One Pan Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Cabbage rolls have long been a beloved dish in many cultures, featuring ground meat wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and then baked in a savory tomato sauce. However, making traditional cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, with the added task of carefully rolling each leaf. For those looking for a quicker, yet equally flavorful alternative, the One-Pan Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect solution.

Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat the Skillet:
   In a large, deep skillet or a wide Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pan.

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2. Cook the Beef:
   Using a wooden spoon or spatula, break the ground beef into smaller pieces. Stir occasionally, allowing the beef to cook for 5-7 minutes until it is browned and cooked through. Make sure to drain any excess fat from the beef to keep the casserole from being greasy.

3. Season the Beef:
   While the beef is cooking, sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, oregano, basil, smoked paprika (if using), and onion powder. Stir the seasonings into the beef as it cooks to allow the flavors to meld together. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

1. Cook the Vegetables:
   In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This step adds depth and flavor to the dish.

2. Add Garlic:
   Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the onions and sauté for another 30 seconds, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage

1. Stir in the Cabbage:
   Once the garlic is fragrant, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the onions and garlic. Sauté the cabbage for 4-5 minutes, just until it begins to soften slightly. The cabbage will shrink down as it cooks, so don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first.

2. Season the Cabbage:
   Season the cabbage with a pinch of salt and pepper. This helps to bring out the flavors of the cabbage and other vegetables.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

1. Add the Tomato Products:
   To the sautéed cabbage, add the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything together until well combined.

2. Return the Beef to the Skillet:
   Add the browned ground beef back into the pan and mix it with the cabbage and tomato mixture. Stir everything together to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

3. Simmer the Casserole:
   Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the casserole simmer for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the cabbage to soften and the flavors to meld together. If you prefer your cabbage to be more tender, you can simmer it for longer, up to 40 minutes, but be sure to check the mixture occasionally to prevent it from drying out. If needed, add a bit more broth or water to keep it moist.

Step 5: Optional – Add Cheese Topping

1. Top with Cheese:
   If you’d like to add a cheesy, melty topping, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of simmering. Cover the skillet with the lid to help the cheese melt evenly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
   Once the casserole has reached your desired level of tenderness, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or herbs depending on your taste.

2. Garnish:
   Serve the casserole in bowls or on plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If desired, add a dollop of sour cream on top for added creaminess.

Tips and Variations:

1. Add a Twist with Different Ground Meats:

While ground beef is the traditional choice for cabbage rolls, feel free to experiment with other types of ground meat. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork would work just as well in this casserole, and they offer a leaner option if you’re looking to reduce fat content. Ground lamb is another excellent choice if you prefer a richer, more flavorful meat.

2. Spice It Up:

If you like your dishes on the spicy side, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, some chopped green chilies, or a splash of hot sauce. These additions can elevate the dish and give it an extra kick.

3. Make It Vegan:

For a vegan version of this casserole, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives like lentils, tempeh, or a store-bought vegan ground beef substitute. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and skip the cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free version.

4. Add More Vegetables:

You can increase the veggie content of this casserole by adding additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots. If using zucchini, chop it into small pieces and sauté it along with the onions and garlic. For bell peppers, chop them finely and add them with the cabbage. Carrots can be grated and mixed in for a touch of sweetness.

5. Adjust the Tomato Base:

For a thicker sauce, increase the amount of tomato paste or reduce the broth. If you prefer a more liquid dish, you can add more broth or water. You can also experiment with adding a little balsamic vinegar or Worcestershire sauce to give the tomato sauce a deeper, more complex flavor.

6. Make Ahead:

This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a covered pan in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. If you’ve added cheese, you may want to add a few extra minutes to ensure the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

7. Freezing the Casserole:

For longer-term storage, you can freeze this casserole. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, or until heated through.

Conclusion:

The One-Pan Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the delicious flavors of a classic cabbage roll without the hassle of stuffing and rolling. It’s a convenient, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. By using simple, pantry-friendly ingredients like ground beef, cabbage, and tomato-based products, this dish is both hearty and affordable.

Yield: 6

One Pan Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

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Cabbage rolls have long been a beloved dish in many cultures, featuring ground meat wrapped in tender cabbage leaves and then baked in a savory tomato sauce. However, making traditional cabbage rolls can be time-consuming, with the added task of carefully rolling each leaf. For those looking for a quicker, yet equally flavorful alternative, the One-Pan Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect solution.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 small head of cabbage, shredded (about 4 cups)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 ½ cups beef broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked rice (optional for a heartier dish)
• Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the Onion and Seasonings: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, basil, oregano, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Cabbage: Add the shredded cabbage to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and onions. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage starts to wilt and soften.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded.
5. Optional Rice: If you're adding rice, stir in the cooked rice at this point, and allow the casserole to cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
6. Serve: Taste the casserole and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving, if desired.

Notes

Make Ahead: You can make this casserole in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Vegetarian Version: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.

Add-Ins: You can add additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.