Introduction
Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that delivers all the classic flavours of traditional cabbage rolls without the time-consuming rolling and stuffing. It layers tender cabbage, savoury ground meat, tomato sauce, and rice into a satisfying one-dish meal that is both practical and deeply comforting. This recipe is perfect for busy evenings when you crave something warm and filling but want to keep preparation simple. I often make this casserole when I want the familiar taste of cabbage rolls with far less effort, and it never disappoints. As it bakes, the flavours meld together beautifully, creating a rich, savoury dish that tastes even better the next day. Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and ideal for feeding a family, this unstuffed cabbage casserole is a reliable comfort-food classic.
Print
Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole: All the Comfort of Cabbage Rolls Made Easy
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is an easy, comforting one-dish meal that delivers all the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls without the extra work, made with ground meat, tender cabbage, rice, and tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 400 g canned diced tomatoes
- 240 ml tomato sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 120 g shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add ground meat and cook until browned; drain excess fat.
- Stir in cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheese if using.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes until bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use brown rice or cauliflower rice as a substitute.
- This casserole freezes well for meal prep.
- Adjust seasoning to taste with chili flakes for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is simple, nourishing, and full of familiar flavours. It requires minimal prep, uses everyday ingredients, and bakes into a complete meal. It is perfect for make-ahead dinners and reheats exceptionally well.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Green Cabbage
Green cabbage forms the base of the casserole, softening as it bakes and absorbing the rich tomato and meat flavours.
Ground Beef
Ground beef provides heartiness and savoury depth, making the dish filling and satisfying.
Onion
Onion adds sweetness and builds a flavourful foundation for the casserole.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savoury notes and adds warmth to the dish.
Cooked Rice
Rice helps bind the casserole together and adds comforting texture.
Tomato Sauce
Tomato sauce creates a rich, slightly tangy base that ties all the ingredients together.
Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes add texture and extra tomato flavour.
Paprika
Paprika provides gentle warmth and enhances the overall depth of flavour.
Salt
Salt balances and brings out the flavours of each component.
Black Pepper
Black pepper adds subtle heat and contrast.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used for sautéing and adds richness.
Fresh Parsley
Fresh parsley adds colour and a light, fresh finish before serving.
Directions
Preheat the oven to 180°C and lightly grease a large baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and cooked rice, mixing until well combined.
Layer half of the chopped cabbage in the baking dish, followed by half of the meat mixture. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and meat.
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately six people. Preparation time is about 20 minutes, with a baking time of 55–60 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to two months.
Variations and Customizations
Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is very flexible and easy to adapt. Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter version. I have also prepared this dish using brown rice, which added a slightly nuttier texture and worked very well.
For extra richness, a small amount of shredded cheese can be sprinkled on top during the final minutes of baking. If you enjoy bolder flavours, adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes enhances depth. You can also make this recipe low-carb by omitting the rice or replacing it with cauliflower rice. These variations allow you to tailor the casserole while keeping its comforting character intact.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish provides protein from the meat, fibre from the cabbage, and carbohydrates from the rice. It is a balanced, filling meal that can be adjusted for lower fat or lower carbohydrate diets with simple substitutions.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Chop Cabbage Evenly
Uniform pieces ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
Cover While Baking
Covering the dish helps the cabbage soften properly.
Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to rest briefly so it sets and slices more cleanly.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and bake when ready.
Does the cabbage need to be cooked first?
No, it softens fully during baking.
Can I freeze unstuffed cabbage casserole?
Yes, it freezes very well once cooled.
What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is ideal for this recipe.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute meat with lentils or plant-based alternatives.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can I add cheese?
Yes, cheese can be added during the final bake.
How do I prevent excess liquid?
Drain tomatoes well and avoid overcooking the cabbage.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Crusty bread or a simple green salad works well.
Does this taste better the next day?
Yes, the flavours deepen after resting overnight.
Conclusion
Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a comforting, practical dish that captures the essence of classic cabbage rolls with far less effort. Its hearty texture, rich tomato flavour, and make-ahead convenience make it an excellent choice for family dinners or meal prep. Simple, nourishing, and deeply satisfying, this casserole is a recipe you will return to again and again.
Hungry for more? Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!