Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole
A hearty, comforting casserole combining cabbage, beef, rice, and tomato flavors, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare on busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chopped cabbage in a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Brown the ground beef and chopped onion together; drain off excess fat.
- Add uncooked rice, tomato soup, and water to the beef and onion mixture.
- Mix well and heat through for about 10 minutes.
- Pour the mixture over the cabbage in the casserole.
- Cover and bake at 325°F for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider seasoning the beef with garlic powder or Italian herbs. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a vegetarian dish, replace the meat with lentils and use vegetable broth instead of water. Experiment with adding diced bell peppers or carrots for more texture and nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Good Baked Squash for a comforting side dish. Consider topping with a sprinkle of cheese before serving for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole contains roughly 261 calories, with 6g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1836mg per serving (80% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat in this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative to suit your dietary preferences. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if using a different meat.
What can I do if I don't have tomato soup?
If you don't have tomato soup, you can use a can of diced tomatoes mixed with a tablespoon of tomato paste and a bit of sugar to achieve a similar flavor. Adding some Italian seasoning can also enhance the taste.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cabbage is tender and the rice has cooked through. You can check by inserting a fork into the casserole; if it easily goes through the cabbage and rice, it’s ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).