Best Turkey Cabbage Casserole with Rice
This Turkey Cabbage Casserole is a nutritious dish made with lean ground turkey, tender cabbage, and fluffy rice, all baked in a flavorful tomato sauce. It's the perfect balance of protein, veggies, and grains for a wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 pound ground turkey lean or extra lean
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 can 15 ounces diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
- 3 cups green cabbage shredded or thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese optional, for topping
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Rice
- Cook 1 cup of rice according to package instructions to yield about 2 cups cooked. Set aside.
Cook the Turkey
- Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until it becomes aromatic.
- Cook the ground turkey, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon, for 6–8 minutes or until it is fully browned and cooked through.
- Season with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and smoked paprika.
3.Prepare the Sauce
- Add the tomato paste to the skillet and stir for 1 minute.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Mix well and let simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9x13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the turkey mixture at the bottom.
- Layer half of the shredded cabbage over the turkey.
- Spread half of the cooked rice over the cabbage.
- Repeat the layers: turkey, cabbage, and rice.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the top and gently press everything down with a spoon to compact it.
Bake
- Place foil over the baking dish and bake for 30 minutes.
- Take off the foil, add mozzarella cheese if desired, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting into slices.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.