Cabbage Roll Casserole

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole
4. How To Serve Cabbage Roll Casserole
5. Why You'll Love This Easy Cabbage Casserole Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. JUMP TO RECIPE

Make dinner easy with this hearty cabbage roll casserole recipe that skips the rolling but keeps the flavor. It’s packed with seasoned ground beef, rice, and tender cabbage in every bite. Everything bakes together in one cozy dish that tastes just like Grandma’s cabbage rolls. Perfect for busy weeknights or a family-style weekend meal.

This recipe is super easy to make, and you can follow the step-by-step guide below. We’ve added photos and directions so nothing feels confusing. Don’t miss the pro tips, tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.

This easy cabbage roll casserole brings all the flavor of stuffed cabbage without the extra work. It’s hearty, filling, and packed with beef, cabbage, rice, and savory sauce.

Serve it for family dinner, bring it to a potluck, or make it ahead for busy nights. Everyone always comes back for seconds.

What you'll need to make this cabbage casserole with rice recipe:

Rice

• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 cup minute rice

Meat Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ¼ cup water
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

Cabbage

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 head of cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon butter

Toppings

• 2½ cups (one bag) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Chopped parsley for the top, optional

Make your casserole cabbage roll your way by mixing in bold flavors or swapping ingredients you already have at home! These quick tweaks add fun variety without changing the cozy vibe. Try these easy substitutions and extras:

• RED PEPPER FLAKES: If you are a spice lover, you could add ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to your spices in the meat sauce.
• RICE: I find that using minute rice for this recipe is easy and tastes great. However, if you prefer, you can use a different type of rice. Basmati, jasmine, or brown rice would work as well.
• PROTEIN: If you’re looking to make this recipe vegetarian, it’s super easy to do so. Simply leave out the ground beef. You can also swap the ground beef out for another ground meat such as ground chicken, ground pork, or ground turkey if you prefer.
• CHEESE: Feel free to use a different type of shredded cheese in this easy cabbage roll casserole. Swiss, provolone, or Colby jack would work, too.

Follow along with our step-by-step instructions and photos to make the best cabbage rolls casserole recipe at home. Don’t miss the helpful tips and tricks listed below to make everything easier. Let’s get started!

FIRST STEP: In a small saucepan, bring 1 cup of water, 2 tablespoons of butter, and beef bouillon cube to a boil over medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Add 1 cup minute rice and stir well. Cover pot and let sit until you are ready to use it in the meat mixture.

SECOND STEP: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.

THIRD STEP: In a large soup pot, over medium heat, add olive oil and ground beef. Cook and crumble until no longer pink. Drain grease. Return beef to pot, add onions and garlic. Stir well. Let cook for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring often.

FOURTH STEP: Add dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine. Let cook for an additional 2 minutes.

FIFTH STEP: Add water, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato sauce. Stir well and turn the heat to low and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.

SIXTH STEP: Add cooked rice to the sauce mixture and stir well. Remove from heat and set aside.

SEVENTH STEP: In a separate large skillet, over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add chopped cabbage leaves, salt, pepper, and butter. Stir well. Let cabbage cook for 5 minutes, or until the cabbage is starting to get tender.

EIGHTH STEP: Add your cabbage to the meat and rice mixture. Stir well to combine.

NINTH STEP: Dump cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

TENTH STEP: Cover with foil and cook for 40 minutes.

ELEVENTH STEP: Uncover the casserole dish and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top of the casserole is starting to brown and the casserole juices are bubbling on the sides of the casserole.

This cabbage and rice casserole recipe makes any meal feel warm and filling. You can serve it different ways depending on the crowd or season.

• Serve it for cozy weeknight dinners: This casserole feeds a hungry family fast and fills everyone up. Kids love the beef and rice combo with extra sauce. Pair it with mashed potatoes or honey butter skillet corn for a full meal.
• Bring it to potlucks or parties: It travels well and stays warm in a dish or slow cooker. Guests scoop it up quick, so make a double batch. Try it with baked mac and cheese or sausage hashbrown bites for a hit spread.
• Make it for chilly fall and winter meals: When the weather cools down, this hearty dinner keeps everyone feeling full and happy. It’s great after football practice or weekend errands. Serve it with dinner rolls or potato cheeseburger soup for a comfort food combo.

Lazy man cabbage rolls have become a reader favorite for good reason. They're hearty, simple, and packed with comfort in every bite. This recipe skips the hard stuff and delivers easy, family-style goodness from the first scoop to the last.

• Easy to Make: No rolling or fussy steps—just layer, bake, and serve a filling meal fast.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, which means fewer dirty dishes and more time to relax.
• Freezer Friendly: Make it ahead, freeze it, and reheat when life gets busy.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone grabs seconds at potlucks and family dinners, so don’t plan on leftovers.

We love this recipe because it brings comfort, ease, and full bellies to every table—every single time.

Do I need to cook the cabbage before layering it in the casserole?
Yes, you should cook the cabbage first. It softens while baking and helps the layers blend together evenly.

Should I cover the cabbage roll casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover the casserole with foil during baking to help trap moisture and cook the cabbage evenly.

Do I need to drain the beef before adding it to the casserole?
Yes, drain the ground beef before adding it so the casserole doesn’t turn out greasy.

How do I know when the cabbage roll casserole is done baking?
You’ll know it’s done when the cabbage softens and the sauce bubbles around the edges of the dish.

What size pan works best for this cabbage roll casserole recipe?
Use a 9x13-inch baking dish to fit all the layers and help everything cook evenly.

Can I prep this cabbage roll casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

Why does my cabbage roll casserole have too much liquid?
If there’s too much liquid, you may not have drained the beef or cabbage well enough before layering.

Can I double this cabbage roll casserole recipe for a big group?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Use two baking dishes and rotate them halfway through baking for even cooking.

What’s the best way to serve cabbage roll casserole for dinner?
Scoop big portions straight from the dish while hot. Add fresh parsley on top for a little color and extra flavor.

Can I serve cabbage roll casserole at a potluck?
Yes, this recipe works great for potlucks. Keep it warm in a slow cooker or cover the baking dish with foil.

Is cabbage roll casserole a good option for feeding a crowd?
Yes, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd. It fills a large pan and everyone loves the rich, saucy layers.

What’s the best time of year to serve cabbage roll casserole?
This casserole fits fall and winter meals best. It’s warm, filling, and perfect when the weather turns cold.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to store your cabbage roll casserole the right way. These steps help keep every bite tasty and fresh for later.

Can I prepare cabbage roll casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the full casserole and store it covered in the fridge. Bake it the next day when you're ready.

What’s the best way to store leftover cabbage roll casserole?
Scoop the leftovers into an airtight container and place it in the fridge. Eat it within four days.

Can I freeze cabbage roll casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the fully baked casserole. Let it cool, then wrap it tightly and freeze to enjoy later.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen cabbage roll casserole?
Thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and bubbling at the edges.

What’s the best way to reheat cabbage roll casserole for serving?
Place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F. Heat until the center is hot and steamy.

Can I reheat cabbage roll casserole in the microwave?
Yes, microwave single servings in one-minute bursts. Stir between each round and keep going until it’s hot all the way through.