Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Savor the comforting flavors of an Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole, a simplified twist on the classic stuffed cabbage recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This hearty dish blends tender green cabbage, savory ground beef, aromatic onion and garlic, and a medley of warming spices like paprika and thyme. Tossed with beefy tomato sauce, fluffy white rice, and topped with a golden layer of melted mozzarella, every bite is rich, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. With just 15 minutes of prep, this oven-baked casserole delivers the homey essence of stuffed cabbage without the hassle of rolling. Perfectly balanced and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Make it complete with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color and flavor—ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:65 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1 Yellow onion, diced
• 3 Garlic cloves, minced
• 1 head Green cabbage, chopped
• 28 ounces Diced tomatoes, canned
• 8 ounces Tomato sauce
• 2 cups Cooked white rice
• 1 cup Beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 1 cup Shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a plate.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir in the paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

Step 5

Add the chopped cabbage to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.

Step 6

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and cooked rice. Mix everything thoroughly and let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7

Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 9

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 10

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 11

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3194.5 grams (3194.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2395

Total Fat 126.40g	162%
Saturated Fat 49.80g	249%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.60g
Cholesterol 401mg	134%
Sodium 6767mg	294%
Total Carbohydrate 193.60g	70%
Dietary Fiber 35.80g	128%
Total Sugars 56.00g
Protein 135.80g	272%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1509mg	116%
Iron 23mg	129%
Potassium 4664mg	99%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 46.3%

Protein: 22.1%

Carbs: 31.5%