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Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef and Rice, served in a baking dish from a top view

Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef and Rice

This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole with Ground Beef and Rice is an easy, one-pan twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Made with tender green cabbage, seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce, it delivers all the classic comfort-food flavors without the time-consuming process of rolling cabbage leaves.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family dinners, this hearty casserole is budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and sure to become a regular addition to your dinner rotation.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, European
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 425 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small head green cabbage chopped
  • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (15-ounce) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional
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Instructions
 

Brown the Beef

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  • Add the diced onion and cook for about 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Build the Sauce

  • Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined.

Add the Rice and Cabbage

  • Mix in the uncooked rice until evenly distributed. Fold in the chopped cabbage, stirring until it's coated in the tomato mixture. At first it may seem like too much cabbage, but it will shrink considerably as it cooks.

Bake

  • Transfer everything to a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish if you aren't already using an oven-safe Dutch oven.
  • Cover tightly with foil or a lid and bake for 55 to 65 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft. Stir once halfway through cooking if desired.
  • Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes if you'd like a slightly thicker sauce.

Rest and Serve

  • Allow the casserole to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
  • Serve warm with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Keyword Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole