If you’re craving the cozy flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage but want a quicker, fuss-free alternative, this Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the hearty, comforting goodness in a layered, cheesy bake that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or anytime you want something satisfying yet simple. Combining tender cabbage, savory ground meat, fragrant herbs, and melty cheese, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate and is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is a breeze, yet each one plays an essential role in building the rich taste, nourishing texture, and inviting color that makes the Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe so irresistible.
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped: This adds a fresh crunch and volume while keeping the dish light and vibrant.
- 1 medium onion: A foundational flavor that softens and sweetens as it cooks.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a punch of aromatic depth that complements the savory profile perfectly.
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, lean preferred: Provides hearty protein with just the right amount of richness.
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes: Adds tangy juiciness and a burst of color throughout the casserole.
- 1 cup low-sugar tomato sauce: Brings concentrated tomato flavor without overpowering sweetness.
- 2 tsp dried oregano: Offers earthy, slightly peppery notes for balance.
- 1 tsp dried basil: Infuses a sweet, aromatic linger that brightens the dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheese, your preferred variety: Melts into a gooey topping that ties everything together deliciously.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F so it’s good and hot when you’re ready to bake. Chop the green cabbage and onion into uniform pieces—this helps them cook evenly and ensures every bite has a nice balance of textures and flavors.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Cook the onions over medium heat until they turn translucent and sweet-smelling, which releases their natural sugars to deepen the flavor base. Add the minced garlic and sauté just briefly to avoid burning but to let its garlicky fragrance mingle with the onions.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Meat
Add your choice of ground beef or turkey to the pan. Break it into small chunks as you cook until it’s fully browned and no pink remains. This step creates that hearty, meaty backbone essential to the Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Herbs, and Cabbage
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and basil. Fold in the chopped cabbage gently, making sure everything is well mixed without bruising those tender cabbage pieces. This mix will soak up flavors beautifully during baking.
Step 5: Bake with Cheese Topping
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and blanket the top evenly with shredded cheese. Cover it and bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cabbage to soften. Then, uncover and bake for another 10 minutes to get a bubbly, golden cheese crust that’s impossible to resist.
How to Serve Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a lovely pop of green and fresh herbal notes that brighten the casserole’s hearty richness. A dollop of sour cream on the side also adds a creamy, tangy contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the cheese’s richness. Steamed green beans or roasted carrots also complement the flavors while keeping the meal balanced and colorful.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole layered in individual ramekins for personal portions or scoop it over fluffy mashed potatoes for a comforting, elevated presentation. You can even spoon it into warm pita pockets with a drizzle of yogurt for a quick handheld meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole tends to thicken as it cools, so a splash of broth or water added before reheating restores its creamy texture beautifully.
Freezing
The Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Frozen leftovers keep best for up to 3 months—perfect for meal prep or a convenient comfort food stash.
Reheating
Reheat portions in the microwave or warm through in a covered baking dish at 350°F until heated evenly. Adding a little cheese on top before reheating can revive that fresh-out-of-the-oven appeal.
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground pork, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute work beautifully and adapt well to your taste or dietary needs.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
Yes, just replace the ground meat with a hearty veggie mix like mushrooms, lentils, or crumbled tofu for a delicious meat-free version.
How spicy is this casserole?
The recipe is mild and family-friendly as is, but you can easily add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of a kick.
Can I prepare this ahead and bake later?
Definitely. Assemble it fully and cover it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This gives the flavors even more time to meld.
What cheese works best for topping?
Cheddar and mozzarella both melt beautifully, but feel free to experiment with gouda, Monterey Jack, or a blend for unique flavors and textures.
Final Thoughts
This Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is a real winner in the kitchen—easy to make, full of flavor, and comforting beyond words. If you’ve been on the lookout for a dish that combines simplicity with soul-warming taste, I encourage you to give this one a go. It’s sure to become a cherished staple that you’ll want to make again and again.
Print
Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole offers all the delicious flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy, deconstructed baked dish. Tender chopped cabbage is combined with a savory mixture of ground beef or turkey, onions, garlic, tomatoes, and Italian herbs, topped with melted cheese for a comforting and family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 4 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey, lean preferred
Tomato Base
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup low-sugar tomato sauce
Seasoning
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheese, your preferred variety
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop the green cabbage and the onion into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking and texture in the casserole.
- Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent, usually about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, around 30 seconds to 1 minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the ground meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook thoroughly over medium heat, breaking up the meat into small chunks with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-10 minutes.
- Combine tomatoes, sauce, herbs, and cabbage: Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the canned diced tomatoes, low-sugar tomato sauce, dried oregano, and dried basil. Gently fold in the chopped cabbage so that it is evenly incorporated without becoming mushy.
- Assemble and bake the casserole: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish, and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the cheese to brown slightly and the casserole to set.
Notes
- Use lean ground turkey as a lower-fat alternative to ground beef.
- Feel free to substitute cheese with a dairy-free alternative for lactose intolerance.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some red pepper flakes when sautéing onions and garlic.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- If you prefer softer cabbage, you can steam it lightly before mixing.
