Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a delicious and comforting dish that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each piece. The combination of ground beef, cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce creates a hearty meal that is perfect for busy days. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to enjoy a warm dinner with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This recipe saves time while still delivering the comfort and taste of a home-cooked meal. It is easy to prepare, requires minimal cooking skills, and uses simple ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Whether you are feeding a family or want leftovers for lunch, this dish checks all the boxes for a satisfying and nutritious meal.
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:
- 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 the 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.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
A comforting dish capturing traditional cabbage rolls’ flavors without the fuss of rolling each piece, made easy in a slow cooker.
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
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
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 the 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 dish keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator and can be frozen for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
When ready to serve, spoon the unstuffed cabbage rolls onto plates and enjoy them with your favorite side dishes. This meal pairs wonderfully with rice, bread, or a fresh salad.
How to store Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish keeps well for up to three to four days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to three months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
Tips to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- For added flavor, you can include diced bell peppers or carrots in the meat mixture.
- Adjust the spices according to your taste. If you like it spicy, add more red pepper flakes.
- For a healthier version, use ground turkey or a mixture of ground beef and ground turkey.
Variations
You can easily turn this recipe vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with plant-based meat or cooked lentils. Simply follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll enjoy a delicious vegetarian version of this dish.
If you’re looking crockpot inspirations, try this Crockpot Hamburger Potato Casserole.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cabbage?
A: Yes, you can use frozen cabbage. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the slow cooker.
Q: Can I cook this recipe on high instead of low?
A: Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3-4 hours if you need it ready sooner.
Q: How can I make it more flavorful?
A: You can add a splash of vinegar or a teaspoon of sugar to enhance the flavors of the sauce.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a fantastic dish that brings the essence of traditional cabbage rolls into an easy and convenient recipe. Perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a comforting meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, and enjoy the delightful mix of flavors that come together in your slow cooker!
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