Cabbage Roll Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Blanch the Cabbage:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the whole head into the boiling water.
• Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are pliable. Remove the cabbage and let it cool. Peel off the leaves as they soften.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Cook the Beef:

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain any excess fat.

1. Combine with Rice:

• Stir in the cooked rice and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Mix well and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

1. Layer the Casserole:

• In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a small amount of the sauce mixture on the bottom.
• Place a layer of cabbage leaves over the sauce.
• Spread a portion of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage.
• Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of cabbage leaves on top.

1. Add the Sauce:

• Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top layer of cabbage.

1. Bake:

• Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.

Step 4: Add Cheese (Optional)

1. Add Cheese:

• If using cheese, remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top, and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

1. Garnish and Serve:

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

This Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with less fuss, making it a great choice for a comforting family meal!