Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Craving the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without all the rolling and fuss? This Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is your weeknight answer. Packed with tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, hearty rice, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, it’s a wholesome and comforting dish that brings all the classic vibes—baked together in one easy, cheesy pan.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Flavor, None of the Fuss – Skip the rolling and layering.
Hearty & Satisfying – With meat, rice, cabbage, and tomato sauce.
Family-Friendly – A comforting casserole everyone loves.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Assemble and bake later for busy days.
Freezer-Ready – Perfect for batch cooking and leftovers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb ground beef or ground chicken
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups green cabbage, chopped (about ½ a medium head)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp sugar (balances the acidity)
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Meat

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add chopped onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.
5. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes.
6. Cook until meat is browned, breaking it up with a spoon.

Step 2: Add the Cabbage and Tomatoes

1. Add chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, until slightly softened.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and sugar.
3. Simmer for 5 minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 3: Mix in the Rice

1. Stir the cooked rice into the cabbage and meat mixture.
2. Let everything combine well, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
2. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
3. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips for the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole
Chop Cabbage Evenly – So it cooks at the same rate.
Precook the Rice – Saves time and ensures even texture.
Use Lean Meat – Keeps the casserole light but still filling.
Add More Veggies – Carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini can go right in.
Make It Cheesy – For extra comfort, add more cheese between layers.

Serving Suggestions

• With a simple arugula salad and vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or cheesy toast on the side
• Steamed green beans or roasted vegetables
• Topped with a dollop of ricotta or sour cream
• A warm cup of minestrone or tomato soup to start

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing:

• Freeze individual portions or the whole casserole (before or after baking) for up to 3 months.
• Wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil until hot.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in 60-second intervals until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this vegetarian?
   Yes! Use lentils, plant-based meat, or extra veggies instead of ground meat.
2. Can I use cauliflower rice?
   Absolutely—it’s a great low-carb option, just reduce added liquid slightly.
3. Does the rice need to be cooked before adding?
   Yes, pre-cooked rice ensures even texture and reduces baking time.
4. Can I prepare it ahead?
   Yes! Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as your ingredients (like broth or cheese) are gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole takes the comfort of traditional cabbage rolls and transforms it into a quick and easy weeknight meal. With hearty ground meat, tender cabbage, flavorful tomato sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s everything you want in one baked dish—simple, satisfying, and full of classic Italian flavor.

Give it a try and bring that homemade warmth straight to your table!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-inspired / Casserole

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 6):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 520mg

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