Name: Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole: 10-Minute Prep Comfort Food
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey; 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups); 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups cooked white rice; 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional); 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing dish)

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Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole has become my go-to dish when I’m short on time but still want a hearty meal. This easy comfort food combines chopped cabbage, seasoned ground beef or turkey, rice, and rich tomato sauce—all baked together in one delicious casserole. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, and the best part is that it requires minimal effort. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that your family will surely love!

Why You’ll Love This Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are a few reasons to adore this Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole:

Quick prep time of just 10 minutes, making it an ideal choice for Quick and Easy Cabbage Dinner.
One-pot meal means less cleanup—a favorite for busy parents.
Comfort food appeal with a healthy twist, offering a Healthy Cabbage Casserole Meal.
Can be customized with various ingredients to suit your family’s taste, including ground turkey for a lighter option.
Perfect for a family gathering or meal prep for the week.
Packed with nutrients from cabbage and tomatoes, rich in vitamins and minerals.

This Easy Cabbage Casserole Recipe is not only delicious but also fits into a Low-Carb Cabbage Casserole Recipe if you use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.

Ingredients for Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Gather these items:

1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups cooked white rice
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing dish)

How to Make Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and optional Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 6: Layer half of the cooked rice over the cabbage, followed by half of the meat sauce mixture.
Step 7: Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage, rice, and meat sauce.
Step 8: Press down gently, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 40–45 minutes until cabbage is tender.
Step 9: Remove foil during the last 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly caramelized top.
Step 10: Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Keep these in mind:

Use a mix of ground meats for added flavor, such as a combination of beef and turkey.
Try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with beans or lentils, making it a Vegetarian Lazy Cabbage Casserole.
Be sure to allow the casserole to rest before serving; it helps the flavors meld.

Best Ways to Serve Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Enjoy this dish in various ways:

Serve with a side salad for a complete meal.
Top with shredded cheese before the last 10 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
Pair with crusty bread and a glass of red wine for a comforting dinner experience.

How to Store and Reheat Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

To store leftovers, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. This dish is perfect for meal prep, making it a true No-Fuss Cabbage Casserole.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole?

The secret lies in properly layering the ingredients and ensuring the cabbage is cooked tender. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients adds to the overall flavor, making this a fantastic Ground Beef Cabbage Casserole.

Can I make Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve for a Quick Unstuffed Cabbage Dish.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole?

Be careful not to overcook the cabbage; it should be tender but not mushy. Also, ensure your meat is well-seasoned to enhance the flavors of this One-Pot Cabbage Casserole.

Variations of Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole You Can Try

Feel free to mix things up with these delicious variations:

Swap the ground meat for a Low-Carb Cabbage Casserole Recipe using sausage.
Add cooked quinoa instead of rice for a nutritious twist.
Create a spicy version by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the meat mixture.
For a creamier texture, mix in a dollop of sour cream before baking.

Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole: 10-Minute Prep Comfort Food

Author: basmer
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a hearty, family-friendly comfort dish made with chopped cabbage, seasoned ground beef or turkey, rice, and rich tomato sauce, all baked together in one easy casserole.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and optional Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Layer half of the cooked rice over the cabbage, followed by half of the meat sauce mixture.
Repeat the layers with remaining cabbage, rice, and meat sauce.
Press down gently, cover tightly with foil, and bake for 40–45 minutes until cabbage is tender.
Remove foil during the last 10 minutes if you prefer a slightly caramelized top.
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.