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
Scale
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.
