Description
Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a comforting, hearty one-dish meal combining tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rice, and rich tomato sauce. It offers all the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss, perfect for easy family dinners that are both flavorful and satisfying.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium green cabbage, finely shredded (about 6 cups)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
Grains and Seasonings
- 3/4 cup uncooked white rice, rinsed
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent. Then, add ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart into crumbles as it cooks.
- Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage and Rice. While the meat cooks, finely shred the cabbage and rinse the rice until the water runs clear to ensure fluffy rice and prevent starchy sauce.
- Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked meat mixture, cabbage, rinsed rice, canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Mix well to coat everything evenly for consistent flavor.
- Step 4: Bake Until Tender and Bubbling. Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish and cover with aluminum foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly if desired.
- Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving. After baking, let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage for the best texture and vibrant flavor; avoid pre-shredded or wilted cabbage.
- Rinsing the rice removes excess starch to prevent a gummy casserole.
- Adjust liquid by adding more broth or water if using a different rice variety.
- Keep the dish covered while baking to trap steam, helping cabbage and rice cook evenly.
- This recipe adapts well to slow cooking; layer ingredients and cook on low for 5-6 hours.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg