This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls without all the work. It's a simple, cozy dinner that brings together tender cabbage, savory beef, and a rich, tomato-based sauce-all cooked together in the slow cooker for an effortless meal.
It's one of those meals that just gets better the longer it simmers. The flavors meld together beautifully, and by the time it's ready, your kitchen will smell incredible. If you're craving comfort food but want to skip the stuffing and rolling, this dish is for you. Ready to get started? Let's dive in!
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- No need to roll individual cabbage leaves
- Hearty, comforting, and filling
- All the flavors of cabbage rolls, made simple
- Cooked effortlessly in the slow cooker
- Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd
Ingredients
This dish uses simple ingredients that come together perfectly to recreate the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls.
- 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
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup water
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Ground Beef: You can use lean ground beef or even swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Cabbage: A small green cabbage works best for this recipe, but you can also use napa cabbage if you prefer.
- Tomato Paste: If you don't have tomato paste, you can use an extra can of diced tomatoes for a slightly different texture, but the paste helps thicken the sauce.
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until it's slightly pink. Drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy casserole.
- Sauté the Onions and Seasonings: Add the diced onion, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt to the skillet. Cook until the onions are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Once the beef mixture is ready, transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage on top.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well to combine.
- Pour the Sauce: Pour the tomato mixture over the beef and cabbage in the slow cooker. Mix gently to combine everything.
- Cook: Cover and cook the casserole on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don't Overcrowd the Beef: Brown the ground beef in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Chop the Cabbage Well: Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
- Layering is Key: Layer the beef and cabbage well to ensure everything cooks together and the flavors blend.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe store well in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two!
To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or heat on the stovetop. If it looks too thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
Make Ahead and Freezing
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare everything in the slow cooker insert the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day.
- Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Add Rice: If you like, you can stir in some cooked rice towards the end of the cooking time for a heartier meal.
- Cheese it Up: For extra richness, top the casserole with shredded cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce.
FAQs
Yes, ground turkey or chicken will work well in this recipe. You may want to use a bit of olive oil to keep it moist.
Yes, you can cook it on HIGH for about 3 to 4 hours instead of 6 to 8 hours on LOW.
You can swap out the cabbage for a hearty leafy green like kale or spinach, though the flavor will be different.
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls offer a simple, delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling individual leaves.
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
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
- Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Notes
This recipe provides a hassle-free way to enjoy all the classic cabbage roll flavors without the need for rolling each leaf. Feel free to adjust seasonings based on your taste!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Serving Suggestions
This dish is perfect served as is, but you can also pair it with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. A fresh green salad on the side adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors.
Nutrition and Notes
- Calories: 320 per serving (1 cup)
- Carbs: 20g
- Protein: 24g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
This unstuffed cabbage roll recipe is a perfect balance of comfort and convenience. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight or to enjoy over several days, it's a dish that'll always hit the spot.
Reader Reviews or Testimonials
"Such a simple yet delicious meal. I can't believe I never made unstuffed cabbage rolls before!"
"This has become one of our go-to meals. So comforting and easy!"
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