Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a simple and satisfying dish. Many people enjoy cabbage rolls but find making them a bit tricky. This recipe gives you all the great flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each one individually. Using a slow cooker makes this dish easy and comforting. You can set it and forget it until it’s time to eat. Whether you need a healthy meal for your family or a tasty dish for a gathering, Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a winner.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love this recipe. First, it’s full of flavor and nutritious ingredients. Ground beef provides protein, while cabbage is full of vitamins. The combination of spices and tomatoes gives the dish a wonderful taste.

Second, it’s very easy to prepare. You only need to cook the meat and onion in a skillet and then mix everything in a slow cooker. You won’t spend hours in the kitchen.

Third, this dish is versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste. If you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes. If you prefer a different protein, such as turkey, you can substitute it easily.

Finally, the slow cooker does all the work. You can go about your day and come home to a warm, delicious meal. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekends when you want something homemade without the fuss.

HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Making Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a straightforward process. Follow the steps below to create a hearty meal that your family will love.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make this dish, you will need the following equipment:

• A large skillet for browning the meat
• A slow cooker to cook the dish
• A mixing bowl for combining the sauce
• A knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients
• A spoon for stirring

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef. Cook until it is browned and slightly pink. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Add Onion and Seasonings: Add the diced onion to the pan with the ground beef. Along with the onion, add dried thyme, dried parsley, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture until the onions soften, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Once the beef and onion mixture is ready, transfer it to your slow cooker.
4. Add Chopped Cabbage: Next, add the chopped green cabbage to the slow cooker.
5. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir everything well until combined.
6. Combine Everything: Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker. Mix gently to ensure everything is covered in the sauce.
7. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

this Recipe

HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

When serving your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, you can enjoy this dish on its own or with bread. A nice slice of crusty bread can help soak up any extra sauce.

You can also add a dollop of sour cream on top for extra creaminess. A sprinkle of fresh parsley will add a touch of color and brightness to your dish.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

If you have leftovers, you can easily store them. Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days.

If you want to freeze your unstuffed cabbage rolls, portion them out into freezer-safe containers. They can last in the freezer for about 3 months. To reheat, let them thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm them in the microwave or on the stove.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Here are some suggestions for sides that go well with Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:

• Serve with a side salad for some crunch and freshness.
• Mashed potatoes make a great pairing and add comfort.
• Rice is another excellent choice to soak up the delicious sauce.
• Some people enjoy having a slice of cornbread on the side.

VARIATIONS

You can change up this recipe in many ways! Here are a few ideas:

• Use Different Meat: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
• Add More Veggies: You can add carrots or bell peppers for added flavors and textures.
• Make it Vegetarian: Use lentils or quinoa instead of meat for a vegetarian option.
• Change the Spices: If you like it spicy, add chopped jalapeños or use hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cabbage? Yes, you can use frozen chopped cabbage if that’s what you have on hand. Just add it straight to the slow cooker.
2. How do I know when it is done? The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors will meld together. If you can easily cut the cabbage with a fork, it’s done.
3. Can I make this in advance? Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and then start the slow cooker in the morning.
4. What can I do with leftovers? You can use leftovers in a wrap or a taco for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

If you want to save time, here are some tips to make ahead:

• Prep the Ingredients: Chop the cabbage and onions the night before. Store them in the fridge.
• Brown the Meat: You can brown the ground beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This will save you time in the morning.
• Combine Ingredients in Advance: You can mix the sauce ingredients together the day before and keep them in the fridge.

With these tips and tricks, making Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls will be as easy as pie! Enjoy your cooking!

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A simple and satisfying dish that captures all the great flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling each one. Perfect for busy days and deliciously comforting.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the filling

• 1 pound ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
• 1 yellow onion diced onion Diced for sautéing.
• 1 small head green cabbage Chopped into bite-size pieces.

For the sauce

• 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes Canned for convenience.
• 6 ounces tomato paste Adds thickness to the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce For added flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme Herb for flavor.
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley Herb for flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust for spice level.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt For seasoning.
• 1/2 cup water To loosen the sauce.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add diced onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, kosher salt, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook until onions soften, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Add chopped green cabbage to the slow cooker.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until well-combined.
6. Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker, mixing gently to coat.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Notes

Serve with bread or a dollop of sour cream. Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.