Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

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Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Main Dishes

This Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole brings together all the cozy, hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—without the fuss of rolling each one! It’s a one-pan wonder layered with seasoned beef, tender cabbage, herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, finished with melted cheese. A comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to Prep – No rolling required! Just chop, layer, and bake.
Family Favorite – Packed with savory flavor and cheesy goodness.
Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day.
One-Pan Convenience – Minimal cleanup and big flavor.
Classic Italian Twist – Uses Italian herbs and seasonings for a Mediterranean flair.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup uncooked white rice
1½ cups water or low-sodium broth

For the Cheese Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or sauté pan
9×13-inch baking dish
Cutting board and knife
Mixing spoon or spatula
Aluminum foil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
  3. Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
5. Add oregano, basil, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
6. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can blend.

Step 3: Add Cabbage and Rice
7. Stir in the chopped cabbage and uncooked rice.
8. Pour in water or broth and mix everything well to combine.
9. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage just begins to wilt.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
12. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole
13. Bake for 40 minutes, covered, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
14. Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese
15. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
16. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
17. Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
18. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole
Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Tips for Success
Use Fresh Cabbage – Fresh, firm cabbage adds better texture and flavor than pre-shredded.
Pre-Wilt if Needed – If your pan is too small, wilt the cabbage a bit before mixing.
Check Rice Doneness – Use a fork to test the rice before removing from oven.
Customize the Heat – Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy.
Cheese Options – Try provolone or Italian blend cheese for a twist.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Bread – Soak up all that rich tomato sauce with buttery garlic bread.
Green Salad – A crisp Italian salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Roasted Veggies – Try roasted zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers on the side.
Crusty Bread – A warm roll or slice of rustic bread makes this meal complete.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until hot.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe dish on medium power in 1-minute intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
    Yes, but increase the baking time by 10–15 minutes and check for doneness.
  2. Is this casserole gluten-free?
    Yes, just double-check your tomato sauce and broth to ensure they’re certified gluten-free.
  3. Can I make it vegetarian?
    Absolutely! Replace beef with lentils or a plant-based crumble.
  4. How do I make it more saucy?
    Add an extra ½ cup of tomato sauce or a splash of broth before baking.
  5. Can I prepare it ahead of time?
    Yes, assemble the dish up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts
This Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. It delivers all the comforting elements of a classic dish with a quicker, easier method. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or planning meals for the week, this casserole checks all the boxes for flavor, convenience, and comfort.

Give it a try and let it become one of your go-to dinner recipes! Leave a comment, rate it, or share your delicious results on social media!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Cuisine: Italian

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 610mg

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Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole


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  • Author: Emily
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Description

This Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole brings together all the cozy, hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—without the fuss of rolling each one! It’s a one-pan wonder layered with seasoned beef, tender cabbage, herbs, and a rich tomato sauce, finished with melted cheese. A comforting, family-friendly dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Want recipes like this delivered straight to your inbox? Subscribe now to get the latest culinary creations you’ll love.


Ingredients

For the Casserole:
1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp dried thyme
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ cup uncooked white rice
1½ cups water or low-sodium broth

For the Cheese Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the ground beef and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.

  3. Add the diced onion and garlic. Cook for another 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
5. Add oregano, basil, thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
6. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors can blend.

Step 3: Add Cabbage and Rice
7. Stir in the chopped cabbage and uncooked rice.
8. Pour in water or broth and mix everything well to combine.
9. Cook for 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage just begins to wilt.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
10. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
11. Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
12. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole
13. Bake for 40 minutes, covered, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
14. Remove the foil and sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese
15. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
16. For a golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.

 

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
17. Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
18. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

Notes

Use Fresh Cabbage – Fresh, firm cabbage adds better texture and flavor than pre-shredded.
Pre-Wilt if Needed – If your pan is too small, wilt the cabbage a bit before mixing.
Check Rice Doneness – Use a fork to test the rice before removing from oven.
Customize the Heat – Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy.
Cheese Options – Try provolone or Italian blend cheese for a twist.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Cuisine: Italian

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