Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan

Your whole family will love this Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan recipe. It’s an ideal dish for busy weeknight dinners, combining simplicity with delicious flavors. This one-pan meal is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients, making it perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to potlucks. The standout feature of this recipe is its ability to deliver comfort food without the hassle of stuffing individual rolls.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in just one hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup is required since everything cooks in a single pan.
• Family-Friendly: The flavors appeal to all ages, ensuring everyone at the table will enjoy it.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a wholesome choice for dinner.
• Versatile: Customize it with different veggies or cheese based on your family’s preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more enjoyable and efficient. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large deep-sided skillet or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large deep-sided skillet or Dutch oven: This tool allows for even cooking and holds all ingredients comfortably.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface ensures safety while chopping vegetables without damaging countertops.

Ingredients

To make the delicious Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 small Onions diced
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon minced Garlic (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 Green Bell Pepper (can use red or yellow)
• 1 pound of Lean Ground Beef (I use Butcher Box Ground Beef)
• 1/2 Onion Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked or sweet Paprika
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes (14 oz can)
• Salt and Pepper to taste (I do not add any salt when cooking just the pepper for heart health)
• 1/2 a large head of cabbage
• 1 to 2 cups of Shredded Cheddar Cheese (can use Monterey jack cheese)

How to Make Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan

Step 1: Prepare Your Vegetables

First, get all your vegetables ready:
1. Dice the onions and bell peppers.
2. Mince the garlic.
3. Cut a large cabbage in half, remove the outer leaves, and discard the hard middle core.
4. Chop half of the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook Aromatics

In your large skillet or Dutch oven:
* Heat over medium-high heat.
* Add the olive oil, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent.
* Add in the diced bell pepper and cook until soft.
* Remove everything from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, focus on browning the beef:
* Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
* Add the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks until fully browned.

Step 4: Combine Spices and Tomatoes

Once beef is cooked:
* Sprinkle onion powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture.
* Pour in the diced tomatoes; stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 5: Add Cabbage and Cook

Now it’s time for cabbage:
* Add chopped cabbage into the pan with other ingredients.
* Cover and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes.
* After 10 minutes, stir everything again and continue cooking for another 15 minutes.

Step 6: Melt Cheese and Serve

Finally:
* When cabbage is wilted and tender, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
* Allow it to melt before serving warm.

Enjoy your healthy and comforting Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan!

How to Serve Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan

Serving Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan is simple and versatile. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways to suit your family’s preferences. Here are some creative serving suggestions.

With a Side Salad

• Fresh Garden Salad: Pair the casserole with a crisp garden salad topped with your favorite dressing for a refreshing contrast.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with romaine, croutons, and parmesan cheese adds a creamy element to your meal.

Topped with Sour Cream

• Sour Cream Drizzle: Adding a dollop of sour cream on top enhances the flavors and provides a creamy texture that complements the casserole beautifully.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve slices of warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious juices from the casserole.
• Crusty French Baguette: A fresh baguette allows for dipping and adds a delightful crunch to the meal.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley or Cilantro: Sprinkling fresh herbs on top not only brightens up the dish but also adds freshness and color.

How to Perfect Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan

Perfecting your Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan can elevate this already fantastic dish. Follow these tips for an even better experience.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables make a difference in flavor and texture, enhancing the overall taste of your casserole.
• Don’t Overcook the Cabbage: Cook only until tender; overcooking may lead to mushy cabbage that loses its appealing texture.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your family’s preferences for maximum flavor.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a unique twist on flavor profiles.
• Make Ahead: Prepare it ahead of time and refrigerate it. It tastes even better when allowed to sit overnight!
• Add Heat: If you prefer spicy dishes, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for extra kick.

Best Side Dishes for Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan

Pairing side dishes with Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition while balancing out the richness of the casserole.
2. Roasted Carrots: Sweet roasted carrots bring a natural sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the casserole.
3. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes serve as a comforting side that absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers added protein and fiber, making it a nutritious accompaniment.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is sweet and fun, perfect for family meals.
6. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the dish.
7. Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Crispy garlic roasted potatoes are always a hit and pair well with any main dish.
8. Baked Beans: Sweet baked beans add depth and complement the savory notes of your casserole nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the prep work: Preparing your vegetables ahead of time is crucial. If you don’t do this, you’ll waste time during cooking and risk burning the meat.
• Using the wrong type of beef: Lean ground beef works best for this recipe. Using fattier beef can lead to a greasy casserole that lacks flavor.
• Not cooking cabbage enough: Undercooking cabbage can result in a tough texture. Make sure to cover and cook it properly until tender.
• Ignoring seasoning: Seasoning at every step enhances flavor. Don’t wait until the end to add salt and spices; incorporate them early for depth.
• Overloading on cheese: While cheese is delicious, too much can overpower the dish. Stick to 1-2 cups for balanced flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it for storage.

Freezing Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan

• Freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag.
• This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between bursts.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of water or broth and cover. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan?

Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan is a simplified version of traditional cabbage rolls, combining all ingredients into one easy-to-make dish.

Can I use different meats in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a leaner option while still enjoying similar flavors.

How do I customize my Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan?

You can add rice, other vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or change the type of cheese based on your preference.

Is this casserole healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with nutrients from cabbage and lean beef while being lower in carbs than traditional casseroles.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to cook or reheat.

Final Thoughts

This Unstuffed Ground Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole One-Pan is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. With simple ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. Feel free to customize it based on your family’s tastes!