Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will keep the casserole from sticking and allow for easy serving.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the lean ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in the chopped onion, salt, black pepper, minced garlic, and chopped green bell pepper. Cook this mixture for about four minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce

Pour the diced tomatoes along with their juices and the tomato sauce into the skillet. Stir to combine all ingredients. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about fifteen minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Mix in the Rice

Once the sauce has simmered, stir in the cooked white rice until it is fully incorporated. This creates a hearty filling that will layer beautifully in the casserole dish.

Step 6: Layer the Casserole

Spread half of the shredded cabbage evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Spoon half of the meat and rice mixture on top of the cabbage. Repeat the layers with the remaining cabbage and then the remaining beef mixture.

Step 7: Bake Covered

Tightly cover the baking dish with foil and transfer it to your preheated oven. Bake for one hour. This step helps tenderize the cabbage and lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 8: Add the Cheese

After one hour, remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional twenty minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve

Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot, if you like.