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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

5.2 from 25 reviews

This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing each leaf. Ground beef, aromatic spices, and a tangy tomato sauce meld together in a slow cooker for a hearty, easy-to-make 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

Spices 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 Beef and Sauté Onions: In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until just a little pink remains. Drain excess fat if necessary. Add the diced onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Cook together for 3-5 minutes until the onions soften.
  2. Add to Crockpot: Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker.
  3. Prepare the Cabbage: Chop the cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces and add it directly to the slow cooker.
  4. Mix the Sauce: In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well until the sauce is uniform.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: Pour the sauce over the cabbage and beef in the crockpot. Gently mix all ingredients to evenly distribute.
  6. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If possible, stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure even flavor.
  7. Serve: Serve hot, ideally over cooked rice for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Stirring halfway through cooking enhances flavor blending but is optional.
  • Serve with rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, unstuffed cabbage rolls, ground beef, easy dinner, comfort food, one pot meal