Are you looking for a delicious and easy meal that you can throw together with ease? Look no further! Our Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe is the perfect solution. It’s layered with a perfectly seasoned pork and rice mixture, tender cabbage, and topped with cheese. Plus, we’ve included instructions for turning this into a freezer meal, so you can enjoy good homemade food any night of the week.
The Best Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
As a Romanian, cabbage rolls are a staple in my kitchen. They’re guaranteed to make an appearance on the table for any special occasion, including all the big holidays. However, making traditional cabbage rolls can be a bit tedious. That’s why I created this Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe!
This version of the classic family favorite comes together in just a fraction of the time. You’ll get the same delicious taste of cabbage rolls in the form of a fantastic casserole. If you’re like me and find yourself craving cabbage rolls every now and then, this recipe is a must-have in your repertoire.
How to make cabbage roll casserole
Making this Cabbage Roll Casserole is easier than you might think. Here’s how to do it:
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Cook the pork and rice: In a large skillet, add the ground pork and onion over medium heat. Break up the pork well and stir occasionally until it’s cooked through. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, dill, paprika, and stir, cooking for another 30 seconds. Then, add the rice, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is almost cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.
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Soften the cabbage: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the cabbage and cook, stirring often, until it’s softened (about 5 minutes). Preheat the oven to 375F and spray a 9×13″ casserole dish with cooking spray.
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Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the cabbage on the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with half of the pork mixture, then the remaining cabbage, and finally the remaining pork mixture. Cover the casserole dish with foil.
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Bake: Place the casserole dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 45 minutes. Then, remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
Can I add anything else to my casserole?
Absolutely! One of the great things about casseroles is that they’re versatile and can be customized to your liking. You can add any extra ingredients that need to be used up in your kitchen. Whether you want to bulk up this casserole or clear out space in your pantry, the options are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Corn
- Peas
- Bell peppers
- Green onion
- Broccoli/cauliflower
- Canned beans/chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Mushrooms
- Asparagus
How to serve
Casseroles are a complete meal in themselves. This Cabbage Roll Casserole is filling, delicious, and nutritious, packed with cabbage. For an extra touch, I like to serve it with a dollop of sour cream to accompany each bite. If you want more veggies on the table, you can roast some while the casserole is baking or serve a salad. Here are a few recipe ideas for you to try out:
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts
- Skillet Green Beans
- Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
- Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Caprese Salad
- Greek Salad
How to store leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container or keep them right in the casserole dish, covered with plastic wrap. Leftovers will last for 3-4 days in the fridge.
To reheat individual servings, simply use the microwave. If you want to reheat the whole casserole, cover it with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350F for 15 minutes, or until heated through.
How to freeze cabbage roll casserole
Planning ahead? You can also freeze this casserole for future use. It’s best to freeze it before baking. Assemble the casserole, then cover the casserole dish well with both plastic wrap and foil.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, let the casserole thaw for a day or two in the fridge before baking. Remove the plastic wrap, but keep the foil on. Bake for 50-55 minutes before adding the cheese.
If you have pre-baked leftovers and want to freeze them, allow the leftovers to thaw in the fridge. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the microwave or in the oven, covered with foil. Simply preheat the oven to 350F and bake for 15 minutes or until heated through.
Check out some more delectable casseroles from our collection:
- Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole
- Romanian Cabbage Rolls (Sarmale)
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
- Creamy Cajun Pastalaya
- Tuna Noodle Casserole
- Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
- Chicken Tamale Casserole
For more mouth-watering recipes and inspiration, visit Hook’d Up Bar and Grill.