There’s something about the smell of a bubbling casserole that wraps around you like a warm hug. Our Cabbage Rolls Casserole is making waves on TikTok, and I totally get why! It’s all about that homey comfort, one hearty bite at a time, even for the busiest nights.
This cozy dish combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a hint of rice, creating layers of flavor that remind you of meals shared with family. It’s sort of like your grandma’s version, but let’s be real it’s quicker and less messy. Full details in the blog!
I remember the chaos of my mom making stuffed cabbage rolls, and while we adored the dish, the assembly? Not so much. This easy, flavorful casserole holds the tradition without the fuss. I tested it. You’ll love the secret!
Enjoy this hearty Cabbage Rolls Casserole that combines Lazy Golumpki Casserole No Rolling and Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole flavors with ease. It features ground beef, rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce for a quick and comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground beef
2 cups onion chopped about 1 medium onion
3 cloves garlic minced
¾ cup uncooked converted rice like Minute Rice
2 ½ cups tomato pasta sauce or 1 large can tomato sauce spicy or your favorite flavor
3 Tablespoons vinegar
3 Tablespoons brown sugar
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
8–9 cups cabbage shredded about ½ large head of cabbage
Instructions
Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it.
In a skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the meat is browned and broken up, about 5 to 6 minutes.
Mix in the uncooked rice and set this mixture aside.
Combine the tomato pasta sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl or measuring cup.
Start by layering one-third of the shredded cabbage in the baking dish. Add half of the beef and rice mixture on top, then drizzle with one-third of the tomato sauce mixture.
Repeat by layering another third of cabbage, the remaining half of the rice mixture, and another one-third of the tomato sauce.
Finish with the last third of cabbage and remaining tomato sauce.
Cover the dish and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the casserole bubbles.
Stir gently before serving.
Notes
Layer in this order: ⅓ cabbage, ½ rice mixture, ⅓ tomato sauce mixture (about 1 ¼ cup), ⅓ cabbage, ½ rice mixture, ⅓ tomato sauce mixture, ⅓ cabbage, ⅓ tomato sauce mixture
Tightly cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:1 hour
Category:Main Course
Method:Baked
Cuisine:Polish
Nutrition
Calories:182
Sugar:11g
Sodium:590mg
Fat:3g
Saturated Fat:1g
Unsaturated Fat:0.3g + 1g
Trans Fat:0.2g
Carbohydrates:24g
Fiber:4g
Protein:15g
Cholesterol:35mg
Why It’s a Family Favorite
There’s something undeniably comforting about a Cabbage Rolls Casserole. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket on a chilly evening. You’ll love this dish for its nostalgia, simplicity, and incredible flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s a cozy meal that can feed a crowd, making it perfect for family gatherings or a weeknight dinner with just your loved ones.
Parents especially appreciate how easy it is to prepare. The fuss of rolling cabbage leaves is gone, replaced by layered goodness that lets you savor the taste without the hassle. Plus, it’s made from everyday ingredients most of us have on hand, making it a practical choice for a family meal.
Key Ingredients & Tools
Let’s get cozy and talk about what you need to whip up this delightful casserole! Here’s your essential shopping list:
Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for a hearty base.
Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients add depth of flavor.
Rice: Uncooked converted rice (like Minute Rice) cooks to fluffy perfection in the casserole.
Tomato Sauce: A large can or jar to pour over layers, adding moisture and taste.
Cabbage: Shredded to create that classic cabbage roll texture.
In terms of tools, you just need a 9×13 inch baking dish and a skillet. A meat chopper makes breaking up the beef easier, but a wooden spoon will work just fine! Keep it simple and stress-free.
Simple Steps to Make It
Making this casserole is as satisfying as it gets! Follow these straightforward steps to create your delicious unstuffed cabbage rolls:
Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your baking dish.
In a skillet, cook ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until browned. It’ll take about 5-6 minutes.
Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and mix well until coated.
In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Now for the fun part: start layering! Place ⅓ of the cabbage at the bottom of your baking dish, then half of the rice mixture, followed by ⅓ of the sauce. Repeat this twice and finish with the last of the sauce on top.
Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and bubbly.
Easy Customizations
This dish is super flexible, meaning you can adjust it to fit your tastes or what you have on hand! Here are a few ideas:
Meat Swaps: Feel free to mix ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for different flavors.
Rice Options: If you’re looking for something a bit healthier, consider using quinoa instead of rice.
Flavor Variations: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick or toss in some Italian herbs for an extra boost.
Remember, there are no hard rules here; kitchen creativity is encouraged! So get inventive and make it your own!
How to Serve & Store
This casserole is perfect right out of the oven, but it’s also a wonderful dish for leftovers! Here are some tips for serving and storage:
Serving: Serve this meal warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers tightly covered for up to 3 days. It also freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, simply reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
This Lazy Golumpki Casserole No Rolling is about to become a family favorite that warms both your belly and your heart! Enjoy it and cherish those meal times with your loved ones.
Expert Says
Cabbage rolls casserole is a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits of cabbage, which is rich in fiber and vitamins C and K. Slow-cooking the dish allows the flavors to meld beautifully while ensuring the cabbage retains its texture, creating a satisfying and nutritious meal for the whole family.
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The Evolution of My Cabbage Rolls Casserole
After numerous attempts, I finally nailed my Cabbage Rolls Casserole. I vividly remember one disaster when I accidentally substituted rice for quinoa, resulting in a crunchy surprise! Each mishap led me closer to a cozy, comforting dish that my family now adoresit was worth every chaotic moment in the kitchen.
FAQs ( Cabbage Rolls Casserole )
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, this meal can be frozen; just portion it out and wrap it tightly in foil or freezer bags.
How do I reheat cabbage rolls casserole?
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel. For larger quantities, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and store in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve!
What sides go well with this recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice touch!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this meal gluten-free by using gluten-free rice and ensuring that any other ingredients, like sauces or seasonings, are also gluten-free. Check labels for assurance.
Conclusion
You’re going to love how this Lazy Golumpki Casserole No Rolling turns out! In just about an hour, you’re left with a bubbling, golden dish that fills your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of home-cooked goodness. Each hearty bite feels like a warm embrace, making it perfect for dinners filled with laughter and storytelling.
Feel free to swap out the ground beef for turkey or even a mix of meats for a delightfully different flavor! And don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes. A neat trick I picked up from my aunt is to freeze leftovers; they reheat beautifully for those busy nights when cooking feels like a chore.
I’d love to hear your stories! Did you grow up with a version of this dish? Share your photos or favorite memories in the comments. Don’t forget to save or share this recipe; it’s one that deserves to be passed around like a warm hug with your loved ones. Happy cooking!
Sharing a handpicked collection of easy, healthy recipes made in our family kitchen. Rachel brings comforting classics, while Emily adds fresh, modern ideas together creating meals that are simple, flavorful, and family-friendly.
