Easy Cabbage and Beef Casserole Bak

Category: Recipes That Started My Cooking Journey

Skip the rolling and make this stuffed cabbage casserole instead. Ground beef, rice, and cabbage bake together in tomato sauce for 90 minutes of comfort.
Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Mon, 09 Jun 2025 21:44:47 GMT
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A plate of food with a lot of cheese. | lilicooks.com

Hearty Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

A hearty, oven-baked stuffed cabbage roll casserole with ground beef, rice, cabbage, and savory tomato sauce—perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

My grandmother's original stuffed cabbage recipe required hours of preparation and careful rolling technique. This casserole version captures every bit of that nostalgic flavor while fitting perfectly into modern busy schedules. Even my pickiest family members request this dish regularly.

Essential Ingredient Guide

  • Lean Ground Beef: Provides protein foundation while 80/20 blend offers best flavor without excess grease
  • Fresh Green Cabbage: Choose firm heads with crisp outer leaves, avoid pre-shredded varieties that become mushy
  • Uncooked White Rice: Absorbs flavors during baking, never use pre-cooked rice which becomes mushy
  • Quality Tomato Sauce: Low-sodium varieties allow better seasoning control, look for brands without added sugars
  • Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic base, can be diced finely for subtle flavor or chunky for texture
  • Beef Broth: Creates steam for proper rice cooking, homemade versions add deeper flavor than store-bought

Complete Cooking Method

Ground Beef Preparation
Heat large skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef without overcrowding. Cook for five to seven minutes, breaking into small crumbles with wooden spoon. The meat should develop golden brown color throughout. Drain excess grease completely using fine mesh strainer to prevent greasy casserole.
Ingredient Assembly Process
Combine chopped cabbage, drained ground beef, tomato sauce, diced onion, uncooked rice, salt, and preferred seasonings in large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly until rice distributes evenly throughout mixture. Every grain should be coated with tomato sauce for proper cooking.
Casserole Dish Preparation
Spread mixture evenly in greased nine-by-thirteen inch baking dish, pressing down lightly to eliminate air pockets. Pour beef broth slowly over entire surface, ensuring liquid reaches all corners. The broth provides necessary moisture for rice cooking and prevents burning.
Proper Baking Technique
Cover tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture during cooking process. Bake at three hundred fifty degrees for exactly one hour without peeking. Remove foil carefully and stir gently to redistribute ingredients and check rice doneness.
Final Cooking Stage
Re-cover with foil and continue baking for twenty to thirty additional minutes until cabbage becomes fork-tender and rice appears fluffy. Internal temperature should reach one hundred sixty-five degrees throughout. Rest covered for ten minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Optional Cheese Finishing
For golden bubbly top, sprinkle shredded cheese during final five minutes of uncovered baking. Choose mild cheddar or mozzarella that melts smoothly without overwhelming other flavors.
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Perfect Serving Ideas

Transform this hearty casserole into complete dinners by pairing with crisp cucumber salad or roasted root vegetables. Crusty bread works wonderfully for soaking up the flavorful tomato juices. For elegant presentation, garnish individual servings with fresh chopped parsley and dollop of sour cream that adds cooling contrast to the warm spiced flavors.

Creative Recipe Variations

Customize flavors by substituting ground turkey or chicken for lighter protein options. Vegetarian versions work beautifully using lentils or crumbled firm tofu with vegetable broth. Spice enthusiasts can add paprika, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños for heat that complements the tomato base perfectly.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover portions in airtight containers for up to four days in refrigerator. Reheat individual servings in microwave with splash of broth to restore moisture. For best results, reheat larger portions in covered baking dish at three hundred degrees until heated through completely.

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A white plate with a slice of lasagna on it. | lilicooks.com

This cabbage beef casserole represents everything wonderful about comfort food cooking. The dish proves that traditional flavors can adapt beautifully to modern convenience without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Every forkful delivers that perfect combination of tender vegetables, seasoned meat, and fluffy rice that makes ordinary weeknights feel special and nourishing.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground turkey, pork, or even a mix of beef and pork work great. Just make sure to drain any excess fat after browning.
→ Do I need to cook the rice first?
No, the rice cooks right in the casserole. The beef broth and tomato sauce provide enough liquid for the rice to cook perfectly.
→ How do I know when it's done?
The cabbage should be tender and the rice should be fully cooked. If the rice still seems hard, add a bit more broth and bake longer.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and refrigerate. You might need to add 10-15 extra minutes to the baking time.
→ What should I serve with this?
This is pretty hearty on its own, but crusty bread, a simple salad, or some sour cream on top make great additions.
→ How long do leftovers keep?
Leftovers stay good in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

All the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy casserole. Ground beef, rice, and cabbage in rich tomato sauce.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
90 min
Overall Time
105 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Grandma's Legacy

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Eastern European

Output: 8 Serves

Dietary Options: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 pounds ground beef
02 3½ pounds cabbage, chopped
03 1 cup white onion, chopped
04 1 cup uncooked white rice
05 1 teaspoon salt

→ Sauce and Liquid

06 1 (29-ounce) can tomato sauce
07 2 (14-ounce) cans beef broth

Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 350°F and get all your ingredients ready. This makes the whole process much smoother.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease when done.

Step 03

In a big mixing bowl, combine the chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, chopped onion, uncooked rice, salt, and your cooked ground beef. Mix it all up really well so everything is evenly distributed.

Step 04

Spoon the mixture into a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.

Step 05

Pour the beef broth evenly over the top of the mixture. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to keep all the moisture in.

Step 06

Bake for 1 hour covered. The rice will start absorbing the liquid and the cabbage will begin to soften.

Step 07

Remove from oven and give it a gentle stir. Cover again with foil and bake for another 20-30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.

Step 08

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes it easier to cut into portions.

Tips

  1. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or pork if you prefer a different flavor or want something lighter.
  2. Try using brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier twist with more fiber and nutrients.
  3. For a cheesy version, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a golden, bubbly finish.
  4. This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion it out and freeze for up to 3 months for easy future meals.
  5. When reheating leftovers, use 300°F and cover with foil to keep the moisture in and prevent it from drying out.

Required Tools

  • Large skillet for browning beef
  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9×13-inch casserole dish
  • Aluminum foil
  • Sharp knife for chopping
  • Cutting board

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 420
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 24 g