One Skillet Cabbage Roll Casserole With Beef

Old-fashioned cabbage rolls are great, but this Cabbage Roll Casserole is simpler! In this dish, you’ll find luscious yum with cabbage, beef, and rice in a sauce of light tomatoes. It’s a robust and easy recipe – and most of all, delicious!

My family may not be surprised that I’m making yet another casserole; however, the dishes are never left begging. Everyone always eats every last bite! So, I’d say casseroles are the best! The downside, unfortunately, is that casseroles are not always the most visually pleasing to see. For instance, this casserole may not seem appealing at face value. Trust me on this though, it is so much better than it looks. Let your tastebuds be your guide on this one.

If you’ve never made cabbage rolls before, there are two things you need to know about them. First, they’re delicious. And second, they’re a pain in the butt. The fusion of flavors – browned ground beef, onions, rice, cabbage, and tomato sauce – is incredibly satisfying. But to create it, you have to cook the cabbage by itself, then make the filling, then roll it up in the leaves, pile everything in a casserole dish, and bake it. That’s just too many steps for a busy cook.

Two things to say here about cabbage rolls if you have never tried them and that is they are 1. so yummy, and 2. It can be crazy meticulous to put together! Once it all comes together and you have the symphony of melding flavors between the beef, cabbage, etc. it does make your time worth it. However, there are a lot of steps to making cabbage rolls, such as boiling the cabbage, cooking the filling, and so on. That can seem like a ton of time and energy for a Mom or Dad trying to make a meal for their family!

CAN THIS CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE BE Made IN A SKILLET?

Certainly! With a few simple steps, you can make this cabbage roll casserole in the skillet where you cooked your cabbage.  You can prepare this dish in the oven (in a skillet for the oven) or on the stovetop

METHOD FOR CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE ON THE STOVETOP

As soon as you cook your cabbage, in your skillet make layers of cabbage, beef filling, cheese of your choice, cabbage again, beef filling, and then a top layer of cheese.   Cover your skillet with tin foil or a pan lid and reduce heat to low.  Heat until cheese has melted, and the cabbage is soft.

METHOD FOR CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE IN AN OVEN-SAFE SKILLET

First of all, be sure you have an oven-safe skillet. You want to create layers of the prepared cabbage, beef filling, and your cheese.  Repeat the process as needed with cheese being the top and final layer.  From here, cover your pan with tinfoil. Bake for 20 minutes. After the 20 minutes, remove tinfoil. Bake until cheese is browned.

VARIATIONS OF CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE RECIPE

I know that there are those who enjoy recipes with some heat.  I enjoy a bit of a kick sometimes myself. So, if you’re like me, then this section may have your name on it. Here are some ideas for ways to make this Cabbage Roll Casserole more dramatic tasting. You can also do sections of spicier rolls in case your family’s tastebuds vary. Otherwise, having some extra rice prepared and on hand may be helpful to those with less tolerance.

• 1-2 TBSP Cajun seasoning. To be added with your other spices as you’re preparing the recipe.
• 1-2 sprinkles of crushed red pepper. To be added with tomato sauce and beef.
• A 14.5 oz can of fire roasted tomatoes. Added with the tomato sauce
• Instead of monetary jack, use pepper jack cheese
• Diced jalapeno. Add at the garlic step.

HOW DO I SHRED THE CABBAGE WITH NO FOOD PROCESSOR?

• Begin by cutting cabbage in half. Then, cut out stem. Place cabbage flat surface down before slicing into thin strips. For this process, you can use a large knife or mandolin.

WHY USE TINFOIL TO Cover the CABBAGE ROLL CASSEROLE BEFORE BAKING?

• Tinfoil will holds keep the casserole from drying in the heat of the oven. Tinfoil holds moisture down into the cabbage and also helps the dish cook more evenly.

CAN I USE A DIFFERENT TYPE oF CHEESE?

• Pepper jack is great if you or your family enjoy some heat. Other options are monetary jack. Essentially any white cheese could work. I certainly encourage adventure in the kitchen!

What Ingredients Do you Need for One Skillet Cabbage Roll Casserole With Beef? 

Cabbage

Beef

Rice, uncooked

White onion, chopped

Tomato sauce

Beef broth

Garlic

Salt/pepper to taste

How To Make One Skillet Cabbage Roll Casserole With Beef?

First Step:

Preheat to 350F degrees.

Begin by browning the beef in a skillet using medium-high heat. Right before removing the beef from the pan, add the garlic to the beef. Drain beef.

Second Step:

Mix the sauce, cabbage, onion, salt and pepper, and rice all together in a large bowl. Stir the beef into the cabbage mixture.

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b)

Third Step:

Begin to layer your cabbage, beef mixture, and. cheese in a 9×9 pan.

Using tinfoil, cover the pan and dish. Bake at 350F for 1 hour.

Fourth Step:

After an hour, remove the dish. Stir and be sure to cover with foil again before placing back in the oven.

Let the dish bake again for 15-30 minutes. The rice should be done and the cabbage soft when the dish if finished baking.

Enjoy!