Years ago, I remember attending a family gathering at my grandmother’s rustic cottage. As the tantalizing aroma of something delightful filled the air, the whispers among the family were unanimous – Grandma was making her famous cabbage roll casserole. With every bite, her recipe would take us on a nostalgic journey of our ancestry. It wasn’t just about the food; it was about love, memories, and the shared joy of being together.
Recently, I had a delightful dinner at my neighbor’s place. And guess what was served? A dish strikingly similar to Grandma’s cabbage roll casserole! A wave of memories washed over me, and I realized that some recipes cross the boundaries of households and are treasured universally. So today, I’m sharing my version, inspired by a fusion of both experiences.
How to Prepare Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients for Cabbage Roll Casserole
- 2 lbs of minced beef
- 3.5 lbs of finely chopped cabbage
- 1 can (29 oz) of pureed tomatoes
- 1 cup diced onions
- 1 cup raw white rice
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 cans (14 oz each) of beef stock
Directions for Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to preheat.
- In a large skillet, heat it over medium-high flame. Add the minced beef and cook until it’s browned, typically 5-7 minutes. Make sure to discard the excess fat.
- In a spacious bowl, toss in the cabbage, pureed tomatoes, onions, rice, and salt. Mix well before folding in the cooked beef.
- Transfer this mixture to a 9×13 baking dish and pour the beef stock uniformly over it.
- Cover the dish with foil and place it in the oven. Bake for about 60 minutes.
- After an hour, give it a gentle stir, cover again, and continue baking until the cabbage softens and the rice cooks perfectly, roughly an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Once done, take it out and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Savor the flavors of tradition!
How can I add a spicy kick to this casserole?
You can sprinkle some red chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to give it a spicy twist.
What side dishes complement this casserole?
A fresh green salad or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this dish.
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or even turkey can be an excellent substitute for beef.
How long does the casserole last in the fridge?
If stored in an airtight container, it can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Is it possible to freeze the casserole for later?
Yes, ensure it’s stored in an airtight container, and it can be frozen for up to three months.
How do I ensure the rice cooks perfectly?
Make sure the casserole is covered well while baking, allowing the steam to cook the rice. If needed, you can add a tad more broth or water during the final stages of baking.
Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 3 1/2 pounds chopped cabbage
- 1 29 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 14 ounce cans beef broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and gather all ingredients.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and discard grease.
- Combine cabbage, tomato sauce, onion, rice, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir in cooked ground beef. Pour mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, then pour beef broth over top.
- Cover and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
- Stir, re-cover, and bake until cabbage is tender and rice is done, 20 to 30 minutes more.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
