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Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

This Cheesy Stuffed Cabbage Bake is a hearty and comforting casserole that combines ground beef, chopped cabbage, and rice simmered in a flavorful tomato and beef broth sauce, then topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfectly baked to meld flavors and create a satisfying one-dish meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 large white onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium head green cabbage, outer leaves discarded and chopped into 1½-inch cubes

Seasonings and Liquids

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon pepper, plus more to taste
  • 1 (32-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef broth

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed
  • 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside for later use.
  2. Cook Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it is no longer pink. Drain the excess grease, then transfer the beef to a clean plate or bowl and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic with Spices: Return the skillet to medium heat and add olive oil. Stir in the diced onion and cook until softened, approximately 10 minutes. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring continuously for 30-60 seconds to release their aromas.
  4. Cook Cabbage and Simmer Sauce: Stir in the chopped cabbage and cook until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
  5. Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish: Carefully pour the tomato and cabbage mixture into the prepared baking dish. Add the rinsed uncooked white rice and cooked ground beef. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes. This allows the rice to cook properly and the flavors to meld.
  7. Add Cheese and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and gently fluff the casserole with a fork. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10-20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the rice is fully cooked.
  8. Serve: Remove from the oven, optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm. Adding a dollop of sour cream is also recommended for extra creaminess.

Notes

  • Add crushed red pepper flakes with the other seasonings for a spicier kick.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a leaner option.
  • Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt content in the dish.
  • Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and achieve fluffier results.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
  • Try different cheeses based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

Keywords: Cheesy stuffed cabbage, baked cabbage casserole, ground beef casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe, cabbage and rice bake

Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/cheesy-stuffed-cabbage-bake-recipe/