Layered Cabbage Casserole

Layered Cabbage Casserole is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender green cabbage, savory ground beef, and fluffy white rice, all smothered in a rich tomato-based sauce and topped with melted mozzarella cheese. This baked casserole is a perfect balance of wholesome ingredients and bold flavors, featuring aromatic garlic, sweet onions, and a hint of paprika and oregano. The layering technique creates a gorgeous medley of textures in every slice, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this oven-baked recipe is easy to assemble and serves a satisfying six portions. Whether you're looking for a creative twist on stuffed cabbage or a cozy one-pan meal, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. With easy preparation and a bake time that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:70 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 large head Green cabbage
• 1 pound Ground beef
• 2 cups Cooked white rice
• 1 large, chopped Onion
• 3 minced Garlic cloves
• 28 ounces Diced tomatoes (canned)
• 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
• 1 cup Beef broth
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until softened. Remove and pat dry.

Step 3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

Step 4

Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 5

Stir in the paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice with 1 cup of the prepared meat sauce. Mix until evenly combined.

Step 7

Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom of the dish.

Step 8

Place a layer of cabbage leaves over the sauce, overlapping slightly. Spread half of the rice mixture on top of the cabbage layer, followed by half of the remaining meat sauce.

Step 9

Repeat the layers: another layer of cabbage leaves, the remaining rice mixture, and then the remaining meat sauce.

Step 10

Top the casserole with a final layer of cabbage leaves and sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.

Step 11

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 12

Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2661.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2808.0

Total Fat 160.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 65.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.9g
Cholesterol 461.7mg	0%
Sodium 7417.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 188.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.9g	0%
Total Sugars 50.4g
Protein 161.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 2062.1mg	0%
Iron 19.3mg	0%
Potassium 4196.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.8%

Protein: 22.7%

Carbs: 26.5%