Comforting Cabbage Roll Bake
This Comforting Cabbage Roll Bake is an easy, hearty dish that brings the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls to your table without the fuss of rolling. With layers of tender cabbage, ground beef (or black beans for a vegetarian option), and flavorful rice simmered in a savory tomato sauce, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknight dinners or gatherings with family and friends. Just mix everything together, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen! Enjoy it as is or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
long-grain rice
1 cup (uncooked)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for cooking)
ground beef or black beans
1 lb or 1 (19 ounce) can (cooked and drained if using beef or rinsed if using beans)
onion
1 (finely chopped)
cabbage
1 head (chopped into medium-sized pieces)
tomato sauce
3 cups (can substitute half with salsa if desired)
water
2 cups (to be mixed in)
salt
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a small saucepan, add the rice and cover it with water. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Drain the rice and set it aside.
3
In a Dutch oven or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or black beans) and chopped onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat if using beef.
4
Mix in the cooked rice, chopped cabbage, tomato sauce (and salsa if using), water, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
5
Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish. Cover it with a lid or aluminum foil.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
7
After 1 hour, check the casserole. If it looks too dry, stir it gently and add an additional 1/2 cup of water if necessary. Cover again.
8
Return the casserole to the oven and bake for another hour or until the cabbage is very tender.
9
Serve hot. This dish makes 8 generous servings.
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
50g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Comforting Cabbage Roll Bake?
This is an easy, hearty casserole that provides the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the effort of rolling the leaves.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with one 19-ounce can of black beans, rinsed.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked long-grain rice.
How many servings does this bake make?
This dish makes 8 generous servings.
What is the total baking time?
The total baking time is 2 hours at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Do I need to cook the rice before mixing it into the casserole?
The rice should be simmered in water for 5 minutes and drained before being mixed with the other ingredients.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Can I use salsa instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, you can substitute half of the 3 cups of tomato sauce with salsa if you prefer a different flavor profile.
What should I do if the casserole looks dry after one hour?
Stir it gently and add an additional 1/2 cup of water if necessary before returning it to the oven.
How much cabbage is required?
The recipe requires one head of cabbage, chopped into medium-sized pieces.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 400 calories per serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 22.5g of protein.
Is this a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, family-friendly meal with options for lean protein or beans.
How much fat is in this recipe?
One serving contains 15g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in each serving?
There are 50g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to brown the meat before baking?
Yes, cook the ground beef with chopped onion until the beef is browned and drain any excess fat.
What seasonings are added to the mix?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for seasoning.
How much water goes into the mixture?
You should mix in 2 cups of water with the other ingredients before baking.
Should the dish be covered while baking?
Yes, cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil for the duration of the baking.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What kind of oil is used for browning the meat?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
Can I use a Dutch oven for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a Dutch oven to cook the beef and onions and even for the mixing process.
How do I prepare the onion?
The onion should be finely chopped before being cooked with the beef or beans.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
While it involves a few prep steps, it is tagged as a one-pot meal because it finishes as a single casserole bake.
What can I pair with this casserole?
It is recommended to pair this dish with a side salad for a complete meal.
How long do I simmer the rice?
Simmer the rice for 5 minutes after bringing the water to a boil.
What size should the cabbage pieces be?
The cabbage should be chopped into medium-sized pieces.
How do I know when the cabbage is done?
The cabbage is done when it is very tender, which usually takes about 2 hours total in the oven.
Can I use black beans instead of ground beef?
Yes, use one 19-ounce can of black beans, rinsed, for a vegetarian version.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly comfort food dish that is easy to prepare.