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Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe With Rice: Deconstructed Comfort in a Skillet

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By Ella
Prep Time 15 min
Cook Time 40 min
Calories 385 kcal
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Servings

Directions / Instructions

Why You'll Love This Cabbage Roll Casserole

Love classic cabbage rolls but don't have time to roll each one? This deconstructed cabbage roll casserole offers the same rich, comforting flavors with a fraction of the effort. Everything cooks together in one skillet, making cleanup easy while creating a hearty, satisfying meal.

The tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and savory tomato sauce blend beautifully into a family-friendly dinner that's perfect for meal prep and leftovers.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chopped green cabbage
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until browned. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.

2. Add the Vegetables

Mix in the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until it begins to soften.

3. Build the Sauce

Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper.

4. Add Rice

Stir in the uncooked rice and pour in the beef broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil.

5. Simmer

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

6. Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Expert Tips

Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking, and stir the casserole once or twice while simmering to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth if needed. Freeze portions for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with garlic bread, buttered dinner rolls, roasted vegetables, cucumber salad, mashed potatoes, or sour cream for extra richness.

Recipe Variations

Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, pork, or Italian sausage. Add mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, or shredded cheese. Use brown rice for extra fibre, adjusting the cooking time and liquid as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Reduce the broth to about ½ cup and stir the cooked rice in during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
Absolutely. Prepare it up to two days ahead, refrigerate, and reheat before serving.
Yes. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Yes. Replace the rice with cauliflower rice and reduce the cooking liquid accordingly.
Green cabbage is the traditional choice, but Savoy cabbage also works well because of its tender leaves.
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