If you’ve ever loved traditional cabbage rolls but wished for a quicker, fuss-free version, you’re going to fall head over heels for the Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe. This dish delivers all those cozy, hearty flavors we crave, but with a fraction of the effort and a whole lot less mess. Imagine tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and perfectly cooked rice all bubbling together in a rich tomato and beef broth sauce that hugs every bite. It’s like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug, and trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is simple, accessible, and plays a crucial role in balancing taste, texture, and color. Each element combines to create that familiar comfort food vibe that cabbage rolls embody, but in this casserole form, it’s streamlined and so much easier.
- Avocado Oil: Perfect for greasing the casserole dish, it adds a subtle, clean flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Ground Beef (80/20 mix): Provides juicy, savory richness that’s essential for that hearty base.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the dish taste salty.
- Black Pepper: Adds just the right bit of warmth and spice.
- Hungarian Paprika: Delivers warmth and a hint of smokiness that deepens the flavor profile beautifully.
- Tomato Sauce (29 ounces): Creates the luscious, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that ties everything together.
- Beef Broth: Infuses the casserole with savory depth; vegetable broth works great for a lighter touch.
- Green Cabbage: The star veggie here, chopped to soften wonderfully as it bakes.
- Yellow Onion: Adds a touch of natural sweetness and texture.
- Long Grain White Rice: Uncooked, it cooks perfectly in the liquid, soaking up all those amazing flavors.
How to Make Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Dish Ready
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Meanwhile, grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and generously grease it with avocado oil. This no-stick base ensures your tasty casserole won’t cling to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Seasoning
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your 2 pounds of ground beef. Season it with salt, black pepper, and that beautiful Hungarian paprika. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fragrant. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it.
Step 3: Mix the Cabbage, Rice, and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth. Then, add your chopped cabbage, diced yellow onion, and uncooked long grain white rice. Mix everything well so the rice and cabbage are coated in that rich sauce and seasoning.
Step 4: Combine Beef and Veggie Mixture in the Casserole Dish
Pour the browned ground beef into the greased casserole dish, then spread the cabbage, rice, and sauce mixture evenly over the top. This layered goodness is what makes the Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe so satisfying and hearty.
Step 5: Cover and Bake
Seal the dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in moisture. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. This slow baking allows the rice to cook through and the cabbage to soften, absorbing all those deep, savory flavors.
Step 6: Stir and Finish Baking Uncovered
After the hour, carefully remove the foil and give the casserole a gentle stir to mix the flavors more. Check the seasoning and adjust if necessary. Then return it to the oven, uncovered, for an extra 30 minutes. This step lets some of the liquid evaporate, creating a perfectly textured casserole with just the right consistency.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes before digging in. This brief wait lets the casserole settle and makes serving easier, so each spoonful holds together beautifully.
How to Serve Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take this casserole to the next level. Consider a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of plain Greek yogurt adds a tangy richness that balances the tomato and beef flavors wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed green beans. For extra comfort, creamy mashed potatoes or crusty bread work perfectly to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for perfectly portioned comfort food. You could also layer leftovers in a wrap or pita bread topped with a bit of shredded cheese and greens for an easy, satisfying lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, so leftovers taste even more delicious!
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat individual servings in the microwave, covered loosely to retain moisture, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter option that still works well in the Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as leaner meats can dry out faster.
Do I need to pre-cook the rice before adding it?
Nope! The uncooked long grain white rice cooks gently in the casserole as it bakes, absorbing all that lovely liquid and flavor, so pre-cooking isn’t necessary.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Sure thing! Diced carrots or bell peppers can add extra sweetness and color. Just chop them small enough to cook through during the baking time.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free broth and tomato sauce, this dish is naturally gluten-free and perfect for those with gluten sensitivities.
How spicy is this recipe?
The recipe is mild but packed with flavor. You can easily add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want a little extra kick.
Final Thoughts
This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe is truly one of those dishes that brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort. If you’re looking to enjoy the nostalgic coziness of cabbage rolls without spending hours rolling each one, this casserole is your new best friend. Give it a try soon—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole: Comfort in Every Savory Bite Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling individual parcels. Featuring hearty ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato and beef broth sauce, this baked casserole is a perfect weeknight meal that delivers savory, satisfying bites with minimal effort.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Dish
- 3 tablespoons Avocado Oil (for greasing)
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 lighter option)
- 3.5 pounds Green Cabbage (chopped)
- 1 cup Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 cup Long Grain White Rice (uncooked)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C) and grease a 9’x13′ casserole dish thoroughly with avocado oil to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the 2 pounds of ground beef. Season it with salt, black pepper, and Hungarian paprika while cooking. Continue to cook for about 8-10 minutes until the beef is fully browned and flavorful.
- Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the 29-ounce can of tomato sauce and 3.5 cups of beef broth. Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced yellow onion, and the uncooked long grain white rice until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the beef mixture into the prepared casserole dish and then pour the cabbage and rice mixture over it, gently mixing to combine all elements. Cover the casserole tightly with aluminum foil to retain moisture during baking.
- Bake Covered: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake covered for 1 hour. This allows the rice and cabbage to soften and absorb the flavorful liquid.
- Stir and Adjust Seasoning: After 1 hour, carefully remove the casserole from the oven, stir the mixture to evenly distribute heat and ingredients, and taste to adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking the casserole uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This step helps thicken the sauce and lightly brown the top.
- Rest Before Serving: Once baking is complete, let the casserole rest for 10 minutes outside the oven to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute beef broth with vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option, but omit the ground beef or replace with a meat substitute for a vegetarian dish.
- For a lower-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice, and adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Ensure the casserole is covered tightly during the first hour to prevent drying out and help rice cook evenly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
