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Hearty Cabbage Roll Casserole

A comforting dish that combines the crunch of cabbage with savory ground meat and aromatic spices, enveloped in rich tomato sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Cabbage and Filling
  • 1 large head cabbage Core and separate leaves
  • 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (Halal) You can choose either type of ground meat
  • 1 cup uncooked rice Use any type of rice you prefer
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
  • 2 cans tomato sauce 15 oz each
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional) Use your favorite cheese
  • to taste Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil a large pot of water. Core the cabbage and carefully peel off the leaves. Boil the leaves for about 2-3 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
Cooking the Filling
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent.
  2. Add the ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the rice, 1 can of tomato sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Assembling the Casserole
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large baking dish, pour a thin layer of the remaining tomato sauce on the bottom.
  2. Take a cabbage leaf, spoon the meat mixture into it, and roll it up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the rolled cabbage seam-side down in the baking dish. Continue until all rolls are placed.
  3. Pour the rest of the tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls. If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Baking
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10-15 minutes for a crispy top.
Serving
  1. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley. Slice and serve warm!

Notes

Feel free to experiment with ingredient substitutions! You can swap ground meat for chicken, lentils, or beans. For best results, don't skip boiling the cabbage leaves. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.