This comforting and hearty Cabbage Roll Casserole takes everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls and turns it into a no-fuss, one-pan dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. All the cozy flavors—tender cabbage, rich tomato sauce, seasoned ground beef, and rice—are layered together in a baked casserole that’s unbelievably satisfying. No rolling, no fuss—just classic comfort food with a fraction of the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy, Layered Simplicity: No need to spend time rolling individual cabbage leaves. This layered version keeps things quick, while delivering all the nostalgic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls.
Weeknight Friendly: Everything comes together in one baking dish, and most of the steps are simple and hands-off. It’s a complete meal that doesn’t demand a sink full of dishes.
Hearty and Satisfying: Between the savory meat, the comforting rice, and the melt-in-your-mouth cabbage, this casserole is deeply filling and perfect for when you want a meal that sticks to your ribs.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters usually love this. The flavors are familiar, the texture is soft and rich, and it reheats beautifully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of what goes into this cozy casserole and why each ingredient matters:

Ground Beef: Brings rich, savory flavor and protein. Ground pork or turkey can be used as well.
Onion: Adds a savory-sweet base that deepens the overall flavor of the casserole.
Garlic: A must for flavor depth—fresh minced garlic brings out the best in the tomato and beef.
Cabbage: The star of the show. Use green cabbage and chop it into bite-sized pieces. It becomes soft and sweet as it bakes.
Cooked Rice: Adds body and texture to the dish, helping bind everything together. White or brown rice works.
Tomato Sauce: Provides the classic, slightly tangy, savory flavor you expect from cabbage rolls. Crushed tomatoes can also be used for a chunkier texture.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and extra tomato flavor. Opt for fire-roasted for more depth.
Tomato Paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Beef Broth: Keeps the casserole moist and infuses it with an extra layer of savory richness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. Taste as you go!
Paprika and Dried Herbs: A blend of paprika, thyme, and oregano adds a subtle warmth and earthiness.
Cheese (optional): A layer of shredded mozzarella or cheddar on top adds melty goodness and makes it irresistible.

Variations

Looking to change things up a bit? Here are some easy ways to customize:

Low-Carb Version: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice. Just be sure to drain it well so it doesn’t get watery.
Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño to the meat mixture or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the meat with cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute. Still hearty, still delicious.
Cheesy Upgrade: Mix shredded cheese directly into the casserole layers for extra gooeyness throughout, not just on top.
Sauce Swap: Use marinara or a smoky barbecue-tomato blend for a flavor twist.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Sauté

Preheat your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and dried herbs. Let this simmer for 10 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole

In a greased 9×13 baking dish, start layering: first a layer of chopped cabbage, then half of the meat mixture, and a layer of cooked rice. Repeat the layers and finish with more cabbage on top. Pour any remaining sauce over everything.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes until the cabbage is tender. Uncover, sprinkle with cheese if using, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes after baking. This helps everything set and makes it easier to serve.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pre-cook the Rice: Using fully cooked rice ensures it doesn’t soak up too much liquid and throw off the texture.
Chop Cabbage Evenly: This helps it cook at the same rate and makes for a better bite.
Taste the Sauce Before Layering: It’s your last chance to adjust the seasoning!
Let It Rest: Resting helps everything firm up and makes for cleaner slices when serving.
Double It for Later: This casserole freezes well, so make two and save one for a rainy day.

How to Serve

Cabbage Roll Casserole is hearty enough to be the star of the plate, but here are a few ideas to make it a full meal:

Add a Simple Side

Serve with a light green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness of the casserole.

Crusty Bread

A slice of crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for scooping up every last bit of the tomato-rich sauce.

Sauce Boost

Drizzle with sour cream or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making this casserole even better the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Freeze either in individual portions or as a full tray.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat a full tray in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot and bubbly.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble it fully and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.

Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked?
It’s not recommended. Uncooked rice can absorb too much liquid, leaving the casserole dry or unevenly cooked.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and double-check your canned tomato products, it’s naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Layer the ingredients as you would in a baking dish and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the cabbage is tender.

Final Thoughts

This Cabbage Roll Casserole is a weeknight dream come true—deeply satisfying, wonderfully cozy, and way easier than traditional cabbage rolls. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a comforting classic that never goes out of style. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe