Layered Cabbage Roll Casserole

Layered Cabbage Roll Casserole

This casserole is a delicious and time-saving twist on classic cabbage rolls. All the flavors you love come together in a layered dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

• For the filling:
  • 1 1/2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the casserole:
  • 6-8 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)

Cooking Guide:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Brown the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
3. Stir in the garlic, diced tomatoes, rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
4. In a separate bowl, toss the shredded cabbage with 1/4 cup of the beef broth. Spread half of the cabbage mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
5. Top the cabbage with half of the meat mixture.
6. Pour half of the tomato sauce over the meat layer.
7. Repeat layers with remaining cabbage, meat mixture, and tomato sauce.
8. Pour the remaining beef broth over the top of the casserole. Cover the dish tightly with foil.
9. Bake for 45 minutes.
10. Uncover the dish and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and parsley (optional). Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use ground sausage or a combination of ground beef and pork.
• You can substitute brown rice for white rice in this recipe.
• If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use 1/2 teaspoon of dried parsley.
• To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Add an extra 1/2 cup of cooked lentils or chopped mushrooms to the filling for extra heartiness.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Enjoy this comforting and flavorful Layered Cabbage Roll Casserole!