Description
This Irresistible Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-pan dish that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. Ground beef, tender cabbage, and aromatic spices come together in a savory tomato base, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a perfect family-friendly meal ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground beef (fresh)
- 1 medium Onion (finely chopped)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper (chopped)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced tomatoes (canned)
- 1 head Green cabbage (cored and chopped)
Seasonings
- 0.5 tbsp Smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion powder
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Topping
- 1.5 cups Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper to the pan with the beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the onions soften and release their fragrance, stirring occasionally.
- Add Tomatoes, Cabbage, and Spices: Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, chopped cabbage, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly without bruising the cabbage.
- Simmer Covered: Cover the pan and reduce heat to medium-low. Let the mixture cook for 18-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but not mushy.
- Add Cheese and Melt: Once the cabbage is cooked through, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the pan again and let it sit for a few minutes, off the heat, until the cheese melts into a gooey layer.
- Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the casserole into bowls, optionally garnish with fresh parsley for color and freshness, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef for a healthier casserole.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a cheese blend if preferred.
- For vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat on stovetop or microwave.
