if you don’t have a can of crushed tomatoes.
How many servings will this recipe make?
This recipe will make 8-10 servings.
More Casserole Options
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground pepper
- 1 29 ounce can crushed tomaotes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp garlic salt
- 4-6 cups chopped green cabbage
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a medium sized bowl combine the ground beef, diced onion, raw rice, egg, salt and pepper. Mix by hand until well combined.
- Press meat mixture into the bottom of an oven safe pot that has a tight fitting lid.
- Next, open the can of crushed tomatoes and add the olive oil, brown sugar, basil, and garlic salt directly into the can (saves on dishes). Mix well and carefully as not to spill. Once it is well combined, pour half of the mixture over the meat.
- Evenly spread the chopped cabbage over the sauce and then generously salt and pepper the cabbage.
- The last step is to pour the remaining sauce evenly over the top of the cabbage. Cover with lid (or foil if you use a 9x13 pan) and bake in the oven for 2 hours. If you use a 9x13 pan you need to cut the cooking time to 1.5 hours.
- Serve hot with fresh roll, bread, or salad.
- Enjoy!
Favorite Desserts
I am on a low carb diet and I love cabbage rolls but instead of the rice can I use my normal rice substitute which is grated cauliflower?
Yes, that will work fine! The rice soaks up some of the liquid in the recipe though, so it may make the end result a little soupy, but not to bad. It will still be delicious!