Cabbage rolls are a beloved comfort food in many cultures, filled with seasoned meat, rice, and sometimes vegetables, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves. However, the preparation for traditional stuffed cabbage rolls can be quite time-consuming and labor-intensive. Enter the “Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole,” a fantastic, simplified version of the classic dish that offers all the flavors without the hassle of stuffing and rolling the cabbage leaves.
This casserole is perfect for anyone craving the taste of stuffed cabbage rolls without rice or those looking for a quicker and easier meal that still delivers on comfort and flavor. It’s also a great option for anyone who is avoiding rice, as the recipe can be made with ground beef, cabbage, and a variety of seasonings. Whether you’re in the mood for something hearty on a weeknight or planning a family dinner, this casserole is a delicious solution.
What Makes Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole Special?
Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole combines all the savory goodness of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the need to roll the cabbage leaves individually. This simplified version eliminates the time-consuming steps of blanching cabbage leaves and carefully stuffing each one. Instead, the ingredients are layered into a casserole dish, making the preparation process a breeze.
The casserole is typically made with ground beef, cabbage, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, often enhanced with seasonings like garlic, onion, and paprika. It can be customized to suit dietary preferences, whether you prefer to skip the rice altogether, use a lower-carb alternative, or stick with the classic rice-filled version.
This dish is perfect for busy families, meal prep, or those looking for a comforting dish with minimal effort. Best of all, it can be made in a crockpot, making it even more convenient for those who love set-it-and-forget-it meals.
Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole Variations
There are many variations to the Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole, depending on your preferences and dietary needs. Below are some popular options you can try:
1. No Rice Cabbage Rolls:
For those who want to skip the rice altogether, this recipe can be made with just ground beef, cabbage, and the sauce. You can replace the rice with extra vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor. This version is perfect for those following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.
2. Cabbage Casserole Recipes Beef Rice:
If you love the classic cabbage roll with rice, simply include rice in the casserole. Long-grain white rice or brown rice are great choices, depending on your preference. The rice absorbs the tomato sauce and seasonings, creating a rich, flavorful base for the casserole.
3. Crockpot Lazy Man Cabbage Rolls:
The crockpot is a perfect way to prepare Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole. Simply layer the ingredients into the crockpot and let it cook slowly throughout the day. This method allows the flavors to meld together, and the cabbage becomes perfectly tender. You can make this dish in the morning, and it will be ready by dinner time.
4. Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipes:
For a twist on the casserole, consider adding some chopped onion, garlic, and even shredded cheese to the layers. This variation adds an extra layer of richness and flavor, making it even more satisfying.
5. Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole With Rice:
Another variation of this dish is the unstuffed cabbage roll casserole with rice, which involves layering the rice, ground beef, and cabbage in a baking dish. The rice is often pre-cooked or added uncooked, depending on the recipe, but the end result is a comforting dish that’s just as hearty as the classic stuffed cabbage rolls.
6. Ground Beef Cabbage Crockpot Recipes:
For a crockpot version of the Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole, ground beef is combined with cabbage and a flavorful tomato sauce, then cooked slowly over several hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to become tender while the beef cooks to perfection.
Ingredients for Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole
Here’s a simple list of ingredients you will need for this lazy man version of cabbage rolls:
- 1 pound ground beef: This is the main protein in the casserole. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option.
- 1 small head of cabbage: The cabbage provides the signature texture and flavor of cabbage rolls. You can chop or shred it, depending on your preference.
- 1 cup of cooked rice: While this is optional, it adds to the heartiness of the casserole. If you want to skip the rice, you can add additional vegetables or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz): This forms the base of the tomato sauce for the casserole. You can also use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce.
- 1 can of tomato paste (6 oz): The tomato paste helps thicken the sauce and adds a deep tomato flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Onions add flavor and sweetness to the casserole.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: Garlic adds savory depth to the dish.
- 2 teaspoons paprika: This adds a subtle smokiness to the dish, which complements the beef and cabbage.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasonings help bring the flavors together.
How to Make Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole
Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to making this easy casserole:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break the meat apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Sauté them until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3–5 minutes.
Step 3: Prepare the Cabbage
While the beef is cooking, chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. You can either shred it or chop it coarsely, depending on your preference.
Step 4: Layer the Ingredients
In a large casserole dish, start by layering the cabbage, followed by the beef and onion mixture. Add in the cooked rice if you’re using it. Pour the tomato sauce mixture (tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper) evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake it in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 45 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to brown slightly. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors should have melded together beautifully.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the casserole.
- Add cheese if you like; shredded cheddar or mozzarella can be sprinkled on top during the last few minutes of baking.
- Try adding other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Cook the rice ahead of time if you’re using it in the casserole to ensure it cooks properly.
Why You’ll Love Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole
Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole offers the best of both worlds: it’s easy to prepare and packed with the same rich flavors you love in traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Whether you’re making it with rice or going for a no-rice version, this casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
If you’re someone who enjoys cabbage casserole recipes with beef, or if you’re a fan of crockpot lazy man cabbage rolls, this recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dinner ideas. It’s a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of unstuffed cabbage rolls or stuffed cabbage casserole recipes with minimal effort.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or prepping it for meal prep, Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole is a versatile and satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Conclusion
In summary, Lazy Man Cabbage Roll Casserole is a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle. This unstuffed cabbage casserole with rice or without rice is a great option for busy nights or when you’re looking for a delicious, comforting meal. With variations like crockpot lazy man cabbage rolls or no-rice cabbage rolls, you can easily customize the dish to suit your needs. So next time you’re craving the taste of cabbage rolls, skip the rolling and try this easy casserole – you won’t be disappointed!
