If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender cabbage, savory beef, and gooey melted cheese, you have to try this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe. I absolutely love how this casserole-style dish brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of individually rolling each leaf. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become one of your favorite weeknight go-tos!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: No rolling required—just toss ingredients in a dish and bake.
- Flavor Explosion: The blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and tender cabbage makes every bite so comforting.
- Cheesy Goodness: Melty mozzarella on top turns this into pure comfort food heaven.
- Family Friendly: My crew devours this one without hesitation, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet they work together to build an incredibly cozy meal. I like to keep fresh and quality ingredients on hand for the best flavor—especially fresh cabbage and good shredded cheese.
- Ground beef: Choose lean beef to keep the dish flavorful but not greasy.
- Olive oil: Adds a lovely richness when sautéing onions and garlic.
- White onion: Gives sweetness and depth; don’t skip sautéing it slowly.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic really wakes up the flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that pairs perfectly with meat and tomato.
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper: Season generously for balanced flavor.
- Green cabbage: Fresh and crisp, chopped into chunks to blend easily in the bake.
- Tomato sauce: A simple, smooth base for the casserole’s sauce.
- Beef broth: Enhances the meaty flavor and keeps things juicy.
- White rice: Rinsed and uncooked, it cooks right in the casserole absorbing all those delicious flavors.
- Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded for perfect melting; feel free to swap with cheddar or your favorite blend.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste or what you’ve got on hand. You can switch up meats, cheeses, or even go veggie if you want.
- Ground turkey or chicken: I’ve tried swapping in ground turkey for a leaner option, and it still turns out juicy and flavorful after baking.
- Cheese blends: Mixing mozzarella with a bit of sharp cheddar or pepper jack adds an extra punch of flavor that my family loves.
- Vegetarian: Use cooked lentils or mushrooms instead of beef, and swap beef broth for vegetable broth for a tasty meatless version.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky, slightly spicy twist.
How to Make Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and prepping a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a quick spray of non-stick spray—this helps everything come out cleanly at serving time. Brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it apart until there’s no pink left. Drain off any excess grease—this little step prevents the bake from getting greasy—and set the beef aside. Then, add olive oil into the same skillet and toss in your diced onion. Let it soften slowly for about 10 minutes; this builds a natural sweetness that’s absolutely key. When the onions are translucent and tender, stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, and your salt and pepper. Cook for just 30-60 seconds until fragrant—you don’t want the garlic to burn.
Step 2: Cook Cabbage and Simmer Sauce Base
Next, add chopped cabbage to your skillet and cook it for about 5 minutes until it starts to soften but still has a nice texture. Then pour in tomato sauce and beef broth—this combo creates a savory, flavorful base. Turn the heat up to high and let everything come to a simmer for just a couple minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Carefully pour the cabbage and tomato mixture into your prepared casserole dish. Add your uncooked, rinsed white rice along with the browned beef. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to make sure the rice is evenly distributed and soaking up that rich sauce. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 45 minutes; this long bake lets the rice become tender and absorb those delicious flavors. After that, remove the foil and sprinkle your shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melting and bubbly and the rice is fully cooked.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once your Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe comes out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. I love to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream on the side elevates it to next-level comfort food. Serve it up and watch your family or guests dig in happily!
Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe
- Drain the beef well: I’ve learned that removing excess grease keeps the final bake from turning oily, giving a cleaner flavor.
- Don’t skip rinsing the rice: Rinsed rice prevents it from getting too sticky or gummy in the casserole.
- Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting, so freshly shredding makes a big difference.
- Let it rest briefly before serving: This gives the rice time to set and the casserole easier serving portions.
How to Serve Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh herbs, so I always sprinkle chopped parsley or even some fresh chives on top—it brightens the whole dish. A dollop of sour cream on the side is my go-to for an extra touch of creaminess and tang, which balances the tomato sauce beautifully.
Side Dishes
This bake is a hearty meal on its own, but if you want some sides, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also work well if you’re craving something to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to serve this bake in individual ramekins or small casserole dishes so everyone gets a cheesy, bubbly portion straight from the oven. It makes for a cozy presentation and gives a homemade touch at dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your meal, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. I usually eat mine within 3 to 4 days, and it heats up beautifully without losing moisture or flavor.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe a few times with great results. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing, then freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, bake leftovers covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. Removing the foil during the last 5 minutes helps the cheese on top regain its melty, bubbly goodness.
FAQs
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Can I use another type of rice for this recipe?
Yes! While long-grain white rice is recommended because it cooks perfectly within the bake time, you can use brown rice or jasmine rice. Just keep in mind brown rice usually requires longer cooking, so you might need to adjust the liquid and bake time accordingly.
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Is it necessary to precook the cabbage?
In this recipe, the cabbage is briefly sautéed with onions so it softens and blends well into the sauce before baking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents crunchiness in the final dish.
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check the ingredients like beef broth and tomato sauce to ensure they don’t contain any gluten additives.
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What can I substitute for ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat alternatives. Just brown and cook them the same way as the beef for best texture and flavor.
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Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the entire bake a day ahead, cover tightly, and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if your dish is cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a big hug after a long day in the kitchen. I love how it’s forgiving and easy but still tastes like you put in so much effort—and your family will rave about it. If you’re craving classic comfort food with minimal prep, this is the recipe I always recommend to friends. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out—I’m betting you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Roll Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Stuffed Cabbage Roll Recipe offers a comforting, hearty dish featuring a flavorful mixture of ground beef, rice, and cabbage baked in a savory tomato sauce and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe brings together tender cabbage pieces infused with aromatic spices and rich beef broth, all baked to perfection in the oven for a warm, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium head green cabbage, outer leaves discarded and chopped into 1½-inch cubes
Seasonings and Oils
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 (32-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
Grains and Dairy
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
- 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, etc.)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside to use later for baking the casserole.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, then transfer the browned beef to a clean plate or bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Add Seasonings: Return the skillet to medium heat and add the olive oil. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper, cooking for 30 to 60 seconds while stirring to release their aromas.
- Cook Cabbage and Simmer Sauce: Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook until it begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, mix well, then increase the heat to high and bring to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 1 to 2 minutes to meld the flavors before removing from the heat.
- Assemble Casserole: Carefully transfer the tomato and cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add the rinsed uncooked white rice and the browned ground beef on top, then mix all the ingredients thoroughly in the dish to distribute evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook and the flavors to blend.
- Add Cheese and Finish Baking: After 45 minutes, remove the foil and gently fluff the mixture with a fork. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is fully cooked.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Optionally, serve with a dollop of sour cream on the side to add creaminess and balance the tomato sauce’s acidity.
Notes
- Be sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch and prevent it from becoming gummy during baking.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt level in the dish. Adjust seasoning at the end if necessary.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions and garlic.
- For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or oven and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
