Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole
Bring the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls to your table without all the fuss. This Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole combines hearty ingredients like rice, cabbage, and bacon infused with savory tomatoes to create a satisfying one-dish meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, this recipe is not only delicious but also offers flexibility with options for vegetarian substitutions. Whether you enjoy it straight from the oven or heat up the leftovers, this dish is sure to be a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Long grain white rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
Chopped onion
1 cup (fresh)
Stewed tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (with juice)
Bacon
3 slices (cooked crisp and crumbled (or flavored soy bacon bits for vegetarian))
Shredded cabbage
5 cups (fresh)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (granulated)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
Tomato juice
1 (19 ounce) can (for moisture)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, chopped onion, stewed tomatoes (with juice), crumbled bacon (or soy bacon bits for vegetarian), shredded cabbage, sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined.
3
Grease a 3-quart casserole dish thoroughly to prevent sticking. Pour the rice and cabbage mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
4
Cover the casserole with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45-60 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
5
After the initial baking time, remove the cover and bake for an additional 15 minutes. Stir the mixture to ensure even cooking, then return it to the oven for another 15 minutes.
6
To make ahead: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day or the night before. Cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake, then follow the baking directions.
7
To freeze: Bake as directed, allow to cool completely, label, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven as directed above.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole?
It is a hearty one-dish meal that provides the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls using rice, cabbage, bacon, and tomatoes without the effort of rolling.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include long grain white rice, chopped onion, stewed tomatoes, bacon, shredded cabbage, sugar, salt, pepper, and tomato juice.
What oven temperature is required for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What type of rice should be used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of uncooked long grain white rice.
Do I need to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?
No, the rice should be added uncooked as it will cook in the liquid while baking.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute the bacon with flavored soy bacon bits to make the dish vegetarian.
How much cabbage is needed for this recipe?
You will need 5 cups of fresh shredded cabbage.
What size casserole dish is recommended?
A 3-quart casserole dish is recommended for this recipe.
How do I prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish?
You should grease the 3-quart casserole dish thoroughly before adding the mixture.
Why is tomato juice added to the recipe?
Tomato juice is added to provide the necessary moisture to cook the rice and keep the casserole tender.
How long does the casserole need to bake initially?
The casserole should bake covered for 45 to 60 minutes.
Do I need to cover the casserole while it bakes?
Yes, cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil during the first 45-60 minutes of baking.
When should I remove the cover from the casserole?
Remove the cover after the initial 45-60 minutes and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
Should I stir the mixture during the cooking process?
Yes, stir the mixture after it has baked uncovered for 15 minutes, then return it to the oven for a final 15 minutes.
Can I make this cabbage roll casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day or the night before, refrigerate it, and then bake as directed.
Can this casserole be frozen?
Yes, bake as directed and allow it to cool completely before labeling and freezing for up to 2 months.
How do I thaw the frozen casserole?
Thaw the frozen casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I reheat the casserole?
Reheat the thawed casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until it is warmed through.
What type of tomatoes are used?
The recipe uses one 14-ounce can of stewed tomatoes with the juice included.
How much onion is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of fresh chopped onion.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of granulated sugar is added to the mixture.
How much bacon is used?
The recipe calls for 3 slices of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled.
How much tomato juice is used?
You will need one 19-ounce can of tomato juice.
What is the total approximate baking time?
The total baking time ranges from 75 to 90 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prepping as it can be made ahead or frozen for later use.
How do I know when the casserole is finished cooking?
The casserole is done when the rice is tender and the liquid has been mostly absorbed.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
While the recipe calls for canned stewed tomatoes, you can use fresh, though you may need to adjust seasonings and liquid.
What type of bacon bits can I use for the vegetarian option?
You should use flavored soy bacon bits to maintain the savory flavor profile.
Are salt and pepper included in the measurements?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper are specified, but they can be adjusted to taste.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is designed as a satisfying one-dish meal that combines starch, protein, and vegetables.