Lazy Cabbage Roll Dutch Oven Casserole Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Position a rack in the center of the oven.
Heat the oil in a 6- to 7-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles, until mostly browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add the onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in the salt, black pepper, thyme or Italian seasoning, and optional paprika. Remove the pot from the heat.
If using rice, sprinkle it evenly over the beef mixture. Add the chopped cabbage, pressing it down gently without tightly packing it.
In a bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, broth, brown sugar, lemon juice, optional Worcestershire sauce and optional red pepper flakes. Pour evenly over the cabbage, allowing the sauce to seep down through the layers.
Cover tightly and bake for 45 minutes. Carefully uncover and stir gently from the bottom, distributing the beef, cabbage and sauce. If using rice, make sure the grains are nestled in the liquid. Add 2–4 tablespoons hot water or broth if the mixture looks dry.
Cover and bake for another 20–30 minutes, until the cabbage is very tender and the rice, if included, is fully cooked. If needed, continue baking covered in 10-minute increments.
Remove from the oven and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning or lemon juice. Sprinkle with the optional parsley or dill and serve hot.
Practical Woman's Secret
Keep the lid tightly closed during baking so the cabbage releases moisture into the sauce and the rice cooks evenly. The stir after 45 minutes brings the drier top pieces into the liquid without breaking down the cabbage too much.
Serving and Storage
Serve hot straight from the Dutch oven, with crusty bread if desired.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat covered with a splash of broth or water until hot throughout. Freeze cooled portions for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving: ⅙ of the casserole, including optional rice and Worcestershire sauce, based on 6 servings
Calories: 380 kcal
Protein: 28 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fat: 14 g
Fiber: 6 g
Sugar: 16 g
Sodium: 850 mg
I'm waiting for your comments! Enjoy!
