A hearty and flavorful casserole combining tender cabbage, seasoned beef, and a rich tomato sauce.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preheating ensures even cooking from the start.
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked.
Break the beef into small pieces for even cooking.
Add the chopped onion and diced green pepper to the skillet, cooking until softened.
Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Stir in the uncooked rice, salt, and black pepper, mixing well.
Ensure the rice is evenly coated with the mixture.
Slice the cabbage into thin strips and layer it evenly in the bottom of a casserole dish.
Use a sharp knife for clean slices.
Spread the beef mixture evenly over the cabbage layer.
Press gently to create an even layer.
In a mixing bowl, combine the tomato sauce, condensed tomato soup, and water. Mix until smooth.
Whisking helps achieve a uniform consistency.
Pour the tomato mixture over the beef and cabbage layers in the casserole dish.
Ensure the sauce covers the entire surface for even cooking.
Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 hours.
Covering prevents the dish from drying out.
Remove from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes, and serve warm.
Resting allows the flavors to meld together.
