Looking for a quick, wholesome, and comforting weeknight dinner? Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is the perfect solution! This one-pot wonder captures all the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls—savory ground turkey, tender cabbage, hearty rice, and melty cheese—but skips the time-consuming wrapping process. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that will quickly become a family favorite.
Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
This Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is a deconstructed twist on the traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. The combination of tender cabbage, flavorful turkey, and seasoned rice makes it a hearty meal packed with flavor. Topped with gooey melted cheese and sprinkled with fresh parsley, this dish is as visually pleasing as it is delicious. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick, nutritious, and satisfying.
Why Our Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Is the Best
Our Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is all about convenience without compromising flavor. It’s made in one pot, cutting down on cleanup, and features pantry staples like ground turkey, canned tomatoes, and quick-cooking rice. With a perfect balance of savory spices and a cheesy topping, it delivers all the comfort of a traditional stuffed cabbage dish in half the time.
Ingredients Notes for Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Each ingredient in this Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole is key to building its comforting flavor and hearty texture.
- 1 lb. package ground turkey: A lean, protein-packed base for the casserole. Ground beef or chicken can be substituted.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the turkey.
- 1/2 white onion, chopped: Adds a sweet, savory flavor base.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a punch of flavor without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes.
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbaceous note.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper & 1/2 teaspoon sea salt: Essential for seasoning and balancing the dish.
- 14 oz can diced tomatoes (low sodium): Provides acidity and a slightly sweet tomato flavor.
- 1/2 head small green cabbage, chopped: The star ingredient, tender yet hearty.
- 1½ cups water: Helps cook the rice and soften the cabbage.
- 1 cup quick-cook rice or rice blend: Cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping. Feel free to swap with mozzarella or sharp cheddar.
- Chopped parsley: For a fresh, bright garnish.
Kitchen Tools Needed for Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
- Large Dutch oven or deep skillet with a lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
This Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole comes together in no time, making it the ultimate hassle-free dinner.
1. Brown the Turkey
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground turkey and 1/2 chopped white onion. Cook until the turkey is browned and the onions are softened.
2. Season the Meat
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt.
3. Add Tomatoes, Water, and Rice
- Pour in 14 oz can diced tomatoes, 1½ cups water, and 1 cup quick-cook rice. Stir to combine and bring to a boil.
4. Add Cabbage
- Stir in 1/2 head chopped green cabbage. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is softened. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Add Cheese and Garnish
- Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar jack cheese over the top of the casserole. Cover the pot for 1–2 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley for garnish.
6. Serve
- Dish up warm servings of the casserole and enjoy your quick and comforting dinner!
How to Store Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Store leftovers of Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the turkey with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu.
- Whole Grain: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of quick-cook rice for added fiber and nutrients.
- Extra Veggies: Mix in chopped bell peppers, celery, or shredded carrots for more texture and flavor.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Swap cheddar jack for a sharp cheddar or smoky gouda for a bolder flavor.
What to Serve With Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
Pair this Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful juices. A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted vegetables complements the casserole perfectly. For dessert, consider serving a refreshing fruit salad or a slice of apple pie.
Top Tips for Perfect Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole
- Chop Cabbage Evenly: Smaller, even pieces of cabbage cook faster and blend better with the rice.
- Use Quick-Cook Rice: This ensures the rice cooks in sync with the rest of the casserole ingredients.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Make sure the cabbage has enough room to steam and soften evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the casserole before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Cover to Melt Cheese: Covering the pot helps the cheese melt evenly and creates a gooey topping.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a saucier casserole, add an extra ½ cup of water or chicken broth.
- For a smoky flavor, use fire-roasted diced tomatoes.
- Garnish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy finish.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Rachael Ray suggests browning the meat well to develop rich flavor in the casserole.
- Ina Garten recommends using freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency.
- Jamie Oliver emphasizes layering seasoning throughout the cooking process for a deeper flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different protein?
Yes! Ground beef, chicken, or pork are great substitutes for ground turkey.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the casserole up to the point of adding cheese, then refrigerate. Reheat and melt the cheese just before serving.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Use gluten-free rice and confirm that your seasonings and canned tomatoes are gluten-free.
4. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger pot or cook in two batches if needed.
5. What if I don’t have cheddar jack cheese?
Feel free to use mozzarella, sharp cheddar, or even Parmesan as a substitute.
Easy Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- – 1 lb Foster Farms Organic Ground Turkey
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – 1/2 white onion chopped
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – 1/2 tsp onion powder
- – 1/4 tsp dried thyme
- – 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- – 1/2 tsp sea salt
- – 14 oz can diced tomatoes low sodium
- – 1/2 head small green cabbage chopped
- – 1 1/2 cups water
- – 1 cup quick cook rice or rice blend e.g., 10-minute rice & grain medley
- – 1 cup shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
- – Chopped parsley for garnish
- – Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, brown the ground turkey with olive oil and chopped onions.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Add the diced tomatoes, water, and rice to the pot. Bring to a boil.
- Add the chopped cabbage, cover, and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Top with shredded Cheddar Jack cheese. Cover and cook for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- Optional add-ins: diced bell peppers, celery, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute ground turkey with plant-based meat or crumbled tofu.