This hearty layered cabbage dish is a comforting and delicious meal, combining tender cabbage with layers of flavorful ground meat, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It’s like an easy-to-make deconstructed cabbage roll casserole, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
2. Sauté the Meat & Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onions and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Blanch the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly softened. Drain well.
5. Assemble the Layers
- Spread half of the cabbage in the baking dish.
- Add half of the meat sauce and half of the cooked rice (if using).
- Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage, meat sauce, and rice.
6. Bake & Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

7. Serve & Enjoy
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
- Serve with a simple side salad.
- Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
This hearty layered cabbage dish is a satisfying, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners!
Print
Hearty Layered Cabbage – A Comforting & Flavorful Dish
- Total Time: 1 hour
Description
This hearty layered cabbage dish is a comforting and delicious meal, combining tender cabbage with layers of flavorful ground meat, tomato sauce, and melted cheese. It’s like an easy-to-make deconstructed cabbage roll casserole, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ cups cooked rice (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish with olive oil.
2. Sauté the Meat & Onion
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Add onions and garlic, cooking for another 3 minutes.
3. Make the Sauce
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Blanch the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the chopped cabbage and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly softened. Drain well.
Notes
- Pair with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
- Serve with a simple side salad.
- Enjoy with a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes