Cabbage Roll Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with the ease of a casserole. Here’s a step-by-step recipe to prepare it:
Ingredients:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or a mixture of ground meats)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for topping)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Core the cabbage and carefully remove the leaves one by one. Blanch the cabbage leaves in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes to soften them. Remove the leaves and set them aside to cool. Depending on the size of the cabbage, you might need 10-12 leaves. You can chop any remaining cabbage to use in the casserole.
- In a large skillet or frying pan, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s browned and fully cooked. Break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the meat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the cooked ground beef, and sauté until the onions become translucent and tender.
- Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- Assemble the casserole: Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat and rice mixture in the center. Fold in the sides of the leaf and roll it up, similar to a burrito or spring roll. Place the cabbage roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and meat mixture until you fill the dish. If there’s any remaining meat mixture, you can spread it over the top of the rolls.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the cabbage rolls are tender.
- Optional: Remove the foil, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, and return the casserole to the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly and golden.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
Enjoy your delicious Cabbage Roll Casserole! It’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
