why make this recipe
This dish gives the flavor of stuffed cabbage without the work of rolling. It cooks all day in the slow cooker. You get a warm, hearty meal with simple ingredients and little effort.
introduction
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls mix ground beef, cabbage, and a tomato sauce in one pot. The slow cooker makes the cabbage soft and the meat tender. If you like easy slow cooker meals like slow cooker chicken breast, you will enjoy this simple dinner.
how to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Brown the meat and cook the onion first, then put everything in the slow cooker and let it cook low and slow. The sauce soaks into the cabbage and meat. This cooks like other slow cooker meals such as lemon herb chicken with fluffy rice, but with cabbage and a tomato sauce.
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
Directions :
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
- Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
how to serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Serve hot. Spoon into bowls and add a little sour cream if you like. A slice of crusty bread or rice on the side works well. You can top with extra parsley for color.
how to store Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Cool to room temperature, then put in an airtight container. Keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Cut the cabbage into bite-size pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Do not overfill the slow cooker; leave some space for steam.
- Brown the beef and onions first to add more flavor.
- If you like more sauce, add an extra 1/4 cup water or tomato sauce.
- Check near the end of cooking; slow cooker times can vary by model.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey or pork instead of beef.
- Add cooked rice to the meat mix for a closer feel to traditional stuffed rolls.
- Stir in a little brown sugar or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a sweet-tart note.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: Yes. Pre-shredded cabbage works fine. Just check it near the end so it does not get too soft.
Q: Can I make this on high heat?
A: You can, but cook time will be shorter. Try 3–4 hours on high and check for doneness.
Q: Do I need to drain the tomatoes?
A: No. Use the can juices; they add flavor to the sauce.
Q: Is this recipe freezer friendly?
A: Yes. Cool, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes. Carrots or bell peppers can work. Chop small so they cook through.
Conclusion
For more slow cooker ideas and similar recipes, see Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – The Country Cook and Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – Flour On My Face.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
- Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.