Are you looking for a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor and easy to make? Look no further than this One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole. This dish combines all the elements of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls into one delicious casserole, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With minimal cleanup and maximum taste, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
This One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is not just about convenience; it’s also about delivering incredible flavors that everyone will love. The tender cabbage leaves envelop a savory mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices, all simmering together in a rich tomato sauce. It’s comfort food at its best, offering both nutrition and satisfaction in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is loved for its simplicity and robust flavors. First, it requires minimal preparation time while still allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal. You can easily throw everything into one skillet, reducing the mess in your kitchen significantly.
Secondly, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Want to use turkey instead of beef? Go ahead! Prefer quinoa over rice? It works beautifully! Furthermore, it’s a great way to sneak in some vegetables without anyone noticing, making it an excellent option for families with picky eaters.
Key Ingredients
Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for creating the perfect One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cabbage: The star of this dish; fresh green cabbage adds texture and flavor.
- Ground Beef: Provides protein and a rich taste; feel free to substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
- Rice: Acts as a filler and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the sauce.
- Onion: Adds depth of flavor and sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the base of the sauce; choose a quality brand for the best results.
- Toppings: Shredded cheese or fresh herbs can be used for garnishing before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: chop the onion and garlic, core the cabbage, and measure out your rice and crushed tomatoes.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Next, incorporate ground beef into the skillet. Cook until browned; break it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Add rice to the mixture along with crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly.
- Crumble in your cabbage leaves on top of the mixture, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and let simmer for about 25-30 minutes until cabbage is tender and flavors meld together.
Expert Tips
Select fresh cabbage for optimal texture; wilted leaves will not hold up well during cooking. Additionally, you can use leftover cooked rice to save time during prep. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding spices like paprika or cumin into your meat mixture. If you’re trying to cut down on carbs, substituting cauliflower rice is an excellent option that doesn’t compromise taste!
Presentation Ideas
Your One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole will look as good as it tastes when presented well! Serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic feel or transfer portions onto individual plates topped with freshly chopped parsley or grated cheese for added color and appeal. Pair it with crusty bread or a light salad on the side to balance out the meal beautifully!
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole ahead of time by assembling all ingredients in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to adjust cooking times slightly if baking straight from cold!
How do I store leftovers?
The leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place it back on low heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through; add a splash of water if it seems dry!
Can I freeze this casserole?
This dish freezes quite well! After cooking and cooling completely, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months—simply thaw overnight in your refrigerator before reheating!
I don’t like tomatoes; what can I substitute?
If tomatoes aren’t your thing, try using vegetable broth as a base instead of crushed tomatoes. You could also consider using cream soups or even cheese sauces that will bring moisture while adding creaminess!
One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Enjoy a warm, comforting meal with this One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole, a simplified version of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. This dish is packed with a savory blend of ground meat, rice, and spices enveloped in tender cabbage leaves, all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it offers maximum flavor and minimal cleanup—making it a fast favorite in any kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, cored and chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese or fresh herbs
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: chop the onion and garlic, core the cabbage, and measure out the rice and crushed tomatoes.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onion until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef to the skillet; cook until browned while breaking it up with a spatula.
- Mix in rice and crushed tomatoes; stir well to combine.
- Crumble cabbage leaves on top of the mixture, cover with a lid, reduce heat to low, and simmer for about 25-30 minutes until cabbage is tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg