Ingredients
1 large head green cabbage, coarsely chopped
1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
1 cup cooked white or brown rice
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (un-drained)
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt & 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
(Optional) 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for topping
⏱️ Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
2. Brown the Meat: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and onions are tender (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess grease.
3. Build the Sauce Mix: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and cooked rice. Let it simmer together for about 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.
4. Layer the Casserole:
Spread 1/3 of your chopped raw cabbage across the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
Top with half of the meat and tomato mixture.
Repeat with another 1/3 of the cabbage, then the remaining meat mixture.
Top with the final 1/3 of the chopped cabbage.
5. Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to lock in steam (this helps soften the cabbage). Bake for 45–50 minutes until the cabbage is tender.
6. Optional Cheese Step: Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top, and return to the oven uncovered for 5–8 minutes until melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let it cool for 5 minutes before scooping and serving warm!