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–+ servings

Lazy Cabbage Roll Dutch Oven Casserole

All the cozy flavor of classic cabbage rolls—without the rolling. This one-pot Dutch oven casserole layers tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and a tangy-sweet tomato sauce into a hearty, comforting dish that practically cooks itself in the oven.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Eastern European-Inspired
Servings 6 servings
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1.5 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 head green cabbage chopped
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp paprika optional
  • 2 cups tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tbsp brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 0.5 cup white rice uncooked, optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat and brown ground beef.
  • Add onion and cook until softened, then stir in garlic briefly.
  • Season with salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.
  • Turn off heat and optionally add uncooked rice over the beef.
  • Layer chopped cabbage on top and gently press down.
  • Mix tomato sauce, broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire, and red pepper flakes.
  • Pour sauce over cabbage without fully stirring.
  • Cover and bake for 45 minutes.
  • Stir gently, add liquid if needed, and bake another 20–30 minutes.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with fresh parsley or dill for brightness. Rice is optional but adds heartiness—skip it for a lower-carb version.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcal
Keyword cabbage roll casserole, dutch oven dinner, ground beef cabbage recipe, lazy cabbage rolls, one pot comfort food
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