Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole (Unstuffed, One-Pan)

If you’re craving the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but don’t have the time or patience to stuff and roll each leaf, this lazy unstuffed cabbage roll casserole aka lazy man cabbage rolls or deconstructed cabbage rolls – is the perfect solution. Make it with ground beef or turkey, use rice or cauliflower rice, and bake in one pan. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, meal-prep and freezer-friendly.

If you love the combo of cabbage + ground meat, try my Ground Turkey & Beef Cabbage Patties next, same flavors, pan-seared and weeknight-fast.

Growing up, cabbage rolls were a staple at our family gatherings, but let’s be honest, they can be labor-intensive. That’s why I love this unstuffed lazy cabbage roll casserole version. It’s got all the deliciousness of the Eastern European traditional dish that I grew up with, but with a fraction of the effort. This easy casserole combines layers of tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and rice (or a grain of your choice), all baked together in a rich tomato sauce. It’s comfort food simplified!

Serving approximately 6–8 people (depending on size), this hearty, wholesome meal is perfect to make ahead for dinner or lunch on busy weeknights or cozy weekends, and even as a special holiday meal!

If you have extra ground meat or leftovers, try these Swedish meatballs with creamy sauce.

Ingredients for Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Premium Quality Ground Meat: For this lazy cabbage roll casserole, I recommend using organic grass fed ground meat. Whether you prefer beef, pork, turkey, or a combination, the choice of meat can be customized to your personal preference. The meat lends a rich, hearty base to the casserole and makes it a complete dish. I usually use the same type of meat when making beef meatballs.
• Fresh Cabbage: the crunchy cabbage adds a delightful texture contrast, plus is a great source of fiber and nutrients, making this comfort dish surprisingly healthful. You could also mix in some fermented cabbage for extra sourness if you like. Purple cabbage would also work.
• Tangy Tomato Sauce: The tangy tomato sauce is the star of this lazy cabbage roll casserole, adding a robust, vibrant flavor. Made with fresh tomatoes, and a hint of sweetness from ketchup, the combination makes it nicely sweet and sour.
• Parboiled Rice: This rice is partially cooked, which helps it retain its shape and texture during the baking process. The aromatic flavor of jasmine rice further enhances the overall taste, lending an exquisite hint of nuttiness to the dish. I used white Jasmine rice, but white Basmati rice would also work. Mix with brown rice for a healthier version.
• Fresh Carrots: They add a subtle sweetness that complements the savory meat and tangy tomato sauce, striking a perfect balance. Plus, they contribute a wonderful crunch, enhancing the dish’s texture.
• Onion and Garlic: These two ingredients, when sautéed, create a savory aroma and add a depth of flavor that takes the dish to a whole new level.
• Seasonings: (Salt, Pepper, and Smoked Paprika) they are essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients and the smoked paprika imparts a delicious smokiness to the casserole, adding a layer of complexity and warmth that ties all the flavors together perfectly.

Here in the picture below I’m showing the exact ingredients I used for this lazy cabbage roll casserole:

Step-by-Step: How To Make This Simple Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients

First, prepare your ingredients. Chop the cabbage into thin slices. Dice the onions and garlic, and set aside your spices and lean ground beef.

Step 2: Partially Cook The Rice

Rince the rice and cook covered with water until it comes to a boil, then remove from heat and rinse with cold water through a colander. Set aside. This step partially cooks the rice, ensuring it softens perfectly during the baking process. It also helps reduce overall cooking time.

Step 3: Cook The Vegetables And Meat Together

In a deep pan (on medium heat) add the chopped onion, garlic and carrot and cook until soft. Then add ground beef along with seasonings: black pepper, papprika and salt. Add a bay leaf for extra flavor (optional).

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

Then to the same skillet, add the partially cooked rice, tomato sauce and ketchup. Mix to combine and remove the pan from heat.

Step 5: Assembling And Baking the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Next, layer 1/3 of the shredded cabbage at the bottom of a casserole dish (a 9×13 inch), followed by 1/3 of the ground beef and rice mixture. Repeat layering with remaining cabbage, beef mixture, and finish with more cabbage on top.

Pour the water (or stock) over the prepared casserole (about 1 cup), cover with a foil and bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes.

Remove the foil, give it a mix and bake the casserole an additional 15 minutes to brown the top. At this time you can shred some cheese if you like. But it’s still delicious without any cheese. The total cook time is about 1 hour.

The result is just perfect – the cabbage casserole is perfectly juicy and tender without any floating liquid or overly dry ingredients. It just melts in yout mouth!

Serve the lazy cabbage roll casserole hot with extra tomato sauce or with a dollop of sour cream on top; Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and dill, and a warm piece of crusty bread on the side.

Variations & Swaps

• Tomato sauce – I used 15 oz of unsalted canned tomato sauce. If you’re out of tomato sauce replace it by mixing 1 part tomato paste and 1 part water. Other options to use: canned diced tomatoes, tomato soup, pasta sauce, tomato juice or fresh tomatoes and ketchup. Or maybe a homemade sugar free BBQ sauce.
• Add more flavor: add some sweet bell pepper, some cayenne pepper or chilli for extra kick.
• Protein: 100% beef; 50/50 beef-turkey; all turkey; add a little sausage for depth or make it vegetarian with lentils.
• Grains: white rice (the fastest), brown rice (par-cook 15 min first), cauliflower rice (low-carb: stir in for last 10–12 min so it doesn’t turn mushy);
• Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Best Serving Suggestions

This unstuffed lazy man cabbage roll casserole is a meal in itself, but to make it even more satisfying for the whole family, consider serving it with:

• Light salads like this Radish Cucumber Salad, this Watermelon Radish Salad, Healthy Coleslaw or a Fermented Shaved Carrot Salad for extra probiotics, and a crisp, refreshing contrast;
• During cold season: enjoy it with a Russian Beet Salad With Sauerkraut (Vinaigrette)
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans pair well and boost veggie intake.
• Use leftover casserole in a wrap filling along with other fresh chopped veggies and a smoky sauce.
• Red Wine: A glass of red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, can beautifully complement the rich flavors of the casserole.

More Comforting Casserole Recipes To Try

Cooking for a bigger group? Add the Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Casserole for a balanced, veggie-dish or complement with a Cranberry Salmon Casserole for seafood lovers.

If your family loved this lazy cabbage roll casserole, please leave a 5 star ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating or a comment below. It’s really helpful for me and readers. Bon appétit!

More Lunch and Dinner Ideas

• Cabbage Fritters
• Easy Cabbage and Carrot Salad
• Red Cabbage Soup | Sweet & Sour
• Healthy Stuffed Cabbage Rolls and Peppers
• Shrimp Cabbage Salad