Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

This Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is just as delicious as the classic Hungarian stuffed cabbage, only easier. If you love the traditional dish, you’re really going to love how simple it is to whip up this hearty comfort food casserole recipe for your family.

Hungarian stuffed cabbage is one of my childhood favorites. I shared my recipe here at the BHK back in 2021 and it’s super popular.

My recipe for stuffed cabbage is really delicious, but I’m not gonna lie, making stuffed cabbage can be a little daunting for some people, especially if you’ve never made it. Making the traditional dish into a casserole seemed like an awesome idea.

It’s got all the ingredients from the classic dish just casserole-style. And the vote is in with family and friends…incredibly simple and absolutely yummy!

As I mentioned when I shared my stuffed cabbage recipe, this is a healthier kind of comfort food. It’s got a lower carb total, so I don’t feel bad if I over-indulge a smidge.

I use ground pork and refrigerated sauerkraut for this recipe. Some people use a combination of ground beef and pork, but I always prefer only the ground pork because that’s the way I enjoyed it as a kid.

Step-By-Step Instructions

The first step is to sauté your onions followed by your garlic.

Next up will be to add your ground pork and cook until it’s no longer pink. Then you’ll drain the fat.

You’ll stir in your tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, rice, broth, Hungarian paprika, kosher salt and pepper.

You’ll let this mixture simmer for about 8-10 minutes before adding your cabbage. You will cook until the cabbage is wilted a bit, about 4-5 minutes, then you’ll mix in your sauerkraut.

If you’re using a deep oven-proof skillet just cover with a lid or foil and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly.

This brings back so many memories from my childhood. And when I’m tight for time and looking for a cozy dinner for my family this is often my go-to.

If you’re a fan of my Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage recipe I just know you’re going to love the taste and the ease of this recipe.

Please let me know if you give the recipe a try. And if you have any questions about the recipe, just drop a comment below. Enjoy!

Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Servings: 6 servngs

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This Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is just as delicious as the classic Hungarian stuffed cabbage, only easier. If you love the traditional dish, you're really going to love how simple it is to whip up this hearty comfort food dish for your family.

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Ingredients  

• 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 lbs. ground pork
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 3 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 tsp. Hungarian paprika
• 1 tsp. coarse kosher salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 4 cups green cabbage, roughly chopped
• 1 cup refrigerated sauerkraut, drained

Instructions 

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

  If you have a large, deep skillet, you can use this from start to finish instead of the baking dish.
• Add vegetable oil to a large deep skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and continue to cook for one minute, stirring often. Add the ground pork and cook until no longer pink. Drain fat.
• Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, rice, chicken broth, paprika, salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat and simmer and cook, about 8-10 minutes, stirring often.
• Add the cabbage and continue to cook until the cabbage is just wilted, about 4-5 minutes. Add the sauerkraut and stir to combine.
• Cover the skillet or add to your baking dish and cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and the mixture is bubbly. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Notes

Make sure to stir your rice and broth mixture often to prevent sticking.

I always use refrigerated sauerkraut and ground pork for my stuffed cabbage. You could use a combination of ground beef and ground pork if you prefer.

Keyword: cabbage, casserole, ground pork, Hungarian paprika, sauerkraut

Cuisine: Hungarian

Course: Main Dish