Quick Benefits
Layered Cabbage Rolls offer all the comforting flavor of traditional stuffed cabbage without the hassle of rolling. It’s a one-pan wonder—hearty, wholesome, and full of flavor. With protein-rich beef, fiber-filled cabbage, and a tangy-sweet tomato sauce, this dish is a balanced and satisfying meal ideal for family dinners or meal prepping.
Essential Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, sliced into 1/2″ strips
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2⁄3 cup uncooked rice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1⁄4 teaspoon black pepper
- 24 oz crushed tomatoes
- 15 oz tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1⁄3 cup light brown sugar
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the sliced cabbage evenly across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add uncooked rice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and crushed tomatoes to the beef mixture. Stir well.
- Spread the beef mixture evenly over the cabbage in the baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together tomato sauce, white wine vinegar, and brown sugar.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage layers.
- Cover with foil and bake for 90 minutes.
- Let it rest 5–10 minutes after baking before serving.
Health Benefits
- Cabbage is rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- Ground beef provides essential protein and iron.
- Tomato-based sauces contain lycopene, which supports heart health.
- This dish is gluten-free and customizable to fit a variety of diets.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and creaminess.
- Add a side of roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes for a full, comforting meal.
Creative Variations
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to sneak in extra veggies.
- Try it with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice for a low-carb option.
- Spice it up with a dash of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
- Tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop more!
Pro Tips
- Use pre-shredded cabbage to save time.
- Be sure the rice is completely covered in sauce so it cooks evenly.
- Cover tightly with foil while baking to trap moisture.
- If making ahead, assemble and refrigerate unbaked, then bake fresh the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
A: Yes, but reduce the baking time by 15–20 minutes since the rice won’t need to cook through.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: It’s mildly seasoned, but you can always adjust the chili powder or add hot sauce to taste.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative.
Q: Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
A: Yes, though green cabbage softens more and has a milder flavor, making it more traditional.
Layered Cabbage Rolls
Layered Cabbage Rolls offer all the comfort and flavor of traditional cabbage rolls but without the rolling! This hearty casserole layers tender cabbage with seasoned beef, rice, and a sweet-tangy tomato sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s easy to assemble and deeply satisfying.
- Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Ingredients
1 medium head of cabbage, sliced into 1/2″ strips
2 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, chopped small
2⁄3 cup uncooked rice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
24 ounces crushed tomatoes
15 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1⁄3 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take that lovely cabbage and spread it across the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish or use two smaller pans if you prefer.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef along with the chopped onion until the meat is perfectly browned. Ah, the smell is delightful!
Drain any excess grease from the skillet, and then add the uncooked rice, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the meat mixture. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and stir gently until everything is nicely combined. This mixture is a real crowd-pleaser!
Spread the meat mixture evenly over the cabbage in the baking dish.
In another bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, white wine vinegar, and brown sugar. Pour this tangy mixture over the meat and cabbage layers.
Cover your dish with foil and pop it in the preheated oven for 90 minutes. After, remove the foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Casserole
- Cuisine: American / Eastern European-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: Approximately 400 per serving (based on 8 servings)
