1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon pre-minced garlic)
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
2 pounds ground beef
1 can (29 ounces) tomato sauce
1 head green cabbage, shredded
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon coarse ground black pepper, divided
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until softened.
Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, then add the ground beef. Break up the meat as it cooks and sauté until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed and set aside.
In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, uncooked rice, salt, and half of the black pepper. Mix well. This mixture will cook and thicken as the casserole bakes.
In a large casserole dish, start layering:
One-third of the shredded cabbage
One-third of the cooked ground beef
One-third of the tomato-rice mixture
Repeat the layers two more times, ending with the sauce mixture on top.
Pour the beef broth evenly over the entire casserole. This ensures the rice cooks fully and keeps everything moist and flavorful.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Place the covered casserole in the oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the remaining black pepper over the top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
For a delicious twist, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top before baking. The cheese melts into the layers and adds a comforting, gooey finish.
Serve this casserole hot with crusty bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s hearty enough to stand alone and makes excellent leftovers for lunch the next day.
This layered cabbage roll casserole proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients, easy prep, and bold, familiar flavors, it’s a dish that brings warmth to the table without the extra work. If you love classic cabbage rolls but want a faster, simpler version, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
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