Description
This One-Pan Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole has all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls — savory beef, tender cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce — but without the rolling and fuss. It’s hearty, healthy, and perfect for a quick family dinner, made entirely in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz / 227g) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 ½ cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Cabbage and Seasoning: Toss in chopped cabbage, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add Tomatoes, Sauce, and Broth: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir in uncooked rice until evenly distributed.
- Simmer Until Tender: Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until rice is cooked and cabbage is tender.
- Optional – Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top, cover to melt, or broil for 2–3 minutes for a golden crust.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm with bread or salad.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef (85–90%) to reduce grease.
- Don’t overcook the cabbage — it should be tender, not mushy.
- Add a teaspoon of brown sugar to balance the tomato acidity.
- Try fire-roasted diced tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Use pre-shredded cabbage for a quicker prep time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, One-Pot Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole, Ground Beef Cabbage, One Pan Cabbage Recipe, Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole, Low Carb Dinner, Hearty Family Meal, Comfort Food, Weeknight Dinner, Ground Beef Recipes, One Pot Meals