Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Love the flavor of stuffed cabbage rolls but not the rolling and stuffing? This Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole has all the hearty goodness—without the hassle! Packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, herbs, tomatoes, and rice, this comforting one-pan dish is topped with melty cheese and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a cozy, family-friendly meal that brings Italian flair to a classic favorite.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
All the Flavor, None of the Fuss – Skip the rolling and stuff everything into one dish.
Hearty & Satisfying – A full meal with meat, rice, and veggies in every bite.
Cheesy & Bubbly – Topped with mozzarella for that irresistible finish.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make ahead and reheat beautifully all week long.
One Dish Wonder – Fewer dishes, more flavor, maximum comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Casserole:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried basil
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for extra flavor)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh chopped parsley or basil
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Extra Parmesan

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Cutting board and knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

Step 2: Cook the Beef and Aromatics

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add ground beef and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add onion and garlic, and sauté for another 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Cabbage and Tomatoes

1. Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for 5–6 minutes until it starts to wilt.
2. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors and soften the cabbage.

Step 4: Combine with Rice and Cheese

1. Stir in cooked rice and ½ cup of shredded mozzarella.
2. Mix everything thoroughly so the flavors are well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
2. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and the Parmesan on top.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

1. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
2. Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
3. Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or chili flakes if desired.

Tips for the Best Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole
Use Cooked Rice – Make it ahead or use leftover rice to save time.
Chop Cabbage Evenly – Smaller pieces cook more evenly and are easier to eat.
Don’t Skip the Cheese – It adds creaminess and that classic Italian comfort feel.
Let It Rest – A short rest after baking helps the casserole hold together when sliced.
Make It Ahead – Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and bake when ready.

Serving Suggestions

• With garlic bread or crusty Italian rolls
• A side salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a fresh contrast
• Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or green beans
• A glass of sparkling water or lemon iced tea

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Great for packed lunches and quick dinners.

Freezing:

• Freeze the fully baked casserole in portions or whole. Wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating:

• Oven: Cover with foil and warm at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 2–3 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
   Yes! Cooked quinoa works well and adds a little extra protein.
2. Is this gluten-free?
   Yes, as long as all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I make it vegetarian?
   Absolutely—just use lentils or plant-based meat alternatives instead of beef.
4. Can I use red cabbage?
   You can, but green cabbage softens more nicely and blends better with the sauce.
5. Is this kid-friendly?
   Definitely! The mild flavors and cheesy topping make it appealing to all ages.

Final Thoughts

This Italian Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole delivers everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls—with none of the rolling. It’s savory, saucy, and satisfyingly cheesy—a true comfort dish that’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for guests.
Whip it up tonight and enjoy all the Italian-inspired flavor with half the effort!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 6):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 24g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 23g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 620mg

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