Are you craving classic comfort food but short on time? This stuffed cabbage casserole is your answer! Forget the tedious rolling and multiple pots. Our recipe simplifies the traditional favorite into one hearty, flavorful dish. It is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering all the delicious taste of homemade stuffed cabbage without the fuss. Get ready for a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
To fully appreciate this deconstructed version, it’s interesting to consider the rich history of cabbage rolls. You’ll quickly fall in love with this deconstructed stuffed cabbage casserole because it captures all the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with significantly less effort. It is truly a quick and easy preparation, making it an ideal choice for busy schedules. This hearty, satisfying family meal provides substantial comfort and warmth. It is also fantastic for meal prepping, freezing beautifully for future enjoyment. Plus, with budget-friendly ingredients and minimal cleanup thanks to its one-pot nature, what’s not to adore?
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your easy stuffed cabbage casserole:
- 1 Lb. Package Foster Farms Organic Ground Turkey
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1/2 White Onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon Ground Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt
- 14 ounce Can Diced Tomatoes (low sodium)
- 1/2 Head Small Green Cabbage, chopped
- 1½ Cups Water
- 1 Cup Quick Cook Rice or Rice Blend (e.g., 10 minute cook rice & grain medley)
- 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Jack Cheese
- Chopped Parsley, for garnish
- Salt/Pepper To Taste
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize your stuffed cabbage casserole! For ground meat, you can use ground beef, pork, or even venison in place of turkey. If quick-cook rice isn’t available, adjust water and cooking times for brown rice or quinoa, or opt for cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative. Experiment with savoy or napa cabbage for slightly different textures. Boost flavors with a pinch of smoked paprika or a bay leaf during simmering. For cheese, mozzarella or provolone work well. Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can substitute diced tomatoes for a smoother consistency.
Equipment
You won’t need much to create this fantastic meal. Here’s a list of the essential kitchen tools for your easy stuffed cabbage casserole:
- Large Dutch Oven or Oven-Safe Pot: Crucial for one-pot cooking.
- Cutting Board and Knife: For preparing your vegetables.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.
- Cooking Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and browning your meat.
Instructions
Creating this flavorful stuffed cabbage casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious, easy meal.
- Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add two tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the 1 Lb. package of Foster Farms Organic Ground Turkey along with the chopped 1/2 white onion. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat, until the turkey is fully browned and the onions are softened. Ensure no pink remains.
- Season Aromatic: Reduce the heat to medium. Sprinkle the browned turkey and onion mixture with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt. Stir everything thoroughly, making sure the spices are evenly distributed and fragrant. This step infuses deep flavor into your stuffed cabbage casserole.
- Combine Liquids & Grains: Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot. Add the 14-ounce can of low-sodium diced tomatoes (undrained), 1½ cups of water, and 1 cup of quick-cook rice or rice blend to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, ensuring the rice is submerged.
- Add Cabbage: Once boiling, stir in the 1/2 head of chopped green cabbage. Make sure the cabbage is mixed into the liquid and rice. Cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid. This traps steam and helps the cabbage tenderize.
- Simmer until Tender: Reduce the heat to medium-low immediately after covering. Let the stuffed cabbage casserole simmer for 10 minutes, or until the quick-cook rice is tender and the cabbage has softened to your liking. The liquid should be mostly absorbed. Taste the mixture and add additional salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
- Melt the Cheese: Once the rice and cabbage are tender, sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded cheddar jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Cover the pot again for 1-2 minutes. The residual heat will gently melt the cheese into a gooey, delicious layer, completing your delightful stuffed cabbage casserole.
- Garnish & Serve: Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully uncover it. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve your easy one-pot stuffed cabbage casserole hot and enjoy this simplified take on a classic!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Mastering your one-pot stuffed cabbage casserole takes just a few simple tricks. To prevent a watery casserole, always drain canned tomatoes thoroughly if you prefer a thicker sauce, and avoid over-adding water. For extra flavor, consider adding a bay leaf during simmering, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a splash of apple cider vinegar at the end. Ensure even rice cooking by stirring well and using the correct liquid-to-rice ratio specified on your rice package. For perfect cabbage tenderness, cook until it’s soft but still has a slight bite; avoid mushiness. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Browning Meat Properly: Ensure ground meat is fully browned and crumbled for the best texture and flavor.
- Overcrowding the Pot: Use a large enough Dutch oven to allow ingredients to cook evenly.
- Forgetting to Drain Excess Liquid: If your tomatoes are very watery, drain them slightly to control moisture.
- Using Regular Rice Instead of Quick-Cook: This recipe relies on quick-cook rice; regular rice will require more liquid and a longer cooking time.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
This versatile stuffed cabbage casserole pairs wonderfully with various sides and can be adapted to suit any taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty meal with a side of garlic butter noodles for a complete comfort food experience. A loaf of no-knead Dutch oven bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, a fresh cucumber salad offers a refreshing contrast. A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt on top adds a creamy tang that complements the savory flavors beautifully.
Storage Instructions
Allow your stuffed cabbage casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, microwave individual servings until hot, or warm larger portions in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
Recipe Variations
- Low-Carb: Replace quick-cook rice with riced cauliflower or extra chopped cabbage for a low-carb alternative.
- Vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with cooked lentils, crumbled tempeh, or finely chopped mushrooms for a plant-based version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture for some heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika with the other spices, or add cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky depth.
- Creamy Version: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream during the last few minutes of simmering for a richer, creamier casserole.
Nutrition
Delving into the nutritional aspects of this dish, it’s worth noting that cabbage is a nutrient-dense vegetable, offering many impressive health benefits. It provides a good balance of protein from the lean ground turkey, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and essential vitamins and fiber from the green cabbage and tomatoes. Each serving offers a hearty caloric intake to keep you full and energized. Cabbage is known for its high vitamin C and K content, while lean meats contribute to muscle health. For full nutritional details, consult a trusted dietary calculator based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 6g |
FAQ
Can I use regular ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely! You can easily swap ground turkey for regular ground beef, pork, or a combination. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure the meat is fully browned.
What type of cabbage is best for this recipe?
Green cabbage is traditional and works perfectly for this stuffed cabbage casserole. You can also use savoy or napa cabbage for slightly different textures, which are generally a bit milder.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can cook the entire casserole, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven when ready to serve.
Can I freeze leftover stuffed cabbage casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers and store them for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How do I prevent the casserole from being too soupy or dry?
To prevent it from being too soupy, ensure you drain any excess liquid from the meat. For a drier casserole, you might have used too much liquid; you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce.
Is it possible to make this recipe without rice?
Yes, for a low-carb option, omit the rice entirely and add extra cabbage or riced cauliflower. The cook time might be slightly shorter without the rice.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers along with the onions for extra nutrition and flavor. Add them during the browning step.
Conclusion
This easy one-pot stuffed cabbage casserole truly delivers on its promise: classic flavor, minimal fuss. You can now enjoy all the rich, savory taste of traditional stuffed cabbage without the time-consuming rolling. It is perfect for busy parents and beginners, offering a quick, hearty, and incredibly satisfying meal. Give this simplified recipe a try for your next family dinner. We guarantee you’ll love it! Share your experience and let us know how your delicious casserole turned out in the comments below!