Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes, until soft and translucent.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and ground beef to the skillet. Cook about 8 minutes, breaking up the meat as it browns. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Make the Sauce Mixture
In a large bowl, combine tomato sauce, uncooked rice, salt, and 1/2 tsp of the pepper. Mix well so the rice is evenly distributed—this is your “casserole mixture.”
Step 4: Layer the Casserole
In a large casserole dish, layer the ingredients:
1/3 of the cabbage → 1/3 of the beef → 1/3 of the tomato-rice mixture. Repeat two more times until all ingredients are used.
Step 5: Add the Broth
Slowly pour the beef broth over the casserole. This cooks the rice and tenderizes the cabbage. Cover tightly with foil.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour 15 minutes. Pro tip: For a cheesy twist, sprinkle mozzarella on top before baking.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Remove foil carefully, sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 tsp pepper, and let the casserole rest a few minutes before serving.
