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Hearty Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef and Rice

This comforting Cabbage Roll Casserole is a simple, time-saving take on classic cabbage rolls. Savory ground beef, tangy crushed tomatoes, tender chopped cabbage and long-grain rice bake together into an old-fashioned, satisfying one-dish meal that’s perfect for weeknights or family dinners.

overhead shot of Cabbage Roll Casserole in a white baking dish, and the casserole is smothered with sour cream on top.

A Comforting Classic, Made Easy

Traditional stuffed cabbage rolls are delicious but time-consuming to assemble. This casserole captures the same flavors without the effort of rolling individual leaves. The filling is the familiar mix of beef, garlic, tomatoes and herbs; the chopped cabbage simply bakes right into the dish, becoming tender and flavorful. The result is a hearty, family-friendly meal with minimal prep.

long spoon stirring through Cabbage Roll Casserole in a white baking dish.

Preparing the Cabbage

Because this is a casserole, there’s no need to blanch whole cabbage leaves. Simply chop or thinly slice a head of cabbage (or use pre-shredded coleslaw mix) and stir it into the beef and rice before baking. The cabbage will soften in the oven and absorb the tomato-beef flavors.

sliced green cabbage on a brown plate.

What’s in Cabbage Roll Casserole

Key ingredients for this easy casserole:

  • Olive oil (or butter/other cooking oil)
  • Yellow onion, diced
  • Ground beef (1 pound; lean or chuck depending on preference)
  • Dried thyme (about 1 tsp; fresh works too)
  • Sweet paprika (1 tsp)
  • Garlic, minced
  • Crushed tomatoes (one 15-oz can)
  • Cabbage, 1–1.5 lb head, chopped or thinly sliced (or store-bought coleslaw mix)
  • Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 cup)
  • Beef broth (2 cups; low-sodium recommended)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
  • Sour cream, for serving (optional)
wooden spoon stirring through ground beef that's cooking in a black skillet.

How to Make Cabbage Roll Casserole

Follow these straightforward steps to assemble and bake the casserole.

  1. Preheat and prepare: Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
  2. Cook aromatics and beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook about 1 minute. Add 1 pound ground beef, 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon sweet paprika. Brown the beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
  3. Add garlic and tomatoes: Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic and cook about 20 seconds. Add one 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
  4. Combine with cabbage and rice: Add the chopped cabbage (1 to 1.5 lb), 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice, and salt and pepper to taste. Pour in 2 cups beef broth and gently press the cabbage and rice into the liquid so they are mostly submerged.
  5. Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes.
  6. Finish baking: Carefully remove the foil, stir the casserole, then re-cover and bake an additional 25–35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked.
  7. Rest and serve: Let the casserole stand 8–10 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning, garnish with chopped parsley and serve with a dollop of sour cream if desired.
overhead shot of chopped cabbage and dry rice inside a white baking dish

Helpful Tips and Variations

  • Swap cabbages: Savoy or Napa cabbage work well if you prefer a milder texture.
  • Tomato options: Strained or diced tomatoes can replace crushed tomatoes; keep the juices for moisture.
  • Add sausage: Mix half ground beef and half Italian sausage for extra flavor.
  • Rice alternatives: This recipe is designed for long-grain white rice; brown rice will require longer cooking time and more liquid.
overhead shot of cabbage roll casserole in a baking dish.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with simple sides such as garlic bread or warm dinner rolls, sautéed green beans, or roasted carrots for added color and balance.

Cabbage Roll Casserole served in a bowl, topped with sour cream, and two utensils placed inside the bowl.

Storage and Freezing

  • Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat portions in an ovenproof dish at 350°F for about 15 minutes or until heated through, or microwave until hot.
  • Freeze: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

More Cozy Casserole Recipes

  • Salsa Verde Chicken Enchiladas
  • Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Casserole
  • Caprese Chicken Casserole