Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

If you love the traditional flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time (or patience!) to roll and stuff each leaf, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe. It has all the rich, savory, slightly sweet tomato flavor and satisfying texture of the original but layered up in a no-fuss, family-friendly bake.

This one-pan wonder is hearty, comforting, and the perfect answer to those cozy-night dinner cravings. Ground beef, rice, tender cabbage, and a tangy-sweet tomato sauce come together beautifully, and the best part? No rolling required.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

• Easier than traditional rolls: Skip the mess and effort of wrapping!
• Feeds a crowd: Makes a generous 6–8 servings, perfect for families or leftovers.
• Meal prep & freezer friendly: Make it ahead or freeze portions for later.
• One-pan comfort food: Rich, flavorful, and baked to perfection.
• Balanced flavor: A touch of sweetness, a little tang, and just the right seasoning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this hearty dish:

🥬 Main Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, sliced into ½-inch strips
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2/3 cup uncooked rice
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

🍅 Tomato Sauce Mixture

• 24 ounces crushed tomatoes
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar

How to Make Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Meat and Rice

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Stir in the uncooked rice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture cook together for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend and the rice toasts slightly.

Step 3: Make the Tomato Sauce

In a medium bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, white wine vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth. This mixture gives the dish its signature sweet-tangy flavor that balances perfectly with the savory beef.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Spread half of the sliced cabbage evenly into the bottom of your baking dish. Top with half of the beef mixture, then spoon over half of the tomato sauce.

Repeat the layers: remaining cabbage, remaining beef mixture, and finish with the remaining tomato sauce on top.

Press everything down gently with a spatula to help the layers settle.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 75 minutes. This allows the cabbage to soften and the rice to fully cook in the tomato juices.

After baking, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to let the top get a bit of color and reduce some of the sauce.

Chef Linda’s Tips for Success

• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to evenly slice your cabbage uniform pieces help it cook more consistently.
• Don’t pre-cook the rice it will absorb all the rich flavors as it bakes.
• Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the tomato mixture.
• Substitute ground turkey or pork if you prefer a leaner or different flavor profile.
• Add cheese on top for an optional cheesy twist try mozzarella or cheddar in the last 15 minutes of baking.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This dish is ideal for meal prepping!

• To make ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• To freeze: Bake the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Leftovers taste even better the next day just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Nutritional Snapshot (per serving, est.)

• Calories: ~430
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 32g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 5g

Note: This is an estimate and can vary based on brands and substitutions.

Final Thoughts from izirecipes

This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe is comfort food at its finest hearty, flavorful, and nourishing. It brings all the classic cabbage roll flavors together in a much easier, family-friendly way. No fussy rolling, no complicated prep, just layers of love baked into every bite.

So the next time you’re craving something warm, nostalgic, and full of flavor, let this dish do the heavy lifting.