Lazy Cabbage Roll Ground Beef (Ready-to-Print Version)

Comforting layers of ground beef, cabbage, tomato, and rice baked to tender perfection.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meat and Protein

01 - 1 lb lean ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into bite-size pieces

→ Pantry

05 - 1 tbsp olive oil
06 - 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
07 - 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
08 - 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
09 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
10 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 cup beef broth
12 - 1 tbsp brown sugar

→ Spices and Seasonings

13 - 1 tsp paprika
14 - 1 tsp dried oregano
15 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
17 - 1–1 1/2 tsp salt, to taste
18 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika

→ Toppings

19 - 1–2 cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
20 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions soften. Drain excess grease if required.
03 - Incorporate paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook for about one minute to release aromas.
04 - Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, and smoked paprika. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes while stirring occasionally.
05 - Spread half the chopped cabbage evenly across bottom of the prepared dish. Layer half of the beef-tomato mixture over the cabbage, then scatter half the cooked rice on top. Repeat layers with remaining cabbage, beef mixture, and rice.
06 - Cover casserole tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes until cabbage is tender and mixture is bubbling.
07 - If using cheese, remove foil, sprinkle shredded cheese evenly, and bake uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until melted and lightly golden.
08 - Allow casserole to rest for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

# Handy Tips:

01 - Using lean ground beef reduces excess fat and enhances flavor without greasiness.
02 - Covering the casserole while baking helps to tenderize the cabbage evenly.
03 - Allowing the dish to rest before serving improves flavor melding and texture.

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