If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each one, the Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is your dream come true. This hearty, homey dish layers tender cabbage, savory ground meat, tender rice, and rich tomato sauce all simmered slowly in your crockpot for an effortless, hands-off meal. It’s a wonderful way to get all the deliciousness of classic cabbage rolls with a fraction of the prep, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want dinner waiting for you. Plus, it’s flexible—you can tweak ingredients to suit your tastes and still get a comforting, satisfying dinner everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but pack so much flavor and texture into every bite of this casserole. Each component plays its part to create that perfect balance of savory, hearty goodness with just a hint of tangy sweetness.
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped: The star veggie that softens beautifully and adds a subtle earthiness to the dish.
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey: Choose your favorite protein for a juicy, savory foundation.
- 1 cup uncooked rice: Helps soak up all the flavors and adds a lovely bite and bulk.
- 1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A little kick that brightens up the savory elements.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Provides hearty tomato richness and a saucy atmosphere for everything to mingle.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Enhances the tomato base and brings smoothness.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami and a subtle tang that makes the flavors pop.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings a warm herbiness that pairs beautifully with tomato.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fresh, aromatic note to the sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional): For a melty, golden finish that adds richness and gooey goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cook your ground beef or turkey until it’s perfectly browned and no longer pink. This step not only cooks the meat but also intensifies its flavor, making it the savory heart of your casserole. Don’t forget to drain any excess fat for a lighter dish!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. This quick sauté releases their sweetness and aromatic qualities, creating a flavorful base that gives your casserole such a comforting aroma.
Step 3: Mix Meat and Sauce Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring everything together. In a large bowl, combine the browned meat, sautéed onion and garlic, uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir everything well so every bite is bursting with well-balanced flavors and textures.
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
Grab your crockpot and layer half of the chopped cabbage on the bottom. Spread half of the meat mixture evenly over it. Then, repeat the layering with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture. These layers ensure each forkful has a perfect mix of tender cabbage and savory filling.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re short on time, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the cabbage is tender and the rice has cooked through, soaking up all those delicious tomato and herb flavors.
Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle shredded cheese on top about 30 minutes before your casserole finishes cooking. This final touch melts to a golden, gooey perfection that elevates the dish to pure comfort food heaven.
How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes gives your hearty casserole an inviting brightness. Chopped fresh parsley or dill works beautifully here, lending a splash of color and a herbal note that cuts through the richness. You might also sprinkle some extra sharp cheese or a dollop of sour cream for creamy contrast.
Side Dishes
While this casserole is definitely a filling main dish on its own, pairing it with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad or roasted vegetables balances out the meal. Creamy mashed potatoes or warm crusty bread are also fantastic if you’re looking for extra comfort food vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this casserole inside individual ramekins for a charming personal touch at dinner parties or family meals. Alternatively, top the casserole with a fried egg or some pickled vegetables for an added layer of texture and flavor that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe keeps magnificently in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as delightful, if not more so, than the first serving.
Freezing
This recipe freezes really well! Cool the casserole completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeks or unexpected guests.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw if frozen, then warm gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in a 350°F oven until heated through. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top while reheating if you want to recapture that fresh-from-the-crockpot, melty goodness.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in the Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just keep in mind brown rice takes a bit longer to cook, so either pre-cook it slightly before adding or extend the cooking time in the crockpot to ensure it’s tender.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap out the ground meat for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable stock or water with added seasoning to keep the same richness.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stove instead of a crockpot?
You can, but it will require more attention and a bit more hands-on time. Layer the ingredients in a large pot, cover, and simmer gently for about an hour, stirring occasionally until the rice is cooked and cabbage tender.
What cheese works best for topping this casserole?
Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of shredded cheeses work wonderfully, as they melt nicely and add a creamy finish. For a sharper flavor, try pepper jack or Parmesan on top.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?
Make sure to drain excess fat after browning the meat and avoid adding extra liquid since the tomatoes and cabbage release moisture. Cooking on low helps evaporate excess liquid slowly for the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you want a meal that feels like a warm hug without the time-consuming prep, give this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe a go. It’s full of comforting flavors, layered textures, and that incredible slow-cooked magic we all crave. Perfect for feeding family or impressing friends with minimal effort, this dish is definitely one to keep in your recipe rotation.
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Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that combines layers of cabbage, seasoned ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce, slow-cooked to tender perfection. It’s an easy, hands-off recipe perfect for busy days when you want a wholesome homemade dish without much fuss.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Mix the casserole filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked meat, sautéed onion and garlic, uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to blend all ingredients evenly.
- Layer in the crockpot: Place half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of the crockpot. Spoon half of the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage layer. Repeat this layering with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture.
- Cook the casserole: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The casserole is ready when the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked through.
- Add cheese (optional): If desired, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow it to melt and become bubbly before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for beef for a leaner option.
- Make sure to drain excess grease after browning the meat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- If you prefer softer cabbage, you can cook the casserole longer or on the low setting overnight.
- The rice cooks in the crockpot along with the other ingredients, so use uncooked rice as specified.
- The optional cheese adds a creamy, rich finish but can be omitted for dairy-free diets.
