Craving the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but short on time? Look no further than this mouthwatering Cabbage Roll Casserole! Packed with the goodness of ground beef, rice, bacon, and cabbage, and topped with a layer of melted mozzarella cheese, this easy-to-make casserole is a delightful shortcut to satisfy your taste buds. Say goodbye to the labor-intensive process of rolling cabbage leaves, and say hello to a flavorful dish that’s ready in no time. Let’s dive into the simple steps of creating this delicious and comforting casserole.
Ingredients: For this quick and easy Cabbage Roll Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 white onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (24 oz) jars marinara sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 4 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium head (2 lbs) cabbage, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is cooked through. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Drain excess grease and stir in one jar of the marinara sauce, along with the thyme, dill, sage, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the crumbled bacon and cooked rice, then remove from heat.
- Line the prepared baking dish with one-third of the shredded cabbage. Evenly distribute half of the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage layer. Repeat with another layer of cabbage and the remaining meat mixture, finishing with a final layer of cabbage.
- Pour the remaining jar of marinara sauce over the top, ensuring even coverage. Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Allow the Cabbage Roll Casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Conclusion: This Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the time-consuming rolling process. Packed with savory ground beef, aromatic spices, and the added richness of bacon and cheese, this casserole is a quick and delicious solution for a satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a taste of home, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the hearty goodness of Cabbage Roll Casserole with the convenience of a simple and speedy preparation.