Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

If you love the comforting flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the time or patience to roll them one by one, this Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is your new go-to dish. It’s a cozy, one-pan meal loaded with hearty beef, tender cabbage, Italian herbs, and a rich tomato sauce—layered like a lasagna but without the pasta. Just bake and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
No Rolling Required – All the flavor, none of the fuss
Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with protein and fiber
Family-Friendly – A classic comfort dish with Italian flair
One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup and make-ahead friendly
Naturally Gluten-Free – No pasta, just meat, veggies, and rice

Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 6–8)

For the Casserole:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and turkey)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6–7 cups)
1½ cups cooked white or brown rice
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp sugar (to balance acidity)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Toppings:
Fresh basil or parsley
Extra cheese for topping
Drizzle of olive oil or balsamic glaze

Tools You’ll Need
Large skillet or Dutch oven
Mixing spoon
9×13 inch baking dish
Aluminum foil
Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened.
Stir in garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Cook until browned and crumbled. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage
Add chopped cabbage to the pan and sauté 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly wilted.

Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Rice
Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and cooked rice.
Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
Top evenly with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

Step 6: Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest & Serve
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Top with chopped basil or parsley and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole
Chop cabbage evenly – Helps it cook uniformly
Pre-cook the rice – Use leftovers or frozen rice to save time
Balance the acidity – A bit of sugar rounds out the tomato flavor
Add veggies – Bell peppers or mushrooms go great in the mix
Make it cheesy – Don’t be shy with the mozzarella!

Serving Suggestions
With Garlic Bread – Soak up that rich sauce
With a Side Salad – For freshness and crunch
With Roasted Veggies – Like zucchini or carrots
As a Main Dish – It’s filling enough on its own
Topped with Yogurt or Ricotta – For a creamy finish

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freeze in portions for up to 2 months

Reheating:
Oven: Cover with foil and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes
Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils instead of beef.

What type of rice works best?
Any cooked rice—white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Can I use red cabbage?
Green cabbage is traditional, but red will work. It may change the color and be slightly firmer.

Is this freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Can I use pasta instead of rice?
Yes! Try cooked short pasta like penne or orzo for a twist.

Final Thoughts
This Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole delivers everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls—with way less effort. Hearty, saucy, and loaded with comforting Italian flavor, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that doubles as an easy meal prep option. One taste and you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired / Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 5g | Sodium: 620mg

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