Easy One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Name: One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients: 1 large head of cabbage (about 2 lbs); 1 lb ground beef or turkey; 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown); 2 cups tomato sauce; 1 medium onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

Published: February 10, 2026

by marie

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare
Packed with fresh flavors
Customizable ingredients
Perfect for healthy meals

One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together hearty flavors and wholesome ingredients in a single dish. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, offering a deliciously satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

If you love the traditional taste of stuffed cabbage but want a quicker, easier way to enjoy it, this casserole is your answer. With tender cabbage leaves enveloping a savory filling of seasoned ground meat and rice, all baked in a rich tomato sauce, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that warms your heart and fills your belly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly convenient. Firstly, it combines all the components of classic stuffed cabbage into one dish, saving you time on preparation and cleanup. Secondly, the flavors meld beautifully as everything cooks together, creating a depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Additionally, this recipe is highly customizable. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have at home or cater to dietary preferences. Lastly, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in more vegetables while still pleasing everyone at the table—a win-win situation for families trying to maintain healthy eating habits!

Key Ingredients

One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for making this One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole truly delightful. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cabbage: The star of this dish; provides texture and flavor.
Ground Meat: Typically beef or turkey; serves as the protein base.
Rice: Adds heartiness; use white or brown based on preference.
Tomato Sauce: Brings moisture and tanginess to balance the flavors.
Onion: Adds aromatic flavor; enhances the overall taste profile.
Garlic: Provides depth and richness; pairs perfectly with meat.
Spices: Such as paprika, oregano, and salt; season the filling harmoniously.
Cheese (optional): For topping; adds creaminess when melted over the casserole.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.
Add ground meat to the skillet, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Stir in cooked rice, tomato sauce, and spices until everything is well combined. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Add shredded cabbage to the skillet, mixing thoroughly so that it is coated with the sauce mixture. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until slightly softened.
If desired, sprinkle cheese on top before transferring the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Expert Tips

Select fresh cabbage: The fresher your cabbage is, the better your dish will taste. Look for heads that are firm with crisp leaves.

Add extra vegetables: Feel free to incorporate additional veggies like bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and flavor variety.

Tweak spices according to preference: Experiment with different herbs and spices based on your taste preferences—this recipe is versatile!

Cover with foil if browning too quickly: If you notice that your casserole is browning excessively before cooking through, cover it loosely with foil during baking.

Presentation Ideas

Your One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole deserves a beautiful presentation! Serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic feel or transfer portions onto individual plates for an elegant touch. Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream can enhance creaminess while balancing out acidity from tomato sauce—it’s sure to impress guests!

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

No problem! You can prepare it up to a day in advance by assembling everything in the skillet but holding off on baking it until you’re ready to serve. Just cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store in the refrigerator before baking as directed!

What can I substitute for rice?

If you’re looking for alternatives to rice due to dietary restrictions or personal preferences, consider quinoa or cauliflower rice as excellent substitutes! Both options will absorb flavors well while providing similar texture without adding too many carbs.

How do I store leftovers?

The leftover One-Skillet Stuffed Cabbage Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place individual portions in the microwave or warm them back up on low heat on the stove until heated through.

Add any tips for freezing this dish?

This casserole freezes wonderfully! After baking, allow it cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to three months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating when you’re ready to enjoy again!

0 Shares