Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Effortless Comfort Food Slow Cooker Meals.
All the classic flavor of cabbage rolls without the work. A hearty, one-pot slow cooker meal perfect for busy weeknights.
I remember watching my mom make cabbage rolls. Her hands moved so carefully, tucking the filling into each leaf just so. It felt like an all-day affair. And while I love that memory, my own life doesn't always have room for that kind of patience. So, one chilly afternoon, I just... decided not to roll them. I chopped everything up and layered it in the slow cooker. I kind of held my breath, hoping it would work. And wow, it did. The same comforting taste, the same tender cabbage and savory meat, but with a sense of ease that felt just right for my own kitchen.
Why This Recipe Feels Like Home
- •It has all the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls.
- •So much easier. No rolling, no fuss.
- •The slow cooker does all the work, which is just lovely.
- •It makes the whole house smell incredible while it cooks.
- •A hearty, all-in-one meal that feeds the whole family.
- •Perfect for those busy days when you still want a home-cooked dinner.
Okay, this is a game-changer. I made this for my family last night and everyone went back for seconds, even my picky eater! It was so easy to throw together in the morning. The house smelled amazing all day. This is definitely going into our regular rotation. Thank you!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Green Cabbage: A medium head is perfect. You want a rough chop, about 1-inch pieces. Don't worry if it looks like too much at first; it really wilts down beautifully.
- Ground Meat: I usually use lean ground beef, but ground turkey or even ground chicken works wonderfully. It’s all about creating that savory base.
- Uncooked Rice: This is important! Using uncooked long-grain white rice lets it absorb all those wonderful flavors from the sauce as it cooks right in the pot. It gets so tender.
- Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: This combination creates the perfect sauce. The diced tomatoes add texture, and the sauce brings it all together into a rich, savory liquid that everything cooks in.
Complete Cooking Process
- First, you’ll want to brown your ground meat with the onions. This step feels small but it builds such a deep, savory flavor.
- Add the garlic right at the end, just until you can smell it. It wakes everything up.
- Spoon the cooked meat mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Pile all that chopped cabbage right on top. It’s okay if it’s mounded high.
- Whisk your tomato sauce, broth, and seasonings together in a separate bowl.
- Pour that beautiful red sauce all over the cabbage. Just let it settle in.
- Put the lid on and let it go. This is the magic part. Let it cook on low for hours, letting the cabbage soften and the flavors meld together.
- About an hour before it's done, stir in the uncooked rice. This allows it to cook perfectly without getting mushy.
- Once the rice is tender, give it a final, gentle stir.
- Serve it up in big, warm bowls with a spoonful of cool sour cream. It’s the perfect contrast.
A Few Common Questions
→Do I have to brown the meat first?
Honestly, I really recommend it. It adds a layer of flavor that you just don't get from putting the meat in raw. It only takes a few extra minutes and it's worth it.
→Can I use brown rice?
You can, but you'll need to adjust the timing. Brown rice takes longer to cook, so you might want to add it a bit earlier or use pre-cooked brown rice stirred in at the end.
→Is this recipe good for meal prep?
It's fantastic for meal prep! The flavors deepen overnight. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for several days and reheats so well.
→Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. You could substitute the ground meat with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. Just use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe combines tender cabbage, savory ground meat, fluffy rice, and a rich tomato sauce. It's a delicious, comforting, and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights, with all the classic flavors and none of the fuss.
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time
Up to 8 hours 15 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 011.5 lbs lean ground beef or turkey
- 021 large yellow onion, chopped
- 033 cloves garlic, minced
- 041 medium head of green cabbage, cored and roughly chopped
- 051 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 061 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 071 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 082 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, for balance)
- 091 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 101 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 111 teaspoon dried thyme
- 121 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 13Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- 01Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 02Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the meat is browned and the onion has softened. Drain off any excess fat. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Transfer the browned meat mixture to the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
Layer the chopped cabbage on top of the meat. It might seem like a lot, but it will cook down significantly.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar (if using), Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, and thyme. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Pour this tomato mixture evenly over the cabbage and meat in the slow cooker. Do not stir.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
Stir in the uncooked rice during the last hour of cooking if on low, or last 30-45 minutes if on high. Ensure the rice is submerged in the liquid. Continue cooking until the rice is tender.
Once cooked, give everything a good stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Serve warm in bowls, garnished with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Notes & Tips
- 1For a slightly sweeter, more traditional flavor, you can add a bit more brown sugar or even a tablespoon of ketchup to the sauce.
- 2If you prefer a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic is a wonderful addition.
- 3Some people like to add caraway seeds for a classic cabbage flavor. Feel free to add a teaspoon with the other seasonings.
Tools You'll Need
- •Don't stir everything after layering. Let the cabbage steam on top and soften before mixing it all together at the end.
- •Use a slow cooker that's at least 6 quarts. This makes a generous amount and you don't want to overcrowd it.
- •Taste for seasoning right before serving. It might need a little extra salt or a pinch of pepper to be perfect.
- •If your mixture seems too thick when you add the rice, you can add an extra splash of broth.