Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls offer a simple, delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling individual leaves. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, providing a hearty meal that everyone can savor. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing flavors to blend beautifully while you go about your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: No need to roll individual cabbage leaves; simply combine ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic.
• Flavorful: The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, and seasonings creates a rich taste that warms the soul.
• Versatile: You can easily substitute ground turkey for a lighter meal or use lentils for a vegetarian option.
• Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both adults and kids, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Great for batch cooking; leftovers are delicious and can be frozen for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls successfully, you will need a few essential tools. Having these on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Perfect for slow cooking, allowing flavors to meld over several hours with minimal effort.
• Skillet: Essential for browning meat, which enhances flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for combining ingredients thoroughly before transferring them to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board & Knife: Important for safely chopping vegetables and preparing your ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:

Protein & Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped

Sauces & 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

Liquid

• 1/2 cup water

How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Follow these simple steps to create your hearty meal.

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Cook the Onions and Seasonings

Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.

Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker

Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.

Step 5: Mix and Cook

Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a hearty and satisfying meal that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Here are some tasty serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Dill: Add fresh dill for a vibrant herbal note that complements the dish.

Grains

• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the delicious juices.
• Quinoa: For a nutritious alternative, pair with quinoa for added texture and protein.

Salad Options

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and croutons balances the richness of the rolls.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm dish.

Bread Choices

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to mop up the sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls provide a comforting addition to soak up flavors.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

To ensure your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavoring: Use fresh herbs and spices for more vibrant flavor; they enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Quality Meat: Choose lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
• Chop Evenly: Ensure all vegetables are chopped uniformly so they cook evenly throughout the slow cooking process.
• Layer Wisely: Layer ingredients in your slow cooker strategically, starting with meat at the bottom to help it cook thoroughly.
• Adjust Liquid Levels: If you prefer a saucier dish, feel free to add more water or broth; adjust according to your preference.
• Test for Doneness: Check for tenderness in cabbage before serving; it should be soft yet still hold its shape.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort and pair beautifully with the rolls.
2. Steamed Green Beans: Fresh green beans lightly steamed offer a crisp and colorful complement to the dish.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring sweetness and texture, enhancing your meal’s appeal.
4. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast and is perfect for soaking up any sauce left on your plate.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness and balances out rich flavors.
6. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can serve as an excellent base for topping with leftover cabbage roll filling or sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are easy to make, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Overcooking the beef: If you cook the beef too long in the skillet, it may become tough. Brown it just until slightly pink for the best texture.
• Neglecting the seasoning: Skipping or skimping on seasonings can result in bland flavors. Make sure to measure and adjust according to your taste.
• Ignoring cabbage size: Using a head of cabbage that is too large or small can affect cooking time and texture. Choose a small to medium head for optimal results.
• Not mixing ingredients well: Failing to mix the sauce thoroughly with the meat and cabbage can lead to uneven flavor distribution. Stir gently but thoroughly before cooking.
• Cooking on high heat: Cooking on high instead of low may cause uneven cooking. Stick to low heat for 6-8 hours for tender cabbage rolls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will keep for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have ground beef for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?

You can substitute ground turkey or even lentils for a meatless version. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Can I add other vegetables to Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Yes! Feel free to include diced bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

How do I know when my Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are done?

The dish should be cooked until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded together, typically after 6-8 hours on low.

Can I use frozen cabbage in this recipe?

While fresh cabbage is preferable, you can use thawed frozen cabbage if needed. Just ensure it is well-drained before adding.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls provide a wonderful blend of flavors and comfort in one pot. This versatile recipe allows you to customize ingredients according to your taste preferences. Whether you’re making it with beef, turkey, or lentils, it’s sure to be a hit at your dining table!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional cabbage rolls, offering all the comforting flavors without the fuss of rolling individual leaves. This one-pot meal combines ground beef with tender cabbage, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the ingredients to meld together beautifully while you go about your day.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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
• 1/2 cup water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink; drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
5. Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 29g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg