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Easy Ground Beef and Rice Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

ground beef and rice stuffed cabbage casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy casserole featuring tender cabbage leaves stuffed with savory ground beef and fluffy rice, baked in a simple tomato sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners using pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 cup cooked white rice (day-old rice recommended)
  • 1 medium head green cabbage (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
  • 8 oz tomato sauce (plain)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove tough outer cabbage leaves, separate about 12 large leaves, and blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until pliable. Drain and cool under cold running water, then pat dry.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add ground beef to the skillet and brown, breaking it apart, until no pink remains, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in cooked rice, canned diced tomatoes (undrained), and tomato sauce. Simmer gently for 5 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  6. Spread a thin layer of the beef and rice mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Layer blanched cabbage leaves over it, overlapping slightly. Spoon remaining beef and rice mixture evenly over the cabbage.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and cabbage edges are tender. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on top about 10 minutes before baking ends to melt and brown.
  8. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.

Notes

Blanch cabbage leaves to soften and reduce bitterness. Use day-old rice to avoid watery filling. Drain excess fat after browning beef to prevent greasiness. Let casserole rest after baking for easier slicing. Leftovers reheat well in microwave or oven. Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef casserole, stuffed cabbage, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, casserole recipe, beef and rice, baked cabbage

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/easy-ground-beef-and-rice-stuffed-cabbage-casserole-recipe-for-comfort-meals/