Cabbage Roll Casserole: A Hearty and Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion!
Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that’s both delicious and easy to make? Look no further than this Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe! With all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but without the fuss of rolling each one individually, this hearty casserole is sure to become a family favorite. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, cook notes, variations, and even provide keto and low-carb versions of this delightful recipe. Let’s dive in and discover the flavorful world of Cabbage Roll Casserole!
Ingredients:
- 1 head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Shred the head of cabbage and set it aside. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and dice the tomatoes.
2. Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat.
3. Add Aromatics:
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
4. Combine Remaining Ingredients:
- To the skillet, add the shredded cabbage, uncooked white rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, salt, black pepper, paprika, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Simmer:
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cover the skillet or Dutch oven with a lid and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Optional Cheese Topping:
- If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of cooking. This will add a deliciously gooey and cheesy layer to the dish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the cabbage roll casserole is cooked through and the cheese is melted (if using), remove it from the oven. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives, if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground beef with cooked lentils or crumbled tofu for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Turkey Variation: Use ground turkey instead of ground beef for a leaner option with a similar taste profile.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for some extra heat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use other types of rice instead of white rice? A: Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, jasmine rice, or even quinoa for added nutritional benefits and a nuttier flavor.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time? A: Absolutely! You can assemble the cabbage roll casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just increase the baking time slightly if cooking from chilled.
Q: Is there a keto-friendly version of this recipe? A: Yes, you can make a keto-friendly version of this dish by substituting the white rice with cauliflower rice and omitting the Worcestershire sauce (which typically contains sugar). Additionally, use low-carb tomato sauce or diced tomatoes to reduce the carb content.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
Keto:
- Cauliflower Rice: Replace the white rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb and keto-friendly option. Simply sauté the cauliflower rice with the other ingredients until tender.
Low-Carb:
- Zucchini Noodles: Use spiralized zucchini noodles instead of rice for a low-carb alternative. The zucchini noodles will add a light and fresh twist to the dish.
Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe is sure to impress. With its simple ingredients, easy preparation, and delicious flavors, it’s a must-try for cabbage lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the hearty goodness of Cabbage Roll Casserole today!
