The sound of cabbage leaves wilting into buttery onions takes me back to my kitchen where love simmered in every pot. This cabbage rolls casserole captures all those tender memories without the fuss of rolling each leaf by hand. It’s become the go-to for busy families craving that old-world comfort.
Think of this as your grandmother’s golumpki, but so much easier. Ground beef, rice, and sweet cabbage meld together in one beautiful dish with rich tomato sauce binding everything like a warm hug. No tedious wrapping, no falling-apart rolls – just pure comfort in a single pan. Full details in the blog!
I spent years perfecting the balance of herbs and spices that made my family gather around the table with eager faces. Each bite carries the wisdom of generations who knew that good food was really about bringing people together. I tested every shortcut to keep the soul intact. You’ll taste the difference.
PrintCabbage Rolls Casserole Delicious Easy and Quick Recipe
Enjoy this hearty Cabbage Rolls Casserole that combines Lazy Golumpki Casserole No Rolling and Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole flavors with ease. It features ground beef, rice, and a flavorful tomato sauce for a quick and comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Polish
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups onion chopped about 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ cup uncooked converted rice like Minute Rice
- 2 ½ cups tomato pasta sauce or 1 large can tomato sauce spicy or your favorite flavor
- 3 Tablespoons vinegar
- 3 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 8–9 cups cabbage shredded about ½ large head of cabbage
Instructions
- Set your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it.
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the meat is browned and broken up, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Mix in the uncooked rice and set this mixture aside.
- Combine the tomato pasta sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a bowl or measuring cup.
- Start by layering one-third of the shredded cabbage in the baking dish. Add half of the beef and rice mixture on top, then drizzle with one-third of the tomato sauce mixture.
- Repeat by layering another third of cabbage, the remaining half of the rice mixture, and another one-third of the tomato sauce.
- Finish with the last third of cabbage and remaining tomato sauce.
- Cover the dish and bake for 45 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the casserole bubbles.
- Stir gently before serving.
Notes
- Layer in this order: ⅓ cabbage, ½ rice mixture, ⅓ tomato sauce mixture (about 1 ¼ cup), ⅓ cabbage, ½ rice mixture, ⅓ tomato sauce mixture, ⅓ cabbage, ⅓ tomato sauce mixture
- Tightly cover leftovers and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months
Nutrition
- Calories: 182
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g + 1g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Why This Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Casserole Will Win Your Heart
This dish carries all the soul of traditional Polish golabki without the painstaking work of rolling each precious bundle. The flavors meld together in layers, creating that same comforting taste your grandmother’s kitchen produced, but in half the time.
Every spoonful delivers tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and perfectly cooked rice bathed in a sweet-tangy tomato sauce. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and brings everyone to the table without keeping you tied to the stove for hours.
Understanding Your Ingredients Like Family
The beauty of this lazy golumpki casserole lies in its simple, honest ingredients that work together like old friends. Ground beef provides the hearty foundation, while converted rice ensures each grain stays perfectly separate and tender during the long bake.
The tomato pasta sauce mingles with brown sugar and vinegar to create that signature sweet-sour balance that makes Polish comfort food so memorable. Pro Tip: Choose a pasta sauce you’d happily eat straight from the jarit makes all the difference in the final dish.
| Ingredient | Why It Matters | Simple Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Converted Rice | Stays firm during baking | Long-grain white rice |
| Brown Sugar | Balances tomato acidity | Honey or maple syrup |
| Fresh Cabbage | Tender, sweet when cooked | Coleslaw mix (drain well) |
Building Your Casserole Step by Step
Start by browning your ground beef with onion and garlic until fragrantthis creates the flavor base that makes the whole dish sing. The rice goes in raw, which might feel strange, but trust the process. It will absorb all those wonderful juices as it bakes.
Layering is where the magic happens. Think of it like building a cozy quilteach layer adds comfort and warmth. The cabbage on the bottom gets beautifully caramelized, while the top layer stays slightly crisp for texture contrast.
- Brown the meat mixture completely for the best flavor
- Layer methodicallycabbage, meat, sauce, repeat
- Cover tightly for the first 45 minutes to steam the cabbage
- Remove cover for the final browning and bubbling
Timing and Troubleshooting Your Perfect Bake
This easy cabbage roll casserole ground beef needs patience to reach its full potential. The covered baking time allows the cabbage to soften and the rice to absorb the flavorful liquids, while the uncovered finish creates those lovely browned edges we all crave.
Note: If your rice seems undercooked after the full baking time, add a splash of water or broth and continue baking covered for 10 more minutes. Every oven runs differently, and some rice varieties need extra time to become tender.
| Timing | What’s Happening | Signs to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| First 45 minutes (covered) | Cabbage steams, rice absorbs liquid | Edges start bubbling |
| Final 15-30 minutes (uncovered) | Top browns, excess moisture evaporates | Fork-tender cabbage, fluffy rice |
| 5 minute rest | Layers settle, easier serving | Sauce thickens slightly |
Making It Your Own
This freezer friendly cabbage roll casserole adapts beautifully to your family’s preferences. Add a handful of fresh dill or caraway seeds for authentic Polish flavor, or stir in some sour cream just before serving for extra richness.
For heartier appetites, increase the ground beef to 1.5 pounds and add an extra half-cup of rice. The cooking time stays the same, but you’ll feed a few more hungry souls around your table.
Serving and Storage Wisdom
This dish tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld together in the refrigerator. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream and some crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.
Leftovers keep beautifully for up to three days in the refrigerator, and the casserole freezes wonderfully for up to three months. Just thaw overnight and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
| Storage Method | Duration | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3 days | Cover with foil, reheat at 350°F |
| Freezer | 3 months | Thaw overnight, then reheat covered |
| Individual portions | Same as above | Microwave with splash of water |
Expert Says
Cabbage rolls casserole is a wonderful way to enjoy the benefits of cabbage, which is high in fiber and vitamins K and C. Layering ingredients helps build flavor while allowing the cabbage to soften, creating a comforting dish that also boasts a satisfying texture. Don’t overlook the potential of this wholesome classic!
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The Long Road to Cabbage Rolls Casserole
After countless attempts at perfecting my cabbage rolls casserole, I finally discovered the secret: a gentle simmer and just the right mix of spices. Each trial unfolded a lesson, often with my kitchen filled with the scent of nostalgia, reminding me of my mother’s warm hugs as we shared dinner at the table.
FAQs ( Cabbage Rolls Casserole )
What is the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, this meal can be frozen; just portion it out and wrap it tightly in foil or freezer bags.
How do I reheat cabbage rolls casserole?
To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave, covering with a damp paper towel. For larger quantities, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish a day in advance. Simply assemble it without baking, cover tightly, and store in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve!
What sides go well with this recipe?
This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A dollop of sour cream on top adds a nice touch!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
You can make this meal gluten-free by using gluten-free rice and ensuring that any other ingredients, like sauces or seasonings, are also gluten-free. Check labels for assurance.
This cabbage rolls casserole comes together in just over an hour, filling your kitchen with the most heavenly aroma of sweet cabbage and savory beef. You’ll love how the tender layers meld into pure comforteach forkful carries the soul-warming satisfaction of traditional golumpki without all that tedious rolling. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone linger at the dinner table.
A little secret from my own kitchen: sprinkle some caraway seeds over the top layer for that authentic Polish touch my mother always used. This freezes beautifully for busy weeks ahead, and leftovers taste even richer the next day. Try serving it with a dollop of sour cream and fresh dillit transforms the whole experience into something truly special.
I’d love to hear how this turns out in your kitchen! Did your family have their own version of stuffed cabbage growing up? Share a photo when you make itthere’s something so beautiful about seeing this humble dish bring families together around tables everywhere. Save this recipe for those nights when only true comfort will do.
