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Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole – Best Easy Recipe

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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.

Ingredients

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  • 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)

Instructions

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

Notes

  • For extra fiber, substitute white rice with fully cooked brown rice.
  • To reduce excess moisture, lightly salt chopped cabbage and let sit for 10 minutes, then pat dry before layering.
  • This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze portions for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/lazy-unstuffed-cabbage-casserole/