Name: Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients: 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 head of cabbage, finely chopped; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp olive oil

There’s something about the smell of sautéed onions and cabbage that transports me to my grandmother’s kitchen. She’d spend hours preparing for family gatherings, and her dishes were always infused with love and a special ingredient – her homemade ground beef mixture, which she’d braise in a mixture of tomato paste and herbs. In this Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole recipe, I’ve taken a twist on her classic stuffed cabbage rolls and adapted it into a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

While it may not be as traditionally Polish as its cousins, this Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole has a certain overwhelming charm to it. There are many other innovative options available to support the main event. I recommend also See Related Recipe on frozen burgers or ABC soup to begin.

🛒 Quick Shopping List

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 lb ground beef

Why This Recipe Works

Using a combination of browned ground beef and ground pork lends a richer, meatier flavor to this dish.
The use of taco seasoning adds a south-of-the-border twist that complements the earthy sweetness of the cabbage.
Without the hassle of stuffing individual leaves, this casserole is the perfect solution for a busy weeknight dinner.

Key Ingredients

For the best flavor, choose a high-quality ground beef mixture that’s free of added sugars, nitrates, or nitrites. A blend of 80% beef and 20% pork works particularly well in this recipe, providing a rich, meaty flavor and a nice texture. Look for a reputable brand that produces human-grade ground beef, like grass-fed or Angus beef, for the best results.

To ensure the best texture for the crispy roasted cabbage, choose a fresh head of cabbage that’s heavy for its size, with tightly packed leaves. Avoid the thin, loose leaves at the center of the head, as they can become too crispy during roasting. A mild, sweet cabbage variety like Napa or Savoy works well in this recipe, but feel free to choose your favorite cabbage type for a delicious twist.

Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Recipe Courtesy of Our Kitchen

Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

★★★★★ (55 Reviews)

Level:
Easy

Prep:
15 min

Cook:
25 min

Yield:
4 Servings

Ingredients

1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 head of cabbage, finely chopped

1 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese

2 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes or until translucent, stirring occasionally.

Add the ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes or until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

Stir in the diced tomatoes, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes or until the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally.

While the meat mixture cooks, tear the chopped cabbage into large pieces and spread them on a baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and toss to coat.

Once the meat mixture has thickened, stir in the chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, and grated cheese. Mix until the cabbage is evenly coated. Transfer the casserole to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.

Storage & Reheating

Allow the Lazy Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole to cool completely before refrigerating or freezing leftovers. Reheat it safely by covering the top with aluminum foil and baking in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).