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Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Introduction

Welcome to this delicious and comforting recipe for Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole. If you’re a fan of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time or patience to roll each individual leaf, then this casserole version is perfect for you! Packed with all the flavors you love, this recipe simplifies the cooking process while still delivering a hearty and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are several reasons why this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole will become a favorite in your kitchen. Firstly, it saves you a lot of time and effort compared to making individual cabbage rolls. Secondly, it is incredibly flavorful and comforting, perfect for cold winter nights or family gatherings. Lastly, this recipe can easily be customized to suit various dietary preferences, making it a versatile option for everyone.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 large cabbage head

– 1 pound ground beef or turkey

– 1 cup cooked rice

– 1 onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 can tomato sauce

– 1 can diced tomatoes

– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head and blanch the entire head in the boiling water for 5 minutes. This will make it easier to separate the leaves.
  3. Remove the cabbage from the pot and let it cool slightly. Gently peel off the leaves one by one and set them aside.
  4. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef or turkey over medium heat until browned. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until the onion is translucent.
  5. Add the cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  6. Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Place a layer of cabbage leaves at the bottom of the dish, covering it as much as possible.
  7. Spoon half of the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage leaves, spreading it evenly.
  8. Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat and rice mixture.
  9. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
  10. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Expert Tips for Success

For the best results with your Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, follow these expert tips:

– Choose a cabbage head that is firm and has tightly packed leaves.

– Make sure to blanch the cabbage leaves before assembling the casserole. This step helps soften the leaves, making them easier to work with.

– Feel free to add extra vegetables such as diced carrots or bell peppers to the meat mixture for added flavor and nutrition.

– If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground meat with cooked lentils or a meat substitute of your choice.

Variations and Substitutions

While this Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is delicious as is, you can always make it your own by trying out some variations and substitutions:

– To make it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.

– If you’re following a gluten-free diet, replace the Worcestershire sauce with a gluten-free alternative or omit it altogether.

– For a vegan version, omit the meat altogether and use a combination of cooked quinoa and chopped mushrooms as a filling.

Serving Suggestions

To fully enjoy your Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, consider serving it with some of these delicious accompaniments:

– A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds a creamy and tangy element to the dish.

– Serve the casserole with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful sauce.

– Pair it with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the casserole.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just make sure to increase the baking time slightly to account for the chilled ingredients.

Q: How long can I store the leftovers?

A: The leftover Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?

A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in foil or transfer it to a freezer-safe container before freezing. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, a simplified version of the classic dish. With its tender cabbage leaves, flavorful meat and rice filling, and rich tomato sauce, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a cozy meal, this recipe will not disappoint. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy the deliciousness that awaits!

Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Recipe by Author

A simplified and comforting casserole version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, featuring tender cabbage leaves filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for cold winter nights or family gatherings.

Course: Main Course Cuisine: American Difficulty: medium
4.5 from 87 votes
🍽️
Servings
6
⏱️
Prep time
30
minutes
🔥
Cooking time
60
minutes
📊
Calories
380
kcal
Cook Mode
Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

  • 1 large cabbage head
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage head and blanch the entire head in the boiling water for 5 minutes. Peel off the leaves and set them aside.
  3. Cook the ground beef or turkey in a skillet until browned. Add onion and garlic, cook until onion is translucent.
  4. Combine cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in the skillet. Stir well.
  5. Grease a baking dish. Place a layer of cabbage leaves at the bottom. Spoon half of the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage. Repeat layers.
  6. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
  7. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 380
Fat: 15
Carbohydrates: 32
Protein: 28
Sodium: 810
Fiber: 6
Sugar: 10
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