This cabbage casserole is budget-friendly, easy to prepare, and perfect for feeding a crowd. It transforms humble ingredients into a rich, flavorful dish with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a golden, slightly crispy top. It’s also versatile and can be adapted to suit different tastes or dietary needs.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.) 1 medium head cabbage, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup cooked rice 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Directions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Grease a baking dish lightly.
In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add chopped cabbage and cook for 8–10 minutes until softened.
Stir in cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well.
Remove from heat and fold in sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6 Preparation time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 30 minutes Total time: about 45 minutes
Variations
You can add ground beef, turkey, or sausage for a heartier version. For a vegetarian twist, include mushrooms or lentils. Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a different texture. You can also use different cheeses like gouda or parmesan for added depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I make cabbage casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Do I need to cook the cabbage first?
Yes, sautéing softens it and enhances the flavor.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use plant-based sour cream and cheese alternatives.
What type of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is most commonly used, but savoy cabbage works well too.
Can I freeze cabbage casserole?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months.
Why is my casserole watery?
The cabbage may have released too much moisture; cook it longer before baking.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, just chop them finely and remove excess liquid.
What can I serve with cabbage casserole?
It pairs well with salad, bread, or roasted vegetables.
Can I make it low-carb?
Yes, replace rice with cauliflower rice.
How do I get a crispy topping?
Use breadcrumbs and bake uncovered until golden.
Conclusion
Cabbage casserole is a comforting and versatile dish that turns simple ingredients into a delicious baked meal. Whether served as a main course or a side, it’s a satisfying recipe that’s easy to customize and perfect for any occasion.
This Cabbage Casserole is a comforting, budget-friendly dish made with tender cabbage, rice, tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy topping. Baked to golden perfection, this easy cabbage casserole recipe is perfect for a hearty family dinner, meal prep, or a satisfying side dish.
Ingredients
1 medium head cabbage, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 cup cooked rice 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained 1/2 cup sour cream 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 8 to 10 minutes until softened.
Stir in the cooked rice, diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix well.
Remove from heat and fold in the sour cream and half of the shredded cheese.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Cook the cabbage thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.For a richer flavor, use a blend of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella.Add cooked ground beef, turkey, or sausage for a protein-packed version.For a vegetarian option, include mushrooms or lentils.Swap rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.Bake uncovered for a crispy, golden topping.
