Lazy Man's Cabbage Roll Casserole

Transform your weeknight dinner routine with "Lazy Man's Cabbage Roll Casserole," a hearty, one-dish wonder that captures all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss. This easy-to-make recipe layers tender cabbage, savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and onions with perfectly cooked white rice, all simmered in a rich, tangy tomato sauce enhanced with a hint of brown sugar and paprika. Baked to bubbly perfection, this casserole is topped with optional gooey mozzarella cheese for an irresistible finish. Ready in just over an hour, it's the ultimate time-saving meal for busy families. Perfect for meal prep or cozy gatherings, this cabbage roll casserole delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 74/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium, diced onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 medium, chopped cabbage
• 1 cup, uncooked white rice
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3

While the beef is cooking, chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 4

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ground beef mixture, chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.

Step 5

Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or oil. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 6

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the rice from drying out during baking.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes. After 50 minutes, check that the rice is fully cooked. If not, add a splash of broth or water, re-cover, and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 8

If using shredded mozzarella cheese, sprinkle the cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2460.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1988.4

Total Fat 114.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 401.1mg	0%
Sodium 5358.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 133.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 27.4g	0%
Total Sugars 50.8g
Protein 127.1g	0%

Vitamin D 24IU	0%
Calcium 1296.3mg	0%
Iron 15.0mg	0%
Potassium 3308.6mg	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: 49.6%

Protein: 24.6%

Carbs: 25.8%