Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Ground beef, fresh cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce meld together slowly in the crockpot for an easy, hearty meal that’s perfect for busy days. Packed with herbs and a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, it’s a nutritious one-pot dish that’s simple to prepare and satisfying to eat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Tomato Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the yellow onion and chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Measure out all remaining ingredients for easy access.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, chopped cabbage, petite diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and water. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors well melded.
- Final Adjustments and Serve: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls hot, garnished as desired with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If you prefer more spice, increase red pepper flakes gradually to taste.
- For a thicker sauce, uncover the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
- This dish freezes well—portion leftovers into airtight containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serve over cooked rice or mashed potatoes for a more filling meal.
Keywords: slow cooker, unstuffed cabbage rolls, ground beef, easy dinner, cabbage recipe, one pot meal, comfort food
Find it online: https://mjrecipe.com/slow-cooker-unstuffed-cabbage-rolls-recipe/