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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

5.2 from 30 reviews

This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing. Ground beef, cabbage, and a savory tomato-based sauce are slow-cooked together to create a hearty, delicious meal perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces

Herbs and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Tomato Sauce Mix

  • 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
  • 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until it is just slightly pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add Onion and Seasonings: To the skillet with beef, add diced onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Cook together for 3-5 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef and onion mixture into the crockpot.
  4. Prepare Cabbage: Chop the cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces and add them to the crockpot on top of the beef mixture.
  5. Mix Tomato Sauce: In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until fully mixed.
  6. Add Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the ingredients in the crockpot.
  7. Combine Ingredients: Carefully stir everything in the crockpot to ensure the beef, cabbage, and sauce are evenly distributed.
  8. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If possible, stir halfway through cooking to help flavors meld.
  9. Serve: Serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls hot, ideally over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For added flavor, consider adding minced garlic when cooking the onion and beef.
  • Stirring halfway through cooking helps ensure even flavor distribution and cooking.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the amount of water slightly or cook on high for less time but check carefully.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Serve with crusty bread or over mashed potatoes as an alternative to rice.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, unstuffed cabbage rolls, ground beef, cabbage, comfort food, easy dinner, crockpot, tomato sauce