Craving the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but short on time? Look no further than this Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole recipe! This unstuffed version captures all the hearty, savory goodness of traditional cabbage rolls in a fraction of the effort. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that your whole family will love, and it’s incredibly easy to make.
Inspired by the warmth and simplicity of home-style cooking, this unstuffed cabbage casserole is a true comfort food champion. It evokes those nostalgic flavors of childhood kitchens, reminiscent of family gatherings and cozy dinners. If you cherish the taste of homemade cabbage rolls but need a quicker, more streamlined approach, this recipe is your answer.
Many of us have fond memories of homemade cabbage rolls, a dish celebrated for its deliciousness and budget-friendly nature. However, the process of boiling cabbage leaves, preparing the filling, and meticulously rolling each one can be time-consuming. This is where the magic of the unstuffed cabbage casserole comes in. It delivers all that beloved flavor without the fuss.
While there are a few steps involved, this recipe is remarkably straightforward. You’ll start by creating a flavorful meat sauce that simmers to perfection while you quickly soften the cabbage. Then, it’s as simple as layering everything in a casserole dish and baking until bubbly and hot.
For the meat sauce, a combination of ground beef and pork is recommended to achieve the richest flavor profile, similar to many Pioneer Woman recipes. However, versatility is key! Feel free to use any ground meat you have on hand. Ground turkey or even chicken can be substituted – just consider adding a beef bouillon cube if using turkey to deepen the savory notes.
The recipe calls for chunky diced tomatoes, which contribute to a hearty texture. If you prefer a smoother sauce, simply replace the diced tomatoes with an equal amount of tomato sauce. Remember to remove the bay leaf from the sauce before mixing in the rice; it infuses wonderful flavor but isn’t meant to be eaten. Long grain rice is traditionally used in cabbage rolls and casseroles, but brown rice offers a nutritious alternative. For those seeking a lower-carb option or a vegetable boost, cauliflower rice makes an excellent substitution.
Preparation can be streamlined by chopping the cabbage into ½” pieces in advance and storing it in a zippered bag in the refrigerator. Pre-chopped cabbage stays fresh for up to a week, making it incredibly convenient to have ready for this casserole or to add to other dishes like vegetable soups and stir-fries.
Another fantastic aspect of this cabbage roll casserole is its make-ahead convenience. Assemble it the night before or in the morning, and simply bake it before serving. This makes it an ideal dish for entertaining guests or for busy weeknights when time is limited.
This Pioneer Woman stuffed cabbage casserole also freezes beautifully. If you’re cooking for a smaller household, divide it into individual portions and freeze them for future meals. You’ll have a delicious, homemade dinner ready whenever you need it!
Your family will absolutely adore this Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole, and you’ll appreciate how effortlessly it comes together. It’s a wholesome, hearty, and healthy dish that’s sure to become a beloved family favorite – a true Pioneer Woman style comfort food classic!
Pioneer Woman Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
This recipe brings the comforting taste of cabbage rolls to your table in an easy casserole form, inspired by classic Pioneer Woman flavors.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 ounces lean ground pork (or additional ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices (1 can)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 ½ cups cooked rice (brown or white)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head green cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
Equipment:
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Large skillet
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef, ground pork, diced onion, and minced garlic over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat.
- Stir in tomato sauce, canned diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, chopped parsley, dried dill, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Simmer, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove bay leaf and stir in cooked rice.
- While the sauce simmers, heat olive oil in a separate large frying pan over medium heat. Add chopped cabbage and cook until tender-crisp, about 8-10 minutes.
- Layer half of the cooked cabbage in the prepared baking pan. Top with half of the beef and rice mixture. Repeat layers, ending with the beef and rice mixture on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
Optional Notes:
- For added sweetness, stir in one can of condensed tomato soup to the tomato mixture (optional).
- Store leftover Pioneer Woman stuffed cabbage casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- This casserole can be frozen either before or after baking for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 11g
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.)
Enjoy this easy and delicious Pioneer Woman stuffed cabbage casserole – a comforting meal perfect for any occasion!
More Comfort Food Recipes You Might Love:
Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe
Crock-Pot Cabbage Roll Casserole (Slow Cooker Version!)
Cheesy Beef & Macaroni Casserole
