Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole has all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but in a convenient casserole. With layers of ground beef, rice, cabbage, tomatoes and topped with melted cheese; this one dish dinner is comfort food without the fuss.

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls are the epitome of a traditional food. Yet making them truly is a labor in love, with all that prepping and rolling. This easy recipe is a shortcut on the work, without sacrificing that delicious taste.

Sometimes we just need a small change to our much loved recipes, for variety and convenience.

This is why I love our Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Soup whcih I shred many years ago. It came on the heels of Slow Cooker Lazy Cabbage Rolls, which is an unlayered crockpot version of this hearty casserole.

With this Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe, each bite bursts with savory goodness from the seasoned ground beef filling infused with warm paprika, savory Worcestershire sauce, and tangy tomatoes.

For a creamy, irresistible finish; gooey mozzarella cheese is melted on top. The soft, yielding tender cabbage contrasts beautifully with the meaty texture of the filling.

Just a comforting and hearty dish that makes you feel good from the inside, out.

Faster than the slow cooker but just as hands-off, easy stuffed cabbage casserole is a family favorite that satisfies the cravings without that much effort.

It’s perfect as a quick dinner, and especially when you have leftover rice or leftover ground beef on hand. Heck, you could even use store-bought bagged coleslaw mix if you have that to use up too, instead of fresh cabbage.

Change up your usual ground beef recipes with this cabbage roll casserole. The whole family will be impressed.

Ingredients and Notes

Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need to make this cabbage casserole with ground beef. As always, the full recipe is on the printable recipe card at the end of the post.

Recipe Variations

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add chopped onion and cook until softened, seasoning with 1tsp of salt and the pepper. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
   
   
2. Brown the meat: Add minced meat and cook until well-browned and cooked through.
   
   
3. Stir in tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, tomato puree, and diced tomatoes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes to develop the flavors.
   
   
4. Once the sauce is simmered, add cooked rice and combine well.
   
   
   
5. Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces. In a separate pan with olive oil, cook the cabbage over medium-high heat until wilted and partially cooked, seasoning with salt.
   
   ** If you prefer a softer texture for the cabbage, you can add a splash of water or broth to the pan while cooking it. Cover the pan for a few minutes to steam the cabbage further.
   
   
6. Assemble and Bake the Casserole:

Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a baking dish, spread ⅓ of the meat sauce as the first layer. Top with ½ of the chopped cabbage. Repeat with another ⅓ of the sauce and remaining cabbage. Finish with the final ⅓ of the sauce on top.

Cover the casserole with foil paper and bake for 30 minutes. Trapping the steam helps the cabbage wilt and cook.

Remove the casserole from the oven, take off the foil, and top with shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake uncovered until the cheese is bubbly and melted, and serve!

What to Serve with Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

We usually serve Cabbage Roll Casserole with a tossed green salad or another vegetable side dish like Air Fryer Asparagus or Roasted Parmesan Green Beans.

You can also serve with Baking Powder Biscuits or Air Fryer Garlic Bread too.

You can also add a dollop of sour cream to the top, so have that handy for those that prefer it.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container or covered in plastic wrap, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Make Ahead Instructions

• Refrigerator – Fully assemble your casserole and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Cover again with foil and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To cook, remove the plastic wrap and cover again with foil. Bake as instructed in the recipe card.
  
  
• Freezer – To freeze this casserole or bake later, assemble the casserole as directed and allow to cool. Cover tightly aluminum foil, then transfer to the freezer for up to 3 months. When removed from freezer, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then bake as indicted in the recipe.

How to Reheat Leftovers

For a large portion, use the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave until heated through.