There is something truly heartwarming about a dish that brings comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one pot, and this Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe does exactly that. Imagine the classic flavors of cabbage rolls, but without all the rolling and fuss—just pure, savory goodness layered with ground beef, tangy tomato sauce, and tender cabbage, all baked into a steaming casserole that fills your home with the most inviting aromas. It’s the perfect way to enjoy those traditional tastes on a busy day when you want something cozy and filling without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this dish, all you need are straightforward, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each component has a role to play, whether it’s grounding the casserole with rich beef, adding zest with paprika, or contributing fresh crunch and subtle sweetness with cabbage and onion.
- Avocado Oil (3 tablespoons): Perfect for greasing your casserole dish to prevent sticking and add a subtle, healthy touch.
- Ground Beef (2 pounds; 80/20 mix): This ratio ensures juicy, flavorful meat that forms the hearty base of the casserole.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of mild heat to complement the savory beef and cabbage.
- Hungarian Paprika (1 tablespoon): A secret touch that introduces warmth and a subtle smoky depth to every bite.
- Tomato Sauce (1 can, 29 ounces): Offers a rich, tangy base that ties all the ingredients harmoniously together.
- Beef Broth (3.5 cups): Provides moistness and enhances the meaty flavor, but you can swap for vegetable broth if you prefer a lighter casserole.
- Green Cabbage (3.5 pounds; chopped): The star vegetable here, offering crunch initially and tenderness after baking, packed with nutrients.
- Yellow Onion (1 cup; diced): Adds sweetness and a subtle pungency that brightens up the dish.
- Long Grain White Rice (1 cup; uncooked): Absorbs all the lovely juices to provide a comforting, filling texture.
How to Make Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Brown Your Beef
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C) and greasing a 9’x13′ casserole dish generously with avocado oil. This helps ensure your casserole won’t stick and will have a lovely crust once baked. Next, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, and that delightful Hungarian paprika. Let it cook for 8 to 10 minutes until the beef is no longer pink and beautifully fragrant. This step builds the flavor base that’s savory and comforting—just what you want!
Step 2: Combine the Veggies, Rice, and Broth
In a large mixing bowl, stir together the tomato sauce and beef broth until smooth. Then, add the chopped green cabbage, diced onion, and uncooked long-grain white rice. This mixture brings texture and flavor that’ll develop beautifully during baking, with the rice soaking in all those juices to become tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Casserole
Pour the savory beef mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish. Next, add the cabbage, rice, and sauce mixture on top and gently combine everything. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap the moisture and help the rice cook through without drying out. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, then take it out to stir gently and check seasoning. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 30 minutes. This final baking step adds a lovely golden finish and helps concentrate the flavors. Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the casserole to set and make serving easier.
How to Serve Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill over the top can brighten the dish with a fresh herbal note, while a dollop of sour cream adds silky richness and a little tang. Crumbled feta cheese also pairs wonderfully, adding a savory contrast that enhances every bite.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines brilliantly on its own, but if you’re feeling extra hungry or want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad or roasted root vegetables for contrasting textures and colors. A simple crusty bread is always great for soaking up any delicious juices left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this cozy casserole beyond the classic bake by turning leftovers into stuffed peppers or layered in a steaming bowl topped with a fried egg for a hearty brunch twist. You can even scoop it into flour tortillas for a cabbage roll-inspired wrap that’s fun and portable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays delicious for up to 4 days, giving you easy access to comfort food whenever you need it.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for a quick and satisfying meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (177°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for convenience. Adding a splash of broth or water before reheating helps keep the casserole moist and tasty.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative can work well, just keep in mind the flavor and fat content may change the richness of the casserole slightly.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tomato sauce and broth. Just double-check these ingredients to ensure no gluten has been added.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
You can, but brown rice will require a longer cooking time and more liquid. Consider pre-cooking the brown rice or adjusting broth quantities to keep the casserole from drying out.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a mild warmth thanks to the Hungarian paprika, but it’s not spicy hot. If you prefer heat, you can add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when browning the beef.
What if I don’t have Hungarian paprika?
Regular paprika or smoked paprika can be used as a substitute. While Hungarian paprika has a unique sweetness, these alternatives still provide a beautiful color and a nice depth of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a tender, flavorful, and no-fuss meal that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and satisfies your soul, this Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe is a must-try. It captures the essence of classic cabbage rolls but in a way that’s so simple and approachable, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
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Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that offers all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. Combining ground beef, cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato sauce seasoned with Hungarian paprika, this casserole is baked to perfection for a savory and satisfying meal. It’s a perfect one-dish dinner that delivers warmth and depth in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Dish
- 3 tablespoons Avocado Oil (for greasing the casserole dish)
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (80/20 mix for best flavor and juiciness)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Hungarian Paprika (adds warmth and depth)
- 1 can Tomato Sauce (29 ounces)
- 3.5 cups Beef Broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 3.5 pounds Green Cabbage (chopped)
- 1 cup Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9’x13′ casserole dish with 3 tablespoons of avocado oil to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown 2 pounds of ground beef with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon Hungarian paprika. Cook for 8-10 minutes until the beef is fully cooked and fragrant.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine a 29-ounce can of tomato sauce with 3.5 cups of beef broth. Add the chopped green cabbage (3.5 pounds), diced yellow onion (1 cup), and 1 cup of uncooked long grain white rice. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the cabbage and rice mixture into the greased casserole dish. Spread it out evenly, then add the browned ground beef on top or fold it into the mix as preferred. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. This allows the rice to cook and the flavors to meld beautifully. After an hour, carefully remove the foil and stir the casserole. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Bake Uncovered: Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 30 minutes. This step helps to evaporate excess moisture and caramelize the top slightly for added texture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the dish to set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your savory, comforting Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole!
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute beef broth with vegetable broth.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes or hot paprika.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This casserole can be frozen before baking; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking as directed.
- Using an 80/20 ground beef mix ensures juicy and flavorful meat; leaner beef might result in a drier dish.
