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Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

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3.9 from 45 reviews

This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe offers a comforting, deconstructed take on traditional cabbage rolls, combining ground beef, seasoned tomato sauce, tender cabbage, and rice layered together and baked under a bubbly mozzarella topping. It is a hearty and flavorful one-dish meal that is easy to prepare and perfect for families seeking a delicious homestyle dinner with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef (or mixed ground meat)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 1 ½ teaspoons fresh garlic, minced
  • 6 cups green cabbage, cut into 1 to 1 ½ inch cubes
  • 1 cup carrot, medium grated

Seasonings and Sauces

  • ¼ teaspoon Cajun spice
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar (or brown sugar or ½ tablespoon liquid sweetener of choice)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Tomatoes and Tomato Products

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or puree (can substitute tomato soup)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chopped tomatoes in liquid

Grains and Oils

  • 1 ½ cup cooked brown rice (or white rice)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • ¼ cup water

Dairy and Garnish

  • 1 cup mozzarella, grated
  • Dill or parsley for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced yellow onion and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the grated carrot and cook another minute to soften.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Brown the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it loses its pink color but is not fully cooked as it will finish baking later. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute. Drain any excess liquid if necessary.
  3. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes: Stir in the Cajun spice, sweet paprika, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Then add the tomato sauce and chopped tomatoes, stirring to combine thoroughly.
  4. Simmer Sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and let the mixture simmer gently for 10 minutes to meld flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Combine Meat Mixture with Rice: Remove from heat and transfer the beef and tomato mixture to a large Dutch oven or deep pot. Stir in the cooked rice and adjust seasoning again if necessary. Set aside.
  6. Cook Cabbage: Clean the skillet or use a separate pot, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped cabbage and ¼ cup water, cover, and simmer until the cabbage is tender and water has evaporated. Transfer half of the softened cabbage to a greased 8×11-inch or 2-quart casserole dish.
  7. Assemble Layers: Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage layer. Add the remaining cabbage on top, followed by the rest of the beef mixture to form a second layer. Smooth the top evenly.
  8. Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella evenly over the top layer. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 minutes.
  9. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake an additional 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Optionally, broil for 1 to 2 minutes to achieve a golden brown cheese topping.
  10. Serve: Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.

Notes

  • Timing: The casserole comes together quickly with prep; total active cooking is under an hour.
  • Best eaten fresh as rice will absorb more liquid over time.
  • Prefer larger cabbage pieces (~1 ½ inches) for juicier texture, but finely shredded works too.
  • Some liquid at the bottom after baking is normal; tilt dish carefully to drain if desired.
  • To reheat, thaw in fridge overnight, bake uncovered at 350°F for 20 minutes, add extra cheese if desired, and bake until melted.
  • Make ahead by assembling layers, cooling, wrapping, refrigerating up to 24 hours, then baking as directed.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/lazy-cabbage-roll-casserole-recipe/