This recipe provides instructions for making a Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, a deconstructed and simplified version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Instead of individually wrapping a meat and rice filling in cabbage leaves, this casserole layers the components, offering the same comforting flavors with significantly less effort. The dish typically consists of layers of ground meat (often beef or a combination of beef and pork), cooked rice, shredded or chopped cabbage, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce. Sometimes, cheese is also incorporated for added richness and a melted topping. The result is a hearty, savory, and slightly sweet casserole that captures the essence of classic stuffed cabbage rolls in an easier-to-assemble format. It’s a perfect dish for a family meal, offering a warm and satisfying combination of textures and tastes. The image shows a slice of a layered casserole on a white plate. The visible layers include cooked ground meat in a reddish sauce, softened cabbage leaves, and a melted, bubbly topping of what appears to be cheese and more sauce. Fresh chopped parsley is sprinkled on top as a garnish. The overall appearance is rustic and appetizing, showcasing the key components of a stuffed cabbage roll in a casserole form.
Based on common recipes for Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, the ingredients likely include:
- Ground Beef: The primary meat component, providing a rich and savory base. Some recipes may also include ground pork for added flavor.
- Chopped Cabbage: The signature vegetable of stuffed cabbage, providing a slightly sweet and tender element as it cooks down in the casserole.
- Cooked Rice: Typically white rice, mixed with the meat to add bulk and a slightly different texture.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the base of the flavorful sauce that permeates the casserole.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds chunks of tomato and more tomato flavor to the sauce.
- Onion: Diced onion is usually sautéed with the ground meat to add a foundational savory flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic enhances the aromatic profile of the dish.
- Brown Sugar or Sweetener: A touch of sweetness is often included to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and mimic the slightly sweet flavor of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls.
- Worcestershire Sauce (Optional): Adds a savory umami depth to the sauce.
- Paprika: Contributes a mild, slightly sweet flavor and color.
- Dried Herbs (Optional): Such as oregano, thyme, or bay leaf, to add aromatic complexity.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
- Shredded Cheese (Optional): Often cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend, sprinkled on top for a melted and gooey finish.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish, adding a touch of freshness and color.
The preparation typically begins by browning the ground beef in a large skillet with diced onion and minced garlic. The cooked rice and seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, and optional herbs) are then mixed with the ground beef. In a separate bowl, the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes are often combined with brown sugar and Worcestershire sauce (if using). The casserole is then assembled by layering the meat and rice mixture with the chopped cabbage in a baking dish. The tomato sauce is poured over the layers. If using, shredded cheese is sprinkled on top. The casserole is then baked in a preheated oven until the cabbage is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden (if used). It is often garnished with fresh parsley before serving. Some variations might involve briefly sautéing the cabbage before layering it into the casserole.
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is best served hot, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to be tender.
The texture offers a combination of tender ground meat and rice, softened cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce. If cheese is used, it will be melted and gooey on top.
The flavor is a comforting blend of savory ground meat, slightly sweet cabbage, and a tangy tomato sauce, often with subtle hints of garlic, onion, and a touch of sweetness.
Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a layered dish that captures the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls with ground meat, rice, cabbage, and tomato sauce, baked in a casserole form.
The preparation involves browning meat with onions and garlic, mixing with rice and seasonings, layering with chopped cabbage in a baking dish, covering with tomato sauce, and baking until the cabbage is tender. Cheese can be added as a topping.
Ingredients ( अनुमानित based on common recipes):
- 2 pounds ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 3 ½ cups chopped cabbage (about ½ of a medium head)
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or other sweetener to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Meat and Rice: Stir the cooked white rice into the ground beef mixture. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and any other dried herbs you are using (like oregano and thyme). Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), brown sugar (or sweetener), and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Stir well to combine. Add the bay leaf to the sauce.
- Layer the Casserole: In the baking dish, spread about one-third of the chopped cabbage in an even layer on the bottom. Spoon half of the ground beef and rice mixture over the cabbage. Pour about one-third of the tomato sauce over the meat and cabbage layer. Repeat with another layer of cabbage, the remaining ground beef and rice mixture, and another one-third of the tomato sauce. Top with the remaining chopped cabbage.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using shredded cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top layer of cabbage and sauce.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the sauce is bubbly. If using cheese, bake until the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Remove the bay leaf. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Enjoy your delicious and easy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole!