Dive into Comfort Food Heaven with Cabbage Roll Casserole

Get ready to indulge in a comforting classic with a modern twist! Our Cabbage Roll Casserole takes all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls and transforms them into a convenient and delicious casserole dish. With layers of seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, savory marinara sauce, and gooey melted cheese, each bite is a taste of pure comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply craving a hearty meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of Cabbage Roll Casserole!

Ingredients:

2 lbs ground beef
1 white onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups cooked white rice
4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
1 medium head (2 lbs) cabbage, shredded
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Cook Ground Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
Add Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Season the Beef: Stir in the dried thyme, dried dill, dried sage, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper, mixing well to combine.
Combine with Sauce: Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the seasoned beef mixture, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the cooked rice evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with half of the shredded cabbage, followed by half of the beef and marinara mixture. Repeat the layers, finishing with the remaining beef and marinara mixture on top.
Add Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the grated mozzarella cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Slice into portions and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Cook Notes and Variations:

Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, you can substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or your favorite meat alternative such as textured vegetable protein (TVP).
Spice it Up: Adjust the level of spiciness to your taste by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper in the recipe. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Add More Veggies: Enhance the nutritional value of the casserole by adding diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the beef and marinara mixture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? A: Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute for ground beef in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly to complement the milder flavor of poultry.

Q: Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Simply remove it from the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, leftover casserole can be frozen for future meals. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer individual portions or the entire dish to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake in the oven until heated through.

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of shredding it myself? A: While pre-shredded cabbage can be convenient, it may not have the same texture as freshly shredded cabbage. However, if you’re short on time, feel free to use pre-shredded cabbage as a time-saving option.

Q: What can I serve with Cabbage Roll Casserole? A: Cabbage Roll Casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.

Keto and Low-Carb Versions:

Keto Option: To make a keto-friendly version of this casserole, substitute cauliflower rice for the white rice and use a low-carb marinara sauce. Additionally, reduce or omit the sugar in the recipe.
Low-Carb Variation: Similarly, use cauliflower rice instead of white rice and opt for a marinara sauce with reduced sugar or no added sugar. Be mindful of the carb content of the other ingredients and adjust as needed to fit your dietary preferences.

In conclusion, Cabbage Roll Casserole is a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its hearty layers of seasoned beef, tender cabbage, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a comfort food classic that never fails to impress. Whether enjoyed as a cozy family dinner or shared with friends at a potluck, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a taste of home-cooked goodness with Cabbage Roll Casserole tonight!

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Cabbage Roll Casserole—a deliciously satisfying dish that’s sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. With its simple preparation and irresistible taste, it’s a recipe that’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen. So roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Until next time, happy eating!

With detailed instructions, FAQs, and variations, you’re all set to create a mouthwatering Cabbage Roll Casserole! Let me know if you need further assistance or if there’s anything else I can assist you with!