Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Stuffed cabbage casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into a more convenient, baked casserole form. Instead of laboriously wrapping each filling in cabbage leaves, everything is layered together in one pan, creating a rich, savory meal perfect for any occasion.

The casserole typically features ground meat, rice, onions, garlic, and a savory tomato-based sauce, with the cabbage providing a tender, slightly sweet contrast. The dish is both filling and nutritious, making it a favorite in many cultures worldwide.

Whether you’re preparing a family meal or looking for an easy way to impress guests at your next dinner party, this casserole offers the familiar, satisfying flavors of stuffed cabbage in a more manageable and delicious form.

The History of Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

The origins of stuffed cabbage date back hundreds of years, tracing back to various European cuisines, especially in regions where cabbage was abundant and affordable. It’s a dish commonly associated with Eastern European countries like Poland, Hungary, and Russia. In these regions, cabbage rolls, known as golabki in Polish, sarmale in Romanian, and holubky in Ukrainian, were often prepared as a celebratory or holiday dish.

Over time, stuffed cabbage made its way to other regions, evolving in both flavor and method. The transition to casserole form is believed to be an American adaptation, often made for the convenience of busy households. The casserole simplifies the traditional process of wrapping individual cabbage leaves by layering everything together, retaining all the flavors and textures of the original dish but in an easier-to-assemble format.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making a Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is simple, but it requires careful layering to ensure that all the flavors meld beautifully. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to creating your own casserole.

Preparing the Cabbage:

The cabbage needs to be softened before using it in the casserole. This can be done in one of two ways:

• Blanching the Cabbage:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Remove the core of the cabbage, making a shallow cut around it.
  3. Place the whole cabbage in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until the outer leaves start to soften.
  4. Carefully remove the cabbage and let it cool slightly. Peel off the softened outer leaves.
• Using Uncooked Cabbage: Some recipes suggest skipping the blanching process and simply chopping the cabbage into strips. This method results in a more al dente texture and a slight crunch when baked.

Preparing the Filling:

The filling for a stuffed cabbage casserole usually consists of ground meat, rice, and seasonings. Here’s how to prepare it:

1. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
3. Add the ground meat to the pan, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned.
4. Stir in the uncooked rice, allowing it to toast for a couple of minutes.
5. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and any other seasonings you prefer.
6. Once the mixture is cooked, remove from heat and set aside.

Assembling the Casserole:

Now it’s time to layer the ingredients into your baking dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
3. Start by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce on the bottom of the dish.
4. Layer the cabbage, then the meat and rice mixture. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of cabbage.
5. Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the top and cover the casserole tightly with foil.

Baking the Casserole:

Bake the casserole for about 45 minutes. After 45 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.

Serving:

Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve it hot with a side of crusty bread, and garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.

Tips for Perfecting Your Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

• For Extra Flavor: Use a combination of meats such as beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Pre-cook the Rice: Some cooks prefer to cook the rice beforehand to ensure it absorbs all the tomato sauce’s flavors. However, uncooked rice works too, as it will cook in the casserole while baking.
• Season to Taste: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to your liking. Add more spices like cumin or paprika for a smoky kick, or a pinch of sugar to balance out the acidity of the tomato sauce.
• Use the Right Cabbage: Green cabbage holds up best in the casserole and softens beautifully. If you use a different variety, be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
• Add Cheese for Extra Richness: If you like cheesy casseroles, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top in the final 10 minutes of baking.

Variations of Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

While the classic version of stuffed cabbage casserole is made with ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce, there are many variations you can try. Here are a few ideas:

• Vegetarian Stuffed Cabbage Casserole: Replace the ground meat with a mixture of mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. Add extra vegetables for texture and flavor.
• Spicy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole: If you like heat, add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the tomato sauce for an extra layer of spice.
• Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole: Layer cheese between the cabbage and rice mixture for a gooey, creamy texture throughout the casserole. Use mozzarella, cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute the rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.

Conclusion

Stuffed cabbage casserole is a flavorful and comforting dish that brings together the best elements of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but with much less effort. By using a mix of savory meat, rice, and a delicious tomato sauce, the casserole offers a satisfying meal that can be customized with different ingredients to suit your taste. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a hearty meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.

Yield: 6-8

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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Stuffed cabbage casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into a more convenient, baked casserole form. Instead of laboriously wrapping each filling in cabbage leaves, everything is layered together in one pan, creating a rich, savory meal perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cabbage, shredded
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, if preferred)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups shredded cheese (optional, for topping, such as mozzarella or cheddar)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare cabbage: Cut the cabbage into quarters and remove the core. Shred the cabbage into strips, or use a food processor for faster shredding.
3. Cook ground beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
4. Cook the onions: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until softened (about 5 minutes). Add in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then stir to combine.
5. Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked beef, sautéed onions, cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and shredded cabbage. Stir until well mixed.
6. Assemble casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
7. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the casserole is bubbling.
8. Optional cheese topping: If you want to add cheese, sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking and return to the oven until melted and golden.
9. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Meat options: You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork if you prefer.
• Vegetarian option: Use cooked lentils or beans instead of meat for a vegetarian version.
• Rice: Feel free to use white or brown rice, or even quinoa for a gluten-free option.
• Make-ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Simply cover it with foil and bake when you're ready.