Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this *easy cabbage roll casserole recipe*! It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—simple, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made this for my family; they were coming over for dinner, and I wanted something that was both comforting and easy to whip up. This casserole was the perfect solution! It combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a delicious tomato sauce with rice, all baked together to perfection. Trust me, it’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that makes everyone feel at home. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, leaving you more time to enjoy with your loved ones!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this mouthwatering *easy cabbage roll casserole recipe*! Here’s what you’ll be tossing into the mix:
- 1 lb ground beef – I prefer using lean ground beef for a healthier option, but feel free to use what you like!
- 1 cup cooked rice – Leftover rice works perfectly here, just make sure it’s cooled.
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped – Don’t be shy with the chopping; it adds that lovely texture!
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce – This brings all the saucy goodness to our casserole.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – A little extra flavor and moisture—yum!
- 1 onion, chopped – Use a sweet onion for a touch of sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – You can never go wrong with fresh garlic!
- 1 tsp salt – Adjust to taste, of course!
- 1 tsp black pepper – For that perfect kick.
- 2 tbsp olive oil – This is for sautéing the onion and garlic to perfection.
With these simple ingredients, you’re ready to create a comforting dish that everyone will love!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s dive into making this *easy cabbage roll casserole*! Follow these steps, and I promise you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because we want our casserole to bake evenly and beautifully.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to sauté but not so hot that it smokes!
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them for about 3-4 minutes until they’re translucent and fragrant. This step really builds flavor!
- Next, toss in the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Once the beef is ready, stir in the cooked rice, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well and let it cook together for another minute or so to combine the flavors.
- Now we’re ready to layer! In a baking dish, place half of the chopped cabbage at the bottom. This will help create a nice base for our casserole.
- Spread the beef and rice mixture evenly over the cabbage. Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; it’ll all come together!
- Add the remaining cabbage on top, giving it a good covering.
- Now, pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over everything. This is where the magic happens—make sure it’s evenly distributed!
- Cover the dish with foil and pop it in the oven to bake for 45 minutes. This helps to steam the cabbage and meld all those flavors beautifully.
- After 45 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes. This will give the top a lovely, slightly crispy texture. Yum!
And there you have it! Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll be ready to serve up a warm and comforting casserole that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *easy cabbage roll casserole recipe* is a true winner in my book, and I think you’ll love it just as much! Here’s why:
- Quick to prepare – With just a bit of chopping and sautéing, you’ll have this casserole ready to bake in no time!
- Flavorful and satisfying – The combination of beef, rice, and tender cabbage in a rich tomato sauce is pure comfort food.
- Family-friendly – It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for any family dinner.
- Versatile with ingredient substitutions – Feel free to switch up the meat or add your favorite veggies for a personal touch!
Trust me, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your home!
Tips for Success
Let’s make sure your *easy cabbage roll casserole* turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips:
- Don’t skip the sautéing! Make sure to sauté the onion and garlic until they’re translucent; this really enhances the flavor of the whole dish.
- Layering is key! Start with a solid base of cabbage, then add your beef and rice mixture. This helps the cabbage soften beautifully while baking.
- Choose the right cabbage! A fresh, green cabbage works best. If it’s a bit tough, you can give the leaves a quick blanch in boiling water before layering.
- Season well! Adjust the salt and pepper to taste as you go. A well-seasoned dish makes all the difference!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a scrumptious casserole that’s sure to impress!
Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with this *easy cabbage roll casserole recipe*, you’re in luck! There are so many fun variations to try. For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat alternative. You can also get creative with the vegetables—add in some bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Feeling adventurous? Try spicing it up with a sprinkle of Italian herbs or a dash of smoked paprika for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Okay, let’s talk about how to store those delicious leftovers from your *easy cabbage roll casserole*! First off, make sure it’s completely cooled down before you put it away. I like to use airtight containers to keep it fresh—this way, it’ll stay tasty for up to 4 days in the fridge.
When it’s time to reheat, you have a couple of options. If you want to keep that lovely texture, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out. But if you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine too! Just heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s warmed through. Enjoy your comforting meal all over again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness in this *easy cabbage roll casserole recipe*! Each serving, which is about 1/6 of the casserole, packs a satisfying punch with approximately 350 calories. You’ll find 15g of fat, including 5g of saturated fat, and a hearty 20g of protein to keep you feeling full. It also contains around 40g of carbohydrates and 4g of fiber, making it a balanced meal option. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but it’s a wholesome choice that everyone can enjoy!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this *easy cabbage roll casserole recipe*? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries:
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve!
What can I substitute for ground beef? You can use cooked lentils for a vegetarian option, or even ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner meat.
Can I freeze the casserole? Yes! Just let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It’ll stay good in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking!
Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions—I’m here to help you enjoy this delicious dish!
Drucken
Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe for Comforting Nights
- Gesamtzeit: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A simple and delicious cabbage roll casserole recipe that combines ground beef, rice, and cabbage in a savory tomato sauce.
Zutaten
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Anweisungen
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Stir in cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
- In a baking dish, layer half of the chopped cabbage.
- Spread the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage.
- Add the remaining cabbage on top.
- Pour tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over the casserole.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 1 hour
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1/6 of the casserole
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 6g
- Natrium: 500mg
- Fett: 15g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: easy cabbage roll casserole recipe
