Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a hearty and savory recipe, which uses seasoned ground beef and tender cabbage. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a deconstructed take on classic cabbage rolls that’s ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Ingredients

All the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage, in one easy bake.

• 1 1/2 T olive oil, divided
• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped small
• 1 T finely minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
• 1 tsp. sweet Hungarian Paprika
• 1/2 tsp. sharp Hungarian Paprika (optional)
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 heads green cabbage, coarsely chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz.) can petite dice tomatoes with juice
• 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups shredded cheese (optional; a mozzarella/cheddar blend is great)

How To Make Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

A step-by-step guide to this comforting and easy one-dish meal.

1. Prep Oven and Cook Beef: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a large 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick spray. In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove the beef to a bowl.
2. Make the Meat Sauce: In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and both paprikas and cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the cooked ground beef. Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes until it has thickened slightly.
3. Wilt the Cabbage: While the sauce simmers, heat a little olive oil in a large frying pan or Dutch oven. Add the coarsely chopped cabbage and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until it has wilted down and is about half-cooked. Season the cabbage with salt and pepper.
4. Layer the Casserole: Stir the 2 cups of cooked rice into the finished meat sauce. In your prepared casserole dish, create layers: start with half of the wilted cabbage, then half of the meat and rice mixture. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and the remaining meat mixture.
5. Bake Until Bubbly: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for about 40 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling at the edges. If using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle the cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

For the most delicious, perfectly baked casserole.

• How to get the most flavor? Using a good quality Hungarian paprika, as the recipe suggests, makes a huge difference in the flavor of the meat sauce. The combination of sweet and sharp paprika adds authentic depth.
• Why wilt the cabbage first? This is a crucial step. Cabbage holds a lot of water. Cooking it down before adding it to the casserole releases much of its moisture, preventing the final dish from becoming watery and ensuring a rich, thick consistency.
• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, this is a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it with foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add 15-20 minutes to the initial covered baking time.
• What’s the best way to break up ground beef? A great trick is to use a potato masher. Once the beef has started to cook, you can use the masher to easily break it up into fine, uniform crumbles.

What To Serve With Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Simple sides to complete this hearty one-dish dinner.

This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:

• A dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• A slice of crusty rye bread or a simple dinner roll
• A crisp, simple green salad with a light vinaigrette

How To Store Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

Keeping your delicious leftovers fresh.

• Refrigerate: Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then cover it tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat the casserole, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes, until heated through.

Pioneer Woman Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Nutrition Facts

An estimated guide per serving.

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Fat: 25 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Nacho Cheese Casserole Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Eggs Benedict Casserole Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Croissant French Toast Casserole Recipe