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There’s something incredibly comforting about the smell of a bubbling casserole wafting through the kitchen — it’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Recently, I found myself in need of a simple yet hearty meal that could satisfy my family without spending hours in the kitchen. Enter my Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole, a delightful twist on the classic cabbage rolls that we all know and love.

Imagine the charming harmony of tender cabbage layered with savory beef, aromatic spices, and a rich tomato sauce, all coming together in one pan. It’s an effortless recipe that not only simplifies meal prep but also packs a punch of flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. This unstuffed version lets you enjoy all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls, minus the fuss. Whether you’re trying to impress guests or craving some cozy comfort food, this casserole is sure to become a go-to favorite!

Why will you love this Cabbage Roll Casserole?

Comforting Delight: This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole combines familiar flavors in an easy-to-make dish that everyone will love.
One-Pan Wonder: Enjoy minimal cleanup thanks to the single casserole preparation.
Flavor Fusion: The savory beef and tender cabbage meld beautifully in a rich tomato sauce, creating a taste experience like no other.
Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for busy nights, you can make it ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Crowd-Pleasing Option: This dish is ideal for family dinners or gatherings, ensuring that no one leaves the table hungry!
In case you’re interested in using other veggies, consider checking out the variation ideas.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Ingredients

• Dive into a delicious, hassle-free meal!

For the Casserole

Ground Beef – This forms the heart of the dish, providing rich flavor and protein; aim for an 80/20 mix for best results.
Salt – Essential for enhancing flavor; remember to adjust according to your taste.
Black Pepper – Adds a hint of heat; freshly ground will elevate the taste significantly.
Hungarian Paprika – Infuses the dish with a distinct, smoky flavor; if unavailable, regular paprika can substitute, but it won’t have the same richness.
Tomato Sauce – The base of your casserole, adding tanginess; you’ll need a 29-ounce can for a perfect consistency.
Beef Broth – Deepens the casserole’s flavor; opt for low-sodium for a heartier taste without the extra salt.
Green Cabbage – The star vegetable contributes bulk and nutrients; make sure to core and chop it well.
Yellow Onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the dish; one large onion will yield just the right amount.
Long Grain White Rice – Acts as the filling carbohydrate; avoid instant rice to maintain texture as it won’t cook properly in this casserole.

Optional Toppings

Shredded Cheese – A sprinkle on top during the last few minutes of baking adds a gooey, delightful finish.
Fresh Herbs – Chopped parsley or dill can provide a fresh touch; sprinkle just before serving for that extra zing.

This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to be savored!

How to Make Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and generously grease a 9″x13″ casserole dish with avocado oil. This ensures an easy release when serving your delicious creation!
Brown 2 pounds of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt, black pepper, and Hungarian paprika. Cook until the beef is fully browned—this step enhances all the scrumptious flavors!
Combine 1 can of tomato sauce with 3.5 cups of beef broth in a mixing bowl. Stir together until well blended, creating a rich base for your casserole.
Add 3.5 pounds of chopped green cabbage, 1 cup of diced yellow onion, and 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice to the bowl. Mix thoroughly; this hearty mixture is what makes the casserole so satisfying!
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly. Make sure every inch is filled for that delightful flavor in every bite.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. This will allow all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
Uncover the casserole, stir gently, and bake for an additional 30 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and beautifully cooked through.
Rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set, making it easier to portion out.

Optional: Top with shredded cheese for a gooey finish or fresh herbs for a burst of flavor.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Storage Tips for Cabbage Roll Casserole

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This ensures your Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole stays fresh and delicious for family meals or quick lunches.
Freezer: The casserole freezes beautifully for up to three months. Just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and label it with the date.
Reheating: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until heated through.
Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and enjoy!

Expert Tips for Cabbage Roll Casserole

Brown the Beef Well: Ensure the ground beef is browned thoroughly to enhance its flavor, preventing a greasy dish.
Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasoning after baking for a more personalized touch to your Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole.
Greasing Alternatives: If you’re out of avocado oil, olive oil or a non-stick cooking spray works well to prevent sticking.
Rice Consistency Matters: Avoid instant rice! Use long-grain white rice for the best texture, as it cooks perfectly in this casserole.
Cover Correctly: When baking, cover tightly with foil initially to trap moisture, ensuring your casserole remains juicy and flavorful.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in shredded carrots or bell peppers for a colorful boost of nutrition that keeps this dish engaging.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Variations

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own with delightful twists that elevate the flavor and nutrition!

Vegetable Boost: Add shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for extra color and sweetness, enriching the health factor while keeping the casserole heartwarming.
Lean Protein: Substitute ground turkey or chicken to lighten up the dish without sacrificing taste; both options offer a tasty alternative that your family will enjoy.
Whole Grain Option: Swap out white rice for brown rice to incorporate a nuttier flavor and more fiber; it adds a wholesome twist that makes your casserole even more filling.
Zesty Kick: Include a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes for a flavorful heat that awakens the palate—perfect for those who love a little spice in their meal!
Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a gooey, melty finish; it turns the casserole into an ooey-gooey delight!
Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a fresh touch; their aroma and flavor will brighten the dish beautifully.
Sour Cream Topping: Serve with a dollop of sour cream to add creaminess and a tangy contrast; it takes comfort to the next level!
Cabbage Variety: Experiment with Savoy cabbage for a more tender texture or even Napa cabbage for a slightly different flavor profile; each offers a unique twist to this classic dish.

What to Serve with Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole?

Elevate your dinner experience with delightful accompaniments that complement the hearty flavors of this comforting dish.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the rich tomato sauce, a warm loaf adds a rustic touch to your meal.
Simple Green Salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast to the warm casserole, balancing flavors beautifully.
Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots and zucchini enriches your plate and adds an enjoyable texture alongside each comforting bite.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and buttery mashed potatoes turn this casserole into an indulgent feast, perfect for soaking up every flavorful morsel.
Pickled Beets: Offering a tangy zing, pickled beets contrast the savory elements of the casserole, brightening your dining experience.
Apple Crisp: End your meal on a sweet note; this warm dessert provides a delightful apple flavor juxtaposed with the rich, savory casserole.
Red Wine: A glass of light-bodied red wine deepens the cozy atmosphere, enhancing the savory flavors of the dish.
Homemade Coleslaw: Crunchy and tangy, coleslaw serves as a cool counterpart to the warmth of the casserole, bringing a playful texture to the table.
Steamed Green Beans: Adding a pop of color and crispness, steamed green beans ensure you’ve got a vibrant and nutritious meal.

These pairings not only enhance the flavor of the Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole but also transform it into a full, hearty feast for family and friends!

Make Ahead Options

This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to prepare components in advance for busy weeknights. You can assemble the entire casserole and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. To maintain the quality, cover it tightly with aluminum foil to keep moisture in. If you prefer, you can also prepare the meat mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply combine the browned beef, chopped cabbage, onions, rice, and the sauce, then mix and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, transfer it to a greased casserole dish and bake it straight from the fridge, adding an additional 10-15 minutes to the total baking time for delightful results that are just as comforting and delicious!

Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe green cabbage?
Absolutely! When selecting green cabbage, look for a head that feels heavy for its size, with tightly packed leaves and a fresh, crisp appearance. Avoid any with dark spots or wilting, as these indicate over-ripeness or spoilage.

What’s the best way to store leftover Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole?
I recommend storing any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Just make sure to cool the casserole before sealing it to prevent condensation and sogginess.

Can I freeze Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole?
Very! This casserole freezes beautifully for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cut it into portions and wrap each tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through.

What should I do if my casserole seems too dry after baking?
If you find that your Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a bit dry, don’t worry! You can drizzle a little beef broth or tomato sauce over the top while it’s still warm to rehydrate it. Another option is to cover it with foil and bake it for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the moisture to redistribute.

Are there any dietary considerations for this casserole?
This dish is a hearty comfort food, but do be mindful if you or any of your guests have allergies. For a gluten-free option, be sure to check that the beef broth and any added ingredients don’t contain gluten. You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. Just ensure any substitutions align with your dietary preferences!

Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole in advance and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 24 hours. Just cover it well with foil and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of a busy day!