If you’ve been on the lookout for a comforting, hearty dish to add to your dinner rotation, cabbage casserole recipes are a total game-changer. This particular recipe combines tender cabbage leaves with savory ground meat, fluffy rice, and a cheesy golden crust that you and your family will absolutely adore. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—perfect for cozy nights and big family gatherings alike. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully without fuss or fancy techniques.

cabbage casserole recipes Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, everyday ingredients come together in this cabbage casserole recipe to create delicious layers of flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding heartiness, freshness, or a melty finish that ties everything beautifully.

1 medium head cabbage (about 2 pounds): Carefully peeled leaves provide the tender, leafy base for the casserole’s layers.
1 pound ground beef or turkey: Adds savory richness and protein; choose turkey for a lighter twist.
1 cup cooked white rice: Gives the casserole body and a soft, comforting bite.
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juice: Brings a juicy tang and moisture to the meat mixture, keeping it flavorful and moist.
1 medium onion, diced: Offers sweetness and depth when sautéed.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a subtle smoky note and gentle color.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings herbaceous, earthy tones that brighten the casserole.
½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: A pinch of spice for balance.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Italian blend): Melts into a golden, bubbly topping you just can’t resist.
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter: Used for sautéing and adds a luscious richness.

How to Make cabbage casserole recipes

Step 1: Prepare the cabbage leaves

Start by removing the core from the cabbage and gently peeling off the leaves one at a time. To soften them and make rolling easier, blanch the leaves in boiling water for about five minutes. This step gives them a tender texture that’s perfect for layering.

Step 2: Cook the aromatics

In a large skillet, warm up your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onions become translucent and fragrant—about 4 to 5 minutes. This simple sauté forms the flavorful base of your meat mixture.

Step 3: Brown the meat

Add your ground beef or turkey to the skillet. Break it up with your spoon and cook until it’s fully browned. If there’s any excess fat, don’t forget to drain it off for a lighter casserole that still packs great flavor.

Step 4: Combine the filling

Mix in cooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow everything to simmer together for around five minutes so the juices meld and the spices bloom, creating a rich, cohesive filling.

Step 5: Assemble the layers

Now for the fun part—grab your casserole dish and lay half the cabbage leaves on the bottom. Spoon half of the meat and rice filling evenly over the cabbage. Then repeat the process with another cabbage layer and the rest of the filling, topping it all off with the remaining cabbage leaves.

Step 6: Add cheese and bake

Sprinkle your shredded cheese evenly across the top. Cover the entire dish with foil and bake in your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes to achieve that perfect, bubbly, golden cheese crust.

Step 7: Rest before serving

Give your casserole a few minutes to cool down and set before slicing. This wait helps everything hold together beautifully, making each serving neat and satisfying.

How to Serve cabbage casserole recipes

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that brightens the rich cabbage casserole. A dollop of sour cream can also bring a delightful creamy tang that pairs wonderfully with the savory layers.

Side Dishes

Simple sides like a crisp garden salad or steamed green beans provide a fresh contrast and some crunch. Lightly buttered dinner rolls or crusty bread make perfect companions, ideal for scooping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You could also plate slices alongside a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a spoonful of spicy aioli for an unexpected flavor twist that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your leftover cabbage casserole keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious, if not better.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen—just add some extra time and keep it covered until bubbly.

Reheating

For leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the cheese topping revives its melty goodness. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for this cabbage casserole?

Absolutely! While cheddar and Italian blends work beautifully, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for varying textures and flavors.

Is it possible to make this cabbage casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and beans to keep it hearty and satisfying without animal products.

How can I make this recipe lower in carbs?

Simply replace the cooked rice with cauliflower rice or omit it altogether and add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to keep it chunky and filling.

What is the best way to blanch cabbage leaves?

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and carefully submerge the leaves for about five minutes until they’re tender but not falling apart. Then immediately drain and transfer them to a bowl with cold water to stop cooking if you want to prep ahead.

Can I prepare this casserole entirely ahead of time and bake it later?

Yes, assembling the casserole in advance and refrigerating it for up to 24 hours before baking is perfectly fine. Just make sure to cover it tightly and bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about cabbage casserole recipes that bring comfort and joy to the table with every bite. This recipe is approachable, flavorful, and wonderfully versatile, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easily it becomes a cherished favorite in your kitchen.

cabbage casserole recipes Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

Author: Jack
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A hearty and comforting cabbage casserole featuring layers of tender cabbage leaves, savory ground beef or turkey, seasoned rice, and melted cheese. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a nutritious family dinner, combining wholesome ingredients with rich flavors in a baked dish that everyone will enjoy.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
Prepare the Cabbage: Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel away the leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 5 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes with juice, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to meld the flavors well.
First Layer: In the casserole dish, layer half of the blanched cabbage leaves at the bottom, then spoon half of the meat and rice mixture evenly over the cabbage.
Second Layer: Add another layer of cabbage leaves, followed by the remaining meat mixture. Top with the remaining cabbage leaves to fully cover the filling.
Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top layer of cabbage. Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese turns bubbly and golden brown.
Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes to set before serving. This will help the layers hold together when sliced.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Use low-fat cheese to reduce calories and fat content.
For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme in the meat mixture.
If preferred, brown rice can be used instead of white rice, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
The casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to enhance flavors.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/6 of casserole)
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 480 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 6 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fiber: 5 g
Protein: 22 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: cabbage casserole, ground beef recipe, baked cabbage dish, easy casserole, family dinner, comfort food