Lazy Cabbage Roll Dutch Oven Casserole

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
Calories: 448 kcal per serving

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

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat and brown the ground beef.

  3. Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic briefly.

  4. Season with the salt, pepper, thyme, and paprika.

  5. Turn off the heat and, if using, add the uncooked rice over the beef.

  6. Layer the chopped cabbage on top and gently press down.

  7. In a separate bowl, mix the tomato sauce, broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.

  8. Pour the sauce over the cabbage without fully stirring.

  9. Cover and bake for 45 minutes.

  10. Stir gently, add liquid if needed, and bake for another 20–30 minutes.

  11. Let rest for 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 (per serving)

  • Calories: 448 kcal

  • Carbohydrates: 32.5 g

  • Protein: 24.2 g

  • Fat: 25.3 g

  • Saturated Fat: 9.8 g

  • Trans Fat: 1 g

  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

  • Sodium: 592 mg

  • Fiber: 4.3 g

  • Sugar: 14.2 g