If you’re craving nostalgic comfort food but don’t have the patience for fussy rolling and stuffing, this Cabbage Roll Casserole is just what you need. All the cozy flavors and textures of classic cabbage rolls are here—savory beef, tender cabbage, aromatic herbs, tomato sauce, and gooey melted cheese—layered together in a hearty, oven-baked dish. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner when you want something both simple and deeply satisfying. Whether you grew up with this dish or you’re tasting it for the first time, Cabbage Roll Casserole might just become your new family staple.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things delightfully straightforward, using staple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Each one plays an important role in making Cabbage Roll Casserole a true weeknight showstopper, adding everything from rich flavor to melty texture and an appealing pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a few tips to ensure every bite is irresistible:

Green cabbage: Chop it into bite-sized pieces for easy layering and tender results in every forkful.
Ground beef: The hearty backbone of the casserole—use lean beef or swap for ground turkey for a lighter option.
Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth as it cooks down with the beef.
Garlic: Three cloves make the flavors sing; mince for the best distribution.
Cooked white rice: A classic element that helps soak up juices and adds comforting softness.
Crushed tomatoes: The base of your rich, flavorful sauce; use a good-quality brand for best results.
Tomato sauce: Adds smoothness to the sauce layer and helps meld everything together.
Tomato paste: For deep, concentrated tomato flavor—just a spoonful gives a big boost.
Dried oregano and dried basil: These favorite herbs bring classic Mediterranean warmth and aroma.
Paprika: Lends subtle smokiness and delicious color.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t skimp; these essentials amplify all the other flavors beautifully.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick—add to taste or leave out for a milder casserole.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: The irresistible finishing touch that gets golden and bubbly in the oven.
Olive oil: Sauté your aromatics and beef to tender perfection with just a splash.
Fresh parsley: A burst of green for garnish, bringing freshness and brightness to each plate.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Get things started by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so it’s ready to work its magic. While the oven heats, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure all that tasty casserole comes out easily and cleanly later on. Chop your cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the onion, and mince the garlic—having everything prepped makes assembly a breeze.

Step 2: Cook the Beef Mixture

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Sauté everything together, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Once the beef is browned and the onions are soft, drain any excess grease if needed. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes; this helps all those flavors cozy up together and thicken just right.

Step 3: Build Your Layers

Now for the fun part: layering! Start by spreading half of your chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Spoon half the beef mixture over the cabbage, followed by half the cooked rice. Repeat the process with the remaining cabbage, beef mixture, and rice—creating layers that will blend and soften in the oven while still giving you delicious variety in every bite.

Step 4: Bake

Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Pop it in the oven for 45 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften beautifully as everything melds together. The aroma wafting from your oven will make your kitchen feel like the coziest place in town!

Step 5: Cheese It Up

After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella all over the top of your casserole. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling. The cheesy, golden crown makes this Cabbage Roll Casserole totally irresistible.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Pull the casserole from the oven and shower the top with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor. Let it rest for a few minutes so it sets up nicely, then scoop generous portions and serve warm. Dig in!

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic finishing touch, bringing a light, herby contrast to the saucy, cheesy layers beneath. For extra color and a little zip, try adding a few thinly sliced green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika over the top just before serving. If you want even more creaminess, a dollop of sour cream on the side is always welcome!

Side Dishes

While Cabbage Roll Casserole can be a meal on its own, some sides take it to the next level. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect palate refresher, or you could pair it with fluffy mashed potatoes or a chunk of crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. Roasted carrots or green beans are also great if you’re in the mood for extra veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or just want to have a little fun, try making individual portions in ramekins for a charming dinner party feel. You can also ladle the casserole onto a platter, top with extra herbs, and set out with a variety of condiments—think spicy pickles, grated parmesan, or even hot sauce for those who like it bold. However you present it, this casserole is pure, fuss-free comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cabbage Roll Casserole keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors deepen as they sit, so don’t be surprised if the next day’s helping is even better!

Freezing

For longer storage, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to three months. You can freeze it whole or in individual servings for easy weeknight meals. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20–25 minutes. For smaller servings, the microwave works well too—heat in short bursts and stir in between to ensure even warming. Add a splash of tomato sauce or a sprinkle of cheese if you want to freshen it up even more.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice work well and bring their own personality to the casserole. Just make sure to cook your grain before assembling, as the casserole layers won’t have time to fully cook raw grains in the oven.

Is Cabbage Roll Casserole gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you ensure your rice and tomato products are certified gluten-free, this recipe fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet. It’s a great option for feeding a crowd with diverse dietary needs.

How spicy is this casserole with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle warmth, but it’s totally adjustable—feel free to add more or leave them out for a mild, family-friendly dish. If you love things spicy, a little extra at the table never hurts!

Can I prepare Cabbage Roll Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, Cabbage Roll Casserole is ideal for prepping in advance. Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it unbaked, tightly covered, for up to one day. When ready to cook, add a few extra minutes to the baking time to account for the chill.

What’s the best way to make this dish lighter or vegetarian?

For a lighter version, try ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian spin, swap the beef for a hearty mix of lentils, mushrooms, or even your favorite plant-based crumbles. Either way, you’ll still have that signature satisfying flavor!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Cabbage Roll Casserole before, now’s the time to invite this beloved classic into your kitchen. With satisfying layers, rich flavors, and a seriously easy assembly, it’s a dish you’ll want to return to again and again—especially when comfort food cravings strike. Don’t be shy—give it a try and watch your family come back for seconds!