Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole
If you love classic stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t love the rolling, blanching, and extra prep time, this Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole is about to become your new favorite comfort food dinner.
This hearty Dutch oven cabbage and ground beef casserole delivers all the sweet-and-sour, tomato-rich flavor of traditional Eastern European cabbage rolls but in an easy, one-pot baked version.
Simply layer chopped green cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and uncooked rice, then pour one tangy tomato mixture over the top. As it bakes, the cabbage becomes tender, the rice absorbs the savory sauce, and the beef finishes cooking into pure comfort food perfection.
Perfect for:
Easy weeknight dinners
Budget-friendly family meals
Make-ahead meal prep
Cozy fall and winter suppers
Why You’ll Love This Lazy Cabbage Roll Recipe:
One-Pot Meal Everything cooks together in your Dutch oven
Family-Friendly Comfort Food Sweet, tangy, savory flavors everyone loves
Budget-Friendly Ingredients Ground beef and cabbage stretch beautifully
Meal Prep Approved Tastes even better the next day
Customizable Low-carb, gluten-free, or turkey variations available
Cabbage is naturally high in fiber and vitamin C, making this dish both nourishing and satisfying. Pair it with rice for extra heartiness or skip it for a lower-carb cabbage casserole.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 65–75 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 ½ pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup long-grain white rice, uncooked (optional)
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Directions:
Preheat to 350°F (175°C).
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cook ground beef for 5–7 minutes until mostly browned.
Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
If using rice, sprinkle it evenly over the beef mixture.
Top with chopped cabbage. Gently press down it will shrink as it cooks.
In a bowl, whisk together:
Tomato sauce
Beef broth
Brown sugar
Lemon juice
Worcestershire sauce
Red pepper flakes
This sweet-and-sour tomato mixture gives the casserole its classic stuffed cabbage roll flavor.
Pour evenly over the cabbage layers.
Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
Stir gently, then bake another 20–30 minutes, until:
Cabbage is tender
Beef is fully cooked
Rice is soft (if using)
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty cabbage casserole pairs perfectly with:
Buttery mashed potatoes
Steamed white rice
Crusty bread or rye bread
Simple cucumber salad
Crisp green salad with vinaigette
Variations & Tips:
Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Casserole Skip the rice
Turkey Cabbage Casserole Use half ground turkey
Extra Saucy Version Increase tomato sauce to 3 cups
Smoky Flavor Add smoked paprika
Cheesy Twist Add shredded mozzarella during last 10 minutes
Pro Tip: This dish reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
Storage & Meal Prep:
Refrigerate up to 4 days
Freeze up to 3 months
Reheat covered in oven or microwave
This makes an excellent make-ahead freezer meal.
