Name: Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 head green cabbage, frozen; 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 pound Italian sausage; 1 egg; 1/2 cup Italian bread crumbs; 1 cup red onion, diced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 14 oz. crushed tomatoes; 8 oz. tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 cup chicken stock; Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced; Olive oil, for sautéing (estimated 2 tablespoons)

There’s something so comforting about this Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe — the rich tomato sauce mingling with tender cabbage and savory meat makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, it comes together with way less fuss than traditional cabbage rolls!

The image shows two stuffed cabbage rolls placed on a white plate with thin grey stripes. The cabbage rolls are covered with a thick layer of rich, red tomato sauce. The cabbage leaves are pale green with a smooth texture, peeking from under the sauce. The tomato sauce has a slightly chunky texture and a bright red color, spread evenly over the rolls and slightly pooling on the plate. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and simple background to the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I fell in love with this casserole because it captures all the cozy flavors of cabbage rolls without the time-consuming roll-ups. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and still delivers that hearty, homemade feeling.

Super Simple: The casserole format means no fiddly rolling, just layer and bake.
Comfort Food Classic: All the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls packed into one easy dish.
Hearty & Healthy: Using ground turkey alongside Italian sausage balances richness and lean protein.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe stores and reheats beautifully, making dinners stress-free.

The image shows a close-up of stuffed cabbage rolls on a white plate with a light brown pattern, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish has several layers: the outer layer is pale yellow cooked cabbage leaves that are soft and slightly translucent, wrapping a filling. The filling inside is a mix of finely ground meat with small visible bits of onion, giving it a rough texture in light brown and beige colors. The rolls are covered partially with a thick red-orange tomato sauce that has a slightly chunky texture. There are more cabbage rolls visible in the background inside a clear glass baking dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe plays its part: from the cabbage’s subtle crunch to the herbs and spices that add warmth and depth. I always try to get fresh parsley and ripe tomatoes for maximum flavor.

Flat lay of a whole head of fresh green cabbage with a few loose leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of cooked white rice, raw ground turkey shaped loosely into a mound, raw Italian sausage links without casings, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white bowl of Italian bread crumbs, a small pile of diced red onion, four whole garlic cloves with papery skins, a small white bowl filled with crushed red tomatoes, a small white bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a sprinkle of sugar crystals on white ceramic plate, small piles of ground cumin and ground cinnamon on white ceramic spoons replaced by small white bowls, a small white bowl of clear chicken stock, a small bunch of fresh flat-leaf parsley with stems attached, and small piles of kosher salt and freshly cracked black peppercorns on white ceramic plates, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Green cabbage: Freezing it first helps loosen the leaves, making them easier to handle and tender after baking.
Cooked white rice: Acts as a binder and filler, giving the meat mixture a perfect texture.
Ground turkey: Adds lean protein and keeps the filling lighter.
Italian sausage: Boosts the savory flavor and keeps the filling juicy.
Egg: Helps hold the meat mixture together for neat rolls.
Italian bread crumbs: Another binder that also lightens the mixture.
Red onion: Sweated down to sweeten the sauce naturally.
Garlic cloves: For that unmistakable aromatic kick.
Crushed tomatoes & tomato sauce: Provide the rich and tangy base for the sauce.
Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
Ground cumin & cinnamon: These warm spices add unexpected depth and coziness.
Chicken stock: Gives the sauce a nice body and subtle richness.
Kosher salt & black pepper: To season just right and highlight all the flavors.
Fresh parsley: Stirred in at the end for a pop of freshness.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This casserole is a canvas for whatever you love. I sometimes swap out the Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey sausage for a different spin. You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Variation: Once, I tried adding chopped mushrooms to the filling—it brought an earthy depth that was surprisingly delicious.
Spice level: For a kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Vegetarian friendly: Replace meat with plant-based crumbles and vegetable stock in the sauce.
Seasonal tweak: Swap parsley for fresh basil in summer for a brighter flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Freeze and Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

I freeze a whole head of green cabbage overnight — this little trick helps the leaves separate more easily when they’re partly thawed. After about two hours out of the freezer, you can peel off the leaves one at a time. Don't worry if the center is still frozen; just take the easier outer leaves first. Be gentle to avoid tearing.

Step 2: Make the Savory Tomato Sauce

I start by sautéing diced red onion and minced garlic in olive oil until they’re soft and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. Then I stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, sugar, cumin, cinnamon, and chicken stock. Simmer it gently, season with salt and pepper, and then let it cool so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 3: Prepare the Filling Mixture

In my mixing bowl, I combine cooked rice, ground turkey, Italian sausage, egg, and Italian bread crumbs, making sure it’s well mixed. The egg and breadcrumbs keep the filling perfectly firm yet tender.

Step 4: Roll and Assemble the Casserole

Lay each cabbage leaf flat and scoop a medium portion of meat mixture onto the widest part. I fold in the sides and roll it up, then place the rolls in a casserole dish layered with half of the sauce. Once all rolls are set, I pour the remaining sauce over the top—this keeps everything moist during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until the filling is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. Your kitchen will start to smell heavenly—don’t open the oven too often to keep the heat steady!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make this Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe come out wonderfully every time. These little tips can save you time and frustration.

Freeze the cabbage: This is a game-changer! It makes separating the leaves SO much easier and ensures a tender texture after baking.
Don’t overstuff the rolls: Keeping portions moderate prevents tearing and ensures they cook evenly.
Let the sauce cool before assembling: This helps prevent the meat from cooking early and keeps the casserole moist.
Use a scoop for even portions: I swear by a medium ice cream scoop—it makes rolling faster and your casseroles look uniform.

How to Serve Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Cabbage Roll Casserole - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my cabbage roll casserole with freshly chopped parsley and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt—it adds a cool creaminess that balances the warm spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple roasted potatoes, crusty bread for mopping up sauce, or even a crisp green salad if you want to keep things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For family dinners or potlucks, I sometimes serve individual casseroles in small ramekins. It’s charming and helps portion control—it feels a little fancy without adding work!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers go straight into an airtight container in the fridge and stay great for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s often better the next day.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole before by covering it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Reheat from frozen by allowing extra time in the oven, and it still tastes like homemade comfort.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you can—it keeps the texture better in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of frozen?

Yes, but freezing the cabbage first really makes separating the leaves easier and helps achieve a tender texture in the casserole. If you skip freezing, be very gentle when handling the leaves to avoid tearing.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the ground turkey and Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for protein, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock in the sauce for a hearty vegetarian version.

What can I serve with Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe?

This casserole pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes, salad, or even crusty bread. It’s a complete meal on its own but adding these sides rounds it out perfectly.

How do I store leftovers for the best flavor?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Flavors tend to deepen overnight. For longer storage, freeze in a tightly covered container and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Easy Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s homey, foolproof, and perfect whether you’re feeding a family or just want leftovers that taste incredible. Give it a try — I promise you’ll be hooked just like me!