Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls offer all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of wrapping. This easy, hands-off recipe delivers a hearty, savory meal perfect for busy days or cozy dinners.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the diced onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the skillet. Cook until the onions soften, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Transfer the meat and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage on top.
4. Step 4: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until well mixed.
5. Step 5: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
6. Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Add a cup of cooked rice or quinoa for a more filling dish.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for more or less heat.
• Use fresh herbs instead of dried if available, adding them toward the end of cooking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or pork work well as alternatives to ground beef and will slightly change the flavor and fat content.

Do I need to rinse the cabbage before chopping?

It’s a good idea to rinse the cabbage to remove any dirt or impurities before chopping and adding to the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 148 reviews

A delicious and comforting Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing. Ground beef, cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce slow cook together for a hearty, easy-to-make meal perfect for busy days.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

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

Tomato Sauce

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

Seasonings

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

Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef just until slightly pink remains. Drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness in the final dish.
2. Cook Onions and Seasonings: Add the diced yellow onion along with dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the skillet. Cook until the onions soften and become translucent, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Place the cooked meat and onion mixture into the slow cooker, then add the chopped green cabbage on top.
4. Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir thoroughly to create a smooth sauce.
5. Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared tomato sauce evenly over the mixture in the slow cooker. Gently stir the ingredients together to distribute the sauce, then cover the slow cooker with its lid.
6. Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to deepen and the cabbage to become tender.

Notes

• For a leaner version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to desired spice level or omit if you prefer mild flavors.
• Be sure not to overcook to the point where cabbage becomes mushy; check tenderness after 6 hours.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days and freeze beautifully for up to 3 months.

Keywords: slow cooker cabbage rolls, unstuffed cabbage rolls, easy slow cooker recipes, ground beef cabbage recipe, comfort food, hearty dinner