Name: Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large white onion - diced; 3 cloves garlic - minced; 1 medium head green cabbage - outer leaves discarded and chopped into 1½-inch cubes; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt - plus more to taste; ½ teaspoon pepper - plus more to taste; 1 (32-ounce) can tomato sauce; 3 cups low-sodium beef broth; 1 cup long-grain white rice - rinsed; 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese - or cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, etc.

If you love the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but dread all that rolling, then this Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a comforting, hearty one-dish dinner that’s easy to throw together and loaded with melty cheese goodness on top.

A close-up of a square white baking dish filled with lasagna. A metal spatula lifts one thick piece showing layers of brown ground meat, soft pasta sheets with curled edges, and reddish tomato sauce with a slightly bubbly, melted cheese top layer sprinkled with small green herb bits. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a plain white background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I made this casserole—it instantly became a family favorite! The ease of skipping the rolling step while still capturing that nostalgic cabbage roll flavor is a total game-changer. Plus, the cheesy top gets everyone excited to dig in!

No rolling required: All the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls packed into a simple casserole dish.
One-dish wonder: Minimal cleanup thanks to everything baking together in one pan.
Comfort food classic: Hearty ground beef, cabbage, and rice with tomato sauce, perfectly baked and cheesy.
Customizable: Easy swaps for different cheeses or ground meats to suit your taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start chopping and sautéing, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why these ingredients are key to making the best cabbage roll casserole possible.

Flat lay of fresh ground beef formed into a neat mound, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a large white onion whole and peeled, three fresh garlic cloves with papery skins intact, a small white bowl filled with mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl with bright red paprika powder, a small white bowl with coarse white salt crystals, a small white bowl with cracked black peppercorns, a medium head of green cabbage with tightly packed leaves and a few outer leaves trimmed, a simple white ceramic bowl filled with vibrant red tomato sauce, a small white bowl of rich brown beef broth, a small white ceramic bowl holding uncooked long-grain white rice, a small neat pile of freshly shredded mozzarella cheese with soft edges, fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs arranged delicately, all items symmetrically placed and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Lean ground beef: Provides the savory protein base, keeping the dish hearty without too much grease.
Olive oil: Helps soften onions and build flavor without overpowering the dish.
White onion: Adds sweetness and depth once cooked down slowly.
Garlic: A must for punchy, aromatic flavor that wakes up the whole casserole.
Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that reminds me of grandma’s homemade sauces.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky kick and warms the flavor profile.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—adjust to your taste buds as you go.
Green cabbage: The star veggie that gives that classic cabbage roll feel, chopped into chunks for easy baking.
Tomato sauce: Provides the tangy, rich base sauce that soaks into the meat and rice beautifully.
Low-sodium beef broth: Adds moisture and depth without making the casserole too salty.
Long-grain white rice: Rinsed before use to keep grains separate and fluffy once baked.
Freshly shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly to create a gooey, golden crust, but feel free to swap in your favorite cheese!

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best things about this Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to tweak it to suit your taste buds or whatever you have on hand—this dish is ready to adapt and become your new favorite comfort meal.

Ground Meat Swap: I often switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken when I want a leaner option. It keeps the dish light but still packed with flavor.
Cheese Choices: While mozzarella melts beautifully, I love adding a bit of sharp cheddar or even Pepper Jack for a little kick. You really can’t go wrong with any melty cheese you prefer!
Rice Alternatives: I’ve tried using brown rice here, which adds a nuttier taste and a bit more chew. Just remember it needs longer to cook and a bit more broth to keep everything moist.
Vegetarian Version: If you want to skip the meat, swap in hearty mushrooms or lentils—they add texture and warmth, turning this into a veggie-packed delight.
Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes with the paprika or top with hot sauce when serving. It’s a great way to add personality to this classic casserole.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe

A slice of lasagna sits on a white plate with visible layers starting from a bottom layer of chunky brown meat sauce mixed with light orange sauce and soft yellow pasta sheets, followed by a middle layer of light orange cheese sauce and pasta sheets, topped by a golden brown melted cheese layer with some green herb sprinkles. The edges of the lasagna are slightly browned and textured. The plate is on a white marbled surface with some green herb flakes scattered around. In the background, a white casserole dish with more lasagna is slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms up, grab a large 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This simple step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will come out perfectly when baked. Setting this up early keeps everything running smoothly!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your lean ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until it’s no longer pink — this usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain the excess grease so your casserole isn’t too oily, then transfer the meat to a clean plate or bowl. Set it aside for now.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Build Flavors

Return your skillet to medium heat and pour in the tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent – about 10 minutes. This slow sauté brings out a lovely sweetness. Then add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for about 30-60 seconds until the spices release their wonderful aroma.

Step 4: Cook the Cabbage and Prepare the Sauce

Next, add the chopped cabbage to the skillet. Cook, stirring often, until it starts to soften—about 5 minutes. Then pour in the tomato sauce and beef broth, mixing everything thoroughly. Crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble for 1-2 minutes. This step melds all the flavors beautifully before removing it from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Carefully pour the hot tomato and cabbage mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch casserole dish. Then add the rinsed, uncooked white rice and the browned ground beef on top. Use a large spoon or spatula to mix everything gently but well — you want the rice, beef, cabbage, and sauce perfectly combined for even cooking.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole Covered

Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in your preheated oven. Bake covered for 45 minutes to allow the rice to cook through and the flavors to blend. Resist the urge to peek too often—this quiet baking is key!

Step 7: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

After the initial bake, carefully remove the foil and gently fluff the casserole with a fork to separate the rice. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella (or your cheese of choice) evenly across the top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese melts into a bubbly, golden layer and the rice is tender.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm — if you like, add a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess and richness. This dish shines best fresh but stores beautifully for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get the best results when making your Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe, ensuring every bite is flavorful, well-textured, and perfectly baked.

Choose the Right Rice: I recommend sticking with long-grain white rice like basmati or jasmine. It cooks perfectly within the baking time, and the texture complements the tender cabbage and savory beef beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Sauté: Cooking the onions and garlic well before adding cabbage gives the casserole a rich, deep flavor. I've learned that rushing this step can leave the dish tasting flat.
Layer and Mix Evenly: After adding the rice and browned meat to the tomato-cabbage mixture, make sure to mix everything very well. This ensures even cooking, and every spoonful has a bit of everything.
Tight Foil Cover: Covering the casserole tightly with foil prevents moisture from escaping, which is crucial to cook the rice fully and keep the cabbage tender without drying out the dish.

How to Serve Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe

A white rectangular baking dish is shown on a white marbled surface, filled with a layered dish. The bottom layer is reddish-brown sauce that is visible around the edges. Above it, there is a thick layer of food, likely pasta or meat mixed with sauce. The top layer is fully covered with shredded pale yellow cheese spread evenly across the surface. The edges of the dish have some sauce marks. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Freshly chopped parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness that balances the rich, cheesy casserole. For an extra touch of creaminess, a dollop of sour cream on top is a classic favorite. You might also try a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a satisfying all-in-one dish, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a side of steamed green beans. A crusty artisan bread or garlic knots also work beautifully to soak up any delicious sauce left on your plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days—perfect for easy lunches or reheated dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—about 20-30 minutes depending on portion size. For a quicker option, microwave individual servings until hot, stirring halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground beef can be swapped with ground pork, sausage, chicken, or turkey depending on your preference. Each brings a slightly different flavor but keeps the dish delicious.

Can I use precooked rice instead of uncooked rice?

Yes! Use about 3 cups of cooked rice, omit the beef broth, and bake the casserole covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered for 15 minutes or until the cheese melts and bubbles.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can create your own blend using dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Adjust the mix to your taste to bring in those familiar Italian flavors.

How do I know when the rice is fully cooked?

After baking for 45 minutes covered and then 10-20 minutes uncovered with the cheese, the rice should be tender. If it’s still a bit firm, cover again and bake a little longer, checking periodically.

Final Thoughts

Making Cabbage Roll Casserole with Cheese Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite weeknight solutions. It captures all the cozy, hearty flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with so much less fuss. I hope it brings warmth and comfort to your table just like it does to mine. Happy cooking and enjoy every cheesy, satisfying bite!