Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each one. This recipe is perfect for busy days, allowing you to prepare a delicious meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work for you, blending the rich flavors together as it cooks. It’s a family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy!
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 the 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.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Serve this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. It pairs well with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of white rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side salad for added freshness.
How to Store Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
To store, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, place it in freezer-safe containers and store it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- For extra flavor, try adding garlic when cooking the beef and onions.
- If you want more veggies, consider adding shredded carrots or bell peppers to the mix.
- Make sure to chop the cabbage into small pieces so that it cooks evenly and blends well with the other ingredients.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Vegetarian versions can be made by using lentils or crumbled tofu instead of meat.
FAQs
CAN I USE FROZEN CABBAGE?
YES, YOU CAN USE FROZEN CABBAGE IF YOU DON’T HAVE FRESH. JUST MAKE SURE TO THAW IT COMPLETELY FIRST, THEN CHOP IT INTO BITE-SIZED PIECES BEFORE ADDING IT TO THE SLOW COOKER. FROZEN CABBAGE TENDS TO BE SOFTER THAN FRESH, SO IT MAY COOK A LITTLE FASTER. IF YOU NOTICE IT GETTING VERY TENDER EARLY, YOU CAN TURN THE SLOW COOKER TO WARM TOWARD THE END OF THE COOKING TIME TO PREVENT IT FROM GETTING MUSHY.
HOW DO I KNOW WHEN IT’S DONE?
YOU’LL KNOW THIS DISH IS DONE WHEN THE CABBAGE IS VERY TENDER AND THE SAUCE HAS THICKENED SLIGHTLY. THE MEAT SHOULD BE FULLY COOKED, AND THE TOMATO MIXTURE SHOULD TASTE RICH AND WELL-SEASONED. THIS USUALLY TAKES ABOUT 6–8 HOURS ON LOW, DEPENDING ON YOUR SLOW COOKER. IF YOU’RE UNSURE, CHECK A PIECE OF CABBAGE WITH A FORK—IT SHOULD BE SOFT AND EASY TO CUT. YOU CAN ALSO TASTE AND ADJUST THE SEASONING WITH A LITTLE EXTRA SALT OR PARSLEY AT THE END IF NEEDED.
CAN I MAKE THIS DISH IN ADVANCE?
ABSOLUTELY. THERE ARE TWO EASY WAYS TO MAKE IT AHEAD:
PREP AHEAD, COOK LATER: BROWN THE MEAT, COOK IT WITH THE ONION AND SEASONINGS, CHOP THE CABBAGE, AND MIX THE SAUCE INGREDIENTS THE NIGHT BEFORE. STORE EVERYTHING IN THE FRIDGE (MEAT MIXTURE AND CABBAGE IN THE SLOW COOKER INSERT IF YOUR MODEL ALLOWS IT, SAUCE IN A SEPARATE CONTAINER). IN THE MORNING, ADD THE SAUCE, PLACE THE INSERT IN THE SLOW COOKER, AND COOK ON LOW.
COOK COMPLETELY, THEN REHEAT: YOU CAN COOK THE WHOLE DISH, LET IT COOL, AND REFRIGERATE IT FOR 3–4 DAYS. THE FLAVORS ACTUALLY GET BETTER AS THEY SIT. REHEAT GENTLY ON THE STOVETOP OR IN THE MICROWAVE, ADDING A SPLASH OF WATER IF THE SAUCE HAS THICKENED TOO MUCH.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced Cook with garlic for extra flavor.
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped Chop into small pieces for even cooking.
- 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust based on spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Preparation
- 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 the 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.