Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
If you love the cozy, nostalgic flavors of classic cabbage rolls but don’t want to spend hours blanching, stuffing, and rolling leaves, this unstuffed cabbage roll casserole is the answer. Made with raw ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato sauce, this easy casserole delivers all the hearty Eastern European comfort without the extra work.
This one-dish cabbage and beef casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. Everything bakes together in one pan, creating a flavor-packed, satisfying dinner that tastes like it simmered all day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy weeknight dinner no rolling, no fuss
One-pan meal with protein, veggies, and starch
Budget-friendly ingredients you likely already have
Freezer-friendly and make-ahead friendly
Comforting, hearty flavors the whole family loves
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
1½ pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head green cabbage, chopped
1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1½ teaspoons sweet paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (to balance acidity)
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bay leaf
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional: shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
Sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Season the beef with salt, pepper, paprika, oregano, and thyme.
Stir in tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and bay leaf.
Add uncooked rice and chopped cabbage, mixing well.
Simmer 3–5 minutes, then transfer to casserole dish. Cover tightly with foil.
Bake 45–55 minutes until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.
Optional: add cheese and bake uncovered 8–10 minutes more.
Rest 10 minutes, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions:
This hearty cabbage roll casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Rye bread or crusty baguette
Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles
Variations & Tips:
Make it lighter: Swap half the beef for ground turkey
Low-carb option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice
Traditional flavor boost: Add caraway seeds and a splash of apple cider vinegar
Freezer-friendly: Freeze before or after baking for up to 2 months
