Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole combines all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but in a quicker, easier-to-make dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a hearty meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: shredded cheese for topping
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until slightly softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is tender.
- Optional: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
How to Serve Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
This casserole is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. Serve it hot from the oven, and watch it disappear from the table!
How to Store Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to Make Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
- For added flavor, use seasoned ground beef or replace some beef broth with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- If you want to add more vegetables, consider including bell peppers or carrots.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of rice based on your preference for a thicker or thinner dish.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute to make a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
- Spicy Kick: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! If you choose to use brown rice, you may need to increase the baking time and add a bit more liquid, as brown rice typically takes longer to cook.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or in the oven. If using the oven, cover with foil to keep it from drying out, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped
- 14 ounces diced tomatoes (1 can)
- 8 ounces tomato sauce (1 can)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups beef broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Pepper
- optional shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until slightly softened.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, uncooked rice, and beef broth. Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
Baking
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and cover with foil.
- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the rice is tender.
- Optional: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
