Cabbage Roll Casserole
If you’re in the mood for a hearty and comforting meal that combines the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with the ease of a casserole, you’re in for a treat. Cabbage Roll Casserole is a delightful dish that captures all the delicious elements of cabbage rolls without the fuss. This dish is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a perfect option for a cozy family dinner.
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Cabbage Roll Casserole Ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Small head green cabbage | 1 |
| Ground beef (or a combination of beef and pork) | 1 pound |
| Uncooked rice (white or brown) | 1 cup |
| Small onion, finely chopped | 1 |
| Cloves garlic, minced | 2 |
| Diced tomatoes, drained | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (14.5 oz) |
| Beef or vegetable broth | 1 cup |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt and pepper to taste | To taste |
| Shredded mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
Instructions:
- Preparing the Cabbage: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and blanch for about 3-4 minutes, or until slightly softened. Drain the cabbage and set it aside.
- Browning the Meat: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s no longer pink. Remove any excess fat.
- Creating the Filling: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
- Cooking the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package instructions until it’s just slightly undercooked. Drain any excess water.
- Combining the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked meat and onion mixture, cooked rice, drained diced tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the filling.
- Assembling the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer half of the blanched cabbage. Spread the meat and rice filling evenly over the cabbage layer. Top with the remaining blanched cabbage.
- Adding the Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce and beef or vegetable broth. Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the casserole, ensuring that the cabbage is well-coated.
- Baking to Deliciousness: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Topping with Cheese: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serving and Enjoyment: Remove the Cabbage Roll Casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Cut into portions and serve with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
