Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

As I pulled this comforting cabbage roll casserole out of the oven, the kitchen filled with the aroma of simmered tomatoes, savory ground beef, and the lightly sweet scent of paprika and thyme. The baked combination of tender cabbage and melt-in-your-mouth rice feels like a cozy hug on a plate, and I love how the fresh parsley adds a crisp, herbal finish to each savory bite.

I love preparing substantial, comforting meals, and my Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is just that. Ungraded, furnished with ground beef, and served in a baking dish, this casserole is a nutrition powerhouse: beef, cabbage, and rice all serve significant portions of nutrients.

I put in a good amount of garlic, some paprika, and a few shakes of dried thyme to season the beef. Then I stir in some tomato sauce, add the rice, and mix everything with the cabbage before baking it.

Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Ground beef: Rich in protein, adds savory flavor and hearty texture.
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fat, enhances flavors and helps sauté vegetables.
• Onion: Adds depth with natural sweetness, offers fiber and antioxidants.
• Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster, enhances savory elements.
• Cabbage: High in vitamins K and C, rich in fiber, supports digestion.
• Tomato sauce: Provides tangy richness, packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds freshness and acidity, high in lycopene and vitamin C.
• White rice: Provides carbohydrates for energy, balances textures.

Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

How to Make this Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) to warm up.

2. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil on medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and let them sweat until they’ve turned almost clear—3 to 4 minutes should suffice. Then throw in your minced garlic and let it cook for another minute.

3. Place ground beef in a skillet and brown, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon, for about 5-7 minutes. If there is a lot of fat, draining some of it will help the flavor and texture.

4. Combine the ingredients in the following manner: chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, and paprika. Now stir in the following: dried thyme and Worcestershire sauce. Mix well to combine.

5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, and then stir the uncooked rice into the mix.

6. Pour the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish that has been greased and spread evenly.

7. Tightly cover the dish for baking with foil.

8. Bake in an oven that has been preheated to the temperature specified in the recipe for 45-50 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

9. Take off the foil; give the casserole a gentle stir; and then leave it in the oven for another 10 minutes—this time, without the foil—so that any extra liquid can become a vapor and waft away into the atmosphere.

10. Take it out of the oven and cool it for a few. When it is ready, you may garnish it with chopped parsley, or you may not. You may serve it as is, or you may not.

Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Large frying pan or skillet
3. Wooden spoon or spatula
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cup
8. Can opener
9. 9×13-inch baking dish
10. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• What is the best type of cabbage to use for this casserole?This casserole is best with green cabbage because it cooks well, has a mild taste, and goes with the other ingredients.
• Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?– Yes, ground turkey is an excellent substitute and can make the dish less fatty and healthier.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?To ensure that it is gluten-free, check that the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce used do not contain gluten.
• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?Of course! You can prepare the casserole right up to the point of baking and keep it in the refrigerator for as long as 24 hours before you pop it in the oven.
• How should leftovers be stored?Food that is left over may be kept in a container that is airtight and in the refrigerator. Such food will be safe to eat for a maximum of 3 days from the time it was originally served. Always reheat leftovers in either an oven or a microwave until the food is piping hot throughout.
• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice? – Yes, you can, but you may need to adjust the final cooking time because brown rice takes longer to cook, or precook it slightly before adding it.
• What can I serve with this casserole?A basic green salad or some crusty bread, perfect for soaking up the sauce, would make nice accompaniments to this casserole.

Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

You can substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter option.
Olive oil: Make the switch for vegetable oil or canola oil if preferred.
Tomato sauce: If you have any, use crushed tomatoes or a homemade tomato puree.
Beef broth: Use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a change in flavor.
White rice: You can use brown rice if you want a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but be sure to adjust the cooking time.

Pro Tips

1. Sauté Evenly: To ensure even cooking of the onions and garlic, stir frequently and keep the heat at medium. This will prevent burning and ensure a flavorful base for the dish.