Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe – A Comfort Food Classic

Cabbage Roll Casserole is one of the most delicious comfort food recipes you can prepare at home. If you love easy dinner ideas that are budget-friendly, filling, and nutritious, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Unlike traditional cabbage rolls that can take a long time to assemble, this casserole version is much simpler, yet it brings all the same flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls. By layering shredded cabbage, ground beef, marinara sauce, and rice in a baking dish, you create a hearty meal that can feed the whole family.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday meal prep, or even for holiday gatherings when you want to serve something warm and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. It uses basic pantry ingredients such as ground beef, onions, garlic, marinara sauce, and rice, combined with fresh cabbage and cheese, to create a one-dish meal that tastes incredible.

If you have ever wondered how to make an easy cabbage roll casserole that tastes just as good as traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know. From the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations, serving suggestions, and storage tips, you’ll find everything here to help you master this dish.

Why You’ll Love Cabbage Roll Casserole

One of the best things about this casserole is that it gives you all the comfort and flavor of old-fashioned cabbage rolls without the extra work of rolling and stuffing. Instead of blanching cabbage leaves and individually stuffing them with beef and rice, you simply layer shredded cabbage with a seasoned meat and rice mixture, top with marinara sauce, and bake. The result is a layered casserole that has all the taste but takes half the time.

This dish is also versatile. You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it overnight, and bake it when you’re ready. It’s also freezer-friendly, making it a great make-ahead dinner for busy families. If you are looking for budget-friendly dinner recipes, cabbage roll casserole is one of the most affordable meals since cabbage, rice, and marinara sauce are inexpensive ingredients that stretch ground beef into a full meal.

Another reason people love cabbage roll casserole is that it’s customizable. You can swap beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork. You can make it vegetarian by omitting meat and adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils. You can even spice it up with extra seasonings or keep it mild for kids and picky eaters.

Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Casserole

The ingredients in this recipe are simple and easy to find at any grocery store. Each one contributes to the hearty, savory, and slightly tangy flavor of the casserole.

• 2 pounds ground beef – The base protein for the dish. You can substitute with ground turkey, pork, or chicken.
• 1 white onion, chopped – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – For aromatic flavor.
• 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce – Provides rich tomato flavor. You can also use homemade tomato sauce or pasta sauce.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme – Adds earthiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill – Provides a fresh, slightly tangy note.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage – Enhances the savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt – Essential seasoning.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper – Balances the flavors.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – Optional for a little heat.
• 2 cups cooked white rice – Helps bulk up the casserole and adds a tender texture.
• 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled – Adds smoky flavor. Optional but highly recommended.
• 1 medium head of cabbage (about 2 pounds), shredded – The star of the dish. Fresh and slightly sweet when baked.
• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated – For the gooey, cheesy topping.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick cooking spray.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is fully cooked and browned. Add garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
3. Drain excess grease from the skillet. Stir in one jar of marinara sauce, along with thyme, dill, sage, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the crumbled bacon and cooked rice. Remove from heat.
4. Begin layering the casserole: Spread one-third of the shredded cabbage evenly in the prepared baking dish. Add half of the meat and rice mixture. Add another layer of cabbage, then the remaining meat mixture, and finish with the last third of cabbage.
5. Pour the second jar of marinara sauce evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
6. Remove foil, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top, and bake uncovered for another 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Flavor Profile and Texture

The casserole has a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The cabbage becomes tender while maintaining a slight bite, the beef and rice mixture is savory and hearty, and the marinara sauce ties everything together with tangy richness. The herbs add depth, while the mozzarella provides a creamy, gooey topping that makes each bite satisfying. The bacon adds a smoky undertone that enhances the dish.

Variations and Substitutions

• Ground turkey or chicken can replace ground beef for a lighter version.
• Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for added nutrition.
• Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots to increase the fiber and nutrient content.
• Use cheddar or a cheese blend instead of mozzarella for a stronger flavor.
• For a vegetarian version, replace beef with lentils, chickpeas, or a plant-based meat substitute.
• Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky, deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This cabbage roll casserole can be enjoyed as a main dish on its own since it contains protein, vegetables, and grains. However, it pairs beautifully with sides like garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, consider serving it with mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is that you can prepare it in advance. Assemble the casserole up to the point before baking, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply put it in the oven. You may need to add an extra 10–15 minutes of baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven. The casserole also freezes well. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Nutritional Benefits

Cabbage is a low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetable that’s high in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber. Combined with lean ground beef and rice, this casserole provides protein, energy, and essential vitamins. Using marinara sauce adds antioxidants like lycopene from tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese contributes calcium and protein.

Why This Recipe Works for Families

This casserole is family-friendly because it’s flavorful without being too spicy, it stretches inexpensive ingredients into a large meal, and it can be adapted for different dietary preferences. Kids love the cheesy topping, while adults appreciate the comforting, hearty taste. Since it can be made ahead and frozen, it’s also a lifesaver for busy parents who want homemade meals ready to go.

Final Thoughts

Cabbage roll casserole is the perfect dish for anyone who loves stuffed cabbage rolls but doesn’t want to spend hours rolling each leaf. By layering the ingredients in a baking dish, you get the same comforting flavors with much less effort. It’s a meal that brings families together around the table, provides plenty of leftovers, and works for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience. Try it once, and it may just become one of your go-to family favorites.