• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to privacy navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Jo Cooks

Simple - Easy - Comfort

Join my free recipe email club!
Free eBook
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbook
  • ABOUT JO
  • Contact
  • Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube
  • Dinner Ideas
  • Instant Pot
  • Slow Cooker
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • One Pot
  • Desserts
  • chicken enchilada rice casserole
    Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
  • side view shot of lemon chicken rice casserole
    Lemon Chicken Rice Bake
  • overhead shot of chicken broccoli and rice casserole in a pot
    One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
  • side view shot of one pot spanish chicken and rice
    One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice
  • a fork taking a bite of the chicken enchilada quinoa bake
    Chicken Quinoa Enchilada Casserole
Home / Recipes
1 hour 45 minutes
4.46 from 61 votes
26 Comments

Cabbage Roll Casserole

Jump to RecipePrint RecipeJump to Video
  • 224
  • 25
by: Joanna Cismaru
04.05.20
Updated: 04.05.20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

My Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe is layered with a perfectly seasoned pork and rice mixture, tender cabbage, and topped with cheese. It’s a great meal you can throw together with ease. With instructions included for turning this into a freezer meal, good homemade food will be a cinch any night of the week.

a spoonful of cabbage roll casserole

As a Romanian, cabbage rolls are a staple in my kitchen. They’re a guarantee on the table for any special occasion including all the big holidays. I even have a recipe to make them in your Crock Pot! However, these little bundles of joy can be a bit tedious to make.

Cabbage roll casserole to the rescue! This version of a classic family favorite comes together in just a fraction of the time. You’ll get the same delicious taste of cabbage rolls in the form of a fantastic casserole. If you’re like me and feel the cabbage roll cravings creep up every now and then, you need to add this recipe to your repertoire.

overhead shot of ingredients needed to make cabbage roll casserole

Ingredients

Keep scrolling for to the recipe card for the full list of ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!

  • Ground pork – Ground beef will work instead if you prefer.
  • Onion – White onion is best, but any type will work.
  • Garlic – Use more or less as you prefer.
  • Salt and pepper – To taste.
  • Dill – I used dry but fresh will work as well.
  • Paprika – Smoked or regular.
  • Rice – Uncooked, long grain. Not instant.
  • Crushed tomatoes – Tomato passata will work too.
  • Chicken broth – Veggie or beef broth can be subbed.
  • Olive oil – Sunflower, safflower, canola, or vegetable will work too.
  • Cabbage – I used green cabbage. It softens up a bit easier and has a milder flavor. Shred on a mandoline or cut by hand.
  • Monterey Jack – Mozzarella, provolone, gouda, or Swiss are all great alternatives.
process shots showing how to cook the meat and rice mixture and how to soften cabbage

How to make cabbage roll casserole

  1. Cook the pork and rice: In a large skillet, add the ground pork and onion over medium heat. Break up the pork well and stir occasionally until the pork is cooked through. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, dill, paprika, and stir, cooking for another 30 seconds. Add the rice, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice almost cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  2. Soften the cabbage: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large dutch oven. Add the cabbage and cook, stirring often, until softened. About 5 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375F and spray a 9×13″ casserole dish with cooking spray.
  3. Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the cabbage on the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with half the pork mixture, then the remaining cabbage, and finally the remaining pork mixture. Cover the casserole dish with foil.
  4. Bake: For 45 minutes on the middle rack. Remove the foil and sprinkle cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.
process shots showing how to assemble cabbage roll casserole

Can I add anything else to my casserole?

I absolutely love casseroles for this reason! Casseroles were born to be a vessel for the extra ingredients that need to be used up in your kitchen. It’s their true calling. Whether you’re looking to bulk this casserole up or clear out space in the pantry, the options are sky-high.

  • Corn
  • Peas
  • Bell peppers
  • Green onion
  • Broccoli/ cauliflower
  • Canned beans/ chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • Mushrooms
  • Asparagus
a serving of cabbage roll casserole in a white plate

How to serve

Casseroles are a great meal all by themselves. This dinner is filling, delicious, and nutritious packed with cabbage. I served this casserole with a dollop of sour cream to accompany each bite. If you want more veggies on the table, I would suggest roasting some while your casserole is baking or serving a salad. Here are a few recipes for you to try out:

  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts
  • Skillet Green Beans
  • Parmesan Roasted Broccoli
  • Kale and Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
  • Caprese Salad
  • Greek Salad
overhead shot of cabbage roll casserole in a casserole dish with a serving spoon inside

How to store leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or keep them right in the casserole dish, covered with plastic wrap. Leftovers will last you 3-4 days in the fridge.

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the casserole, covered with foil, in the oven. Preheat to 350F and bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

How to freeze cabbage roll casserole

If you’re planning on prepping this casserole for future use, it’s best to freeze before baking. Assemble the casserole, then cover the casserole dish well with both plastic wrap and foil.

Let the casserole thaw for a day or two in the fridge before baking. Remove the plastic wrap before baking but keep the foil. Bake for 50-55 minutes before adding the cheese.

You can, of course, freeze pre-baked leftovers. Allow the leftovers to thaw in the fridge. Once thawed, you can reheat in the microwave, or reheat, covered with foil, in the oven. Preheat to 350F and bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

a fork taking a bite from a serving of cabbage roll casserole in a white plate

Check out some more delectable casseroles from my collection:

  • Deconstructed Stuffed Pepper Casserole
  • No Peek Chicken Rice Casserole
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
  • Chicken Enchilada Rice Casserole
  • Creamy Cajun Pastalaya
  • Tuna Noodle Casserole
  • Mexican Beef and Rice Casserole
  • Chicken Tamale Casserole

Looking for more recipes? Follow on… My Newsletter Pinterest Facebook Instagram

close up shot of a serving spoon taking a portion of cabbage roll casserole

Cabbage Roll Casserole

4.46 from 61 votes
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 1 hr 30 mins
Total: 1 hr 45 mins
Author: Joanna Cismaru
Serves: 9
Print Pin Rate
My Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe is layered with a perfectly seasoned pork and rice mixture, tender cabbage, and topped with cheese. It's a great meal you can throw together with ease. With instructions included for turning this into a freezer meal, good homemade food will be a cinch any night of the week.

Equipment

  • Mandoline Slicer
  • 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet
  • 9×13-inch Casserole Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp pepper or to taste
  • 1 tbsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 cup rice uncooked
  • 1 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large cabbage shredded or coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

  • Cook the pork and rice: In a large skillet, add the ground pork and onion over medium heat. Break up the pork well and stir occasionally until the pork is cooked through. Add the garlic, salt, pepper, dill, paprika, and stir, cooking for another 30 seconds. Add the rice, crushed tomatoes, and chicken broth. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice almost cooked and all the liquid has been absorbed.
  • Soften the cabbage: Meanwhile, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat in a large dutch oven. Add the cabbage and cook, stirring often, until softened. About 5 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 375F and spray a 9×13" casserole dish with cooking spray.
  • Assemble the casserole: Layer half of the cabbage on the bottom of the casserole dish. Top with half the pork mixture, then the remaining cabbage, and finally the remaining pork mixture. Cover the casserole dish with foil.
  • Bake: For 45 minutes on the middle rack. Remove the foil and sprinkle cheese over the top of the casserole. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned. Garnish with parsley, if preferred, and serve.

Video

Recipe Notes

  1. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container or keep them right in the casserole dish, covered with plastic wrap. Leftovers will last you 3-4 days in the fridge.
  2. Reheat individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the casserole, covered with foil, in the oven. Preheat to 350F and bake for 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 350kcal (18%)Carbohydrates: 22g (7%)Protein: 19g (38%)Fat: 21g (32%)Saturated Fat: 9g (56%)Cholesterol: 59mg (20%)Sodium: 362mg (16%)Potassium: 402mg (11%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 2g (2%)Vitamin A: 380IU (8%)Vitamin C: 5mg (6%)Calcium: 225mg (23%)Iron: 2mg (11%)
Course:Dinner
Cuisine:American
Keyword:cabbage roll casserole
Tried this recipe? Rate it belowtag @jocooks on instagram and hashtag it #jocooks!

Meet Joanna Cismaru

I’m Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

30 recipes from around the world cover.

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe and get a FREE dinner recipes ebook!

two wine glasses full of aperol spritz garnished with a slice of blood orange and straw
Previous Post
Aperol Spritz
overhead shot of potato leek soup in a pot with a ladle in it
Next Post
Potato Leek Soup

Primary Sidebar

Joanna Cismaru

Hey there!

I'm Joanna (Jo for short) and this is my blog where I share with you my culinary adventures. Here you will find a variety of recipes using simple everyday ingredients and creating wonderful, delicious and comforting meals, including some decadent desserts.

Read More…

My Cookbook

Order Now: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Indie Bound | Books-A-Million

Never miss a recipe!

Subscribe and get a FREE dinner recipes ebook!

Sign me up

Dinner Recipes

a wooden spoon lifting a salisbury steak out of the skillet

Salisbury Steak

closeup of beef stew in a dutch oven with a ladle inside.

Beef Stew

overhead shot of zucchini lasagna in a baking dish

Zucchini Lasagna

a white bowl full with american goulash and a fork inside stacked on top of an empty bowl

American Goulash (Chop Suey)

two plate with sloppy joes and buns next to a greens salad

Sloppy Joes

beef barley soup in a white bowl with a spoon inside.

Beef Barley Soup

overhead shot of chicken broccoli and rice casserole in a pot

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

creamy chicken lazone in a skillet garnished with parsley.

Chicken Lazone

Popular Now

a hand dipping a chicken tender in ranch dressing

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

a fork stabbing a garlic butter steak bite in a skillet full of them

Garlic Butter Steak Bites

a prime rib roast sliced on a plate

Prime Rib Roast

side view shot of a cinnamon bun with a bite taken out of it on a plate

Cinnabons Cinnamon Rolls

side view shot of a hand dipping a piece of naan bread into the bowl of chicken tikka masala

Instant Pot Chicken Tikka Masala

close up of the layers on the homemade croissant

Homemade Croissants

overhead shot of crusty bread loaf

No Knead Bread

side view shot of two halves of a chicken salad sandwich stacked on a plate exposing the centers

The Best Chicken Salad

Jo Cooks...

Flavors from around the world

No matter what household we have all grown up in, there is something that has brought us all together here and that is a love and appreciation of food. Food that is from cultures and cuisines across the world has always been a staple of the blog. I'm excited to bring you all a taste of each corner of the earth, every last bite seasoned to perfection and served up with love - from my kitchen to yours.
spring rolls cut in half in a black bowl with peanut sauce.

Asian

overhead shot of a fork with spaghetti twirled around it in a plate full of spaghetti.

Italian

tex mex seasoning in a tiny wooden spoon.

Mexican

sweet cheese buns stacked on top of each other with the top one broken in half.

Romanian

sideview shot of butter chicken on a plate over white rice garnished with parsley

Indian

overhead of falafel on a plate with tzatziki, feta, tomatoes and onions.

Middle Eastern

Trending Now

overhead shot of oven baked chicken breasts in a baking dish

Baked Chicken Breast

overhead shot of oven baked chicken thighs in a pan

Oven Baked Chicken Thighs

a whole roast chicken surrounded by potatoes

Roast Chicken

a prime rib roast sliced on a plate

Prime Rib Roast

Browse All
  • Easy Dinners
  • Instant Pot
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • Chicken Recipes
  • Desserts
  • Recipe Index

Featured On

today logo.
huffpost logo.
the washington post logo.
jezebel logo.
countryliving logo.
good housekeeping logo.
lifehack logo.
buzzfeed logo.
mashable logo.
woman's day logo.
health logo.
better homes & gardens logo.
delish logo.
healthline logo.
nbc news logo.
blogloving logo.
university of washington logo.
shape logo.
Facebook Instagram Pinterest Twitter YouTube
  • Recipe Index
  • Cookbook
  • About Jo
  • Contact
  • visit my other site: Craving Home Cooked
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
© 2021 · All Rights Reserved · Back to Top
Opens in a new window Opens an external site Opens an external site in a new window

Subscribe and get a free dinner recipes ebook!

1248shares
  • 224
  • 25