Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

why make this recipe

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a simple and tasty dish that brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling and stuffing each leaf. This recipe is perfect for busy people since it requires minimal prep time and cooks slowly, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. It’s also a great option for families looking for a nutritious meal that everyone will love.

how to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
• 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
5. Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

how to serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Serve the Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls hot, right from the slow cooker. It’s great as a main dish and pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. You can also sprinkle some grated cheese on top for extra flavor.

how to store Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. The dish will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or bag, and it can last for up to 3 months.

tips to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Make sure to brown the ground beef well to enhance the flavor of the dish.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the mixture for extra nutrition.
• If you prefer a bit more heat, add more red pepper flakes or some hot sauce.

variation

You can make this dish with ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Adding quinoa or rice can make it heartier and provide an additional texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage. Just thaw it before adding to the slow cooker.

Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of water if you like.

How can I make this quicker?
If you’re short on time, you can pre-cook the beef and onions, then add everything to the slow cooker for a shorter cooking time, but it may not have the same depth of flavor.

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

This recipe transforms classic cabbage rolls into a convenient slow cooker meal, combining ground beef, rice, and cabbage in a savory tomato sauce. It's a hearty and comforting dish perfect for a weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings 6 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• large skillet
• slow cooker

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 28 oz diced tomatoes undrained
• 15 oz tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 head cabbage chopped
• 1.5 cups cooked rice
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Brown the ground beef with chopped onion and minced garlic in a large skillet, then drain any excess fat.
• Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker and stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chopped cabbage, cooked rice, salt, and pepper.
• Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the cabbage is tender.

Notes

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker. You can also garnish with fresh parsley before serving.