Description
This Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Savoy cabbage is layered with a savory beef and rice mixture, topped with gooey cheese, and baked to perfection. A perfect family meal for any night of the week!
Ingredients
Scale
Cabbage:
- 10 cups savoy cabbage (chopped)
Beef Mixture:
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 1 carrot (diced)
- 1 stalk celery (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp. salt (or more, to taste)
- 960 ml tomato juice, preferably low sodium (divided)
- 1 cup parboiled rice
- ¼ cup parsley (freshly chopped, divided)
- ½ cup grated Parmigiano cheese (or Pecorino Romano)
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded, divided)
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Chop the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage into 1-inch wide pieces, blanch in boiling water, and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Cook ground beef with onion, carrot, celery, garlic, and seasonings.
- Prepare the Mixture: Add tomato juice, rice, and cheese to the beef mixture.
- Layer the Casserole: Alternate cabbage, beef mixture, and mozzarella in a baking dish.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake, then uncover for final baking. Let rest before serving.
Notes
- You can customize the dish by adding your favorite herbs and spices to the beef mixture.
- This casserole freezes well, making it a convenient make-ahead meal option.
- Try substituting ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, Cabbage Casserole, Beef and Cabbage Casserole
