Lazy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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This stuffed cabbage casserole recipe with ground beef and tomato is a delicious and healthy twist on a classic dish. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, it’s the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. The tender cabbage leaves are combined with a savory mixture of ground beef, and rice, then baked in a rich tomato sauce. Discover a variety of easy gluten-free casserole recipes that are both delicious and satisfying

Not only is this casserole delicious, but it’s also a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. The cabbage and tomatoes provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the grass-fed ground beef adds protein. This dish is also low in carbohydrates, making it a healthy choice for those watching their intake.

This stuffed cabbage casserole is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions. For a lower-carb version, simply swap out the rice for cauliflower rice.

Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe Ingredients

This delicious and easy-to-make unstuffed cabbage casserole requires only simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand.

• 1 lg head of cabbage
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 – 28oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 – 15oz can tomato sauce
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• salt and black pepper to taste

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Ingredients Tips and Substitutions

Cabbage is the star of the show in this unstuffed cabbage roll casserole, make sure to use green cabbage for best results.

For this recipe, I’m using brown rice for a heartier texture, but feel free to use white rice or even leftover rice. If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can easily swap out the rice for cauliflower rice.

For a truly superior dish, we recommend using grass-fed and finished ground beef. You can find high-quality meats like this online and have them shipped right to your door when you order from Crowd Cow. You are free to try this recipe with ground turkey, chicken, or ground pork.

How to Make a Lazy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

First, preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare the Cabbage

Next, you will need to prepare the savory cabbage. With a wooden cutting board, and a sharp knife carefully remove the core of the cabbage.

Then bring a medium or large pot of water to a boil and cook the head of cabbage for 5-7 minutes to soften the leaves.

When the cabbage is finished cooking, remove it from the water, drain, and set aside to cool.

Make the Tomato Meat Mixture

Next, cook the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat until it is cooked, brown, and crumbly.

Then add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the ground meat. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.

Next, stir in the cooked rice, tomatoes, and the seasoning.

Reduce to medium heat, and stir to combine.

How to Assemble the Casserole

By now the cabbage should be cool enough to handle. Remove the outer leaves, and layer the bottom of a casserole dish with a few cabbage leaves. 

Then spoon a layer of the meat mixture into the baking dish. Just enough to cover the leaves.

Repeat this layering process until all of the tomato meat rice mixture is used.

How Long to Bake a Cabbage Casserole 

Cover the baking dish with foil and place in the preheated oven to bake for 40 minutes. Then remove the foil, and bake uncovered for 20 more minutes. When ready, the casserole will be hot and bubbly and the flavors will meld beautifully.

Healthy Lazy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef

For cabbage fans who crave the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but prefer a less labor-intensive option, this deconstructed cabbage roll casserole is a game-changer. With its easy recipe and minimal prep time, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.

The tangy tomato sauce and hearty filling capture the essence of traditional stuffed cabbages, while the unstuffed format makes it a hassle-free meal.

This stuffed cabbage casserole is a hearty meal in itself. However, you can also serve it with a side dish like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a green salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for a satisfying and convenient reheated meal.

More easy healthy gluten free casserole recipes:

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