Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls bring all the cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling them up. This dish features tender cabbage, ground meat, rice, and a tomato-based sauce all cooked together slowly to develop rich, comforting flavors. It’s like a warm, satisfying hug on a plate with familiar tastes and a simple, hands-off cooking process.
I love making this recipe because it frees me from the tricky task of stuffing and rolling cabbage leaves, which can be time-consuming and a bit tricky. Instead, everything gets mixed in the slow cooker, so I just set it and forget it while it fills the house with that lovely, homey smell. It’s perfect for busy days when I want a hearty meal that’s ready to enjoy later without extra work.
When I serve unstuffed cabbage rolls, I often like to scoop out a generous helping with some crusty bread or a side of mashed potatoes to soak up all the tasty tomato sauce. It’s a great comfort food dinner that everyone at the table usually loves, especially when the flavors have had time to meld together in the slow cooker. It’s one of those meals I find myself coming back to again and again because it’s so simple and satisfying.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage is classic, giving a tender texture after slow cooking. If you want a sweeter option, try savoy cabbage—it’s lighter and cooks just as well.
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for its fat content, which adds flavor and keeps the dish moist. For a leaner meal, ground turkey or chicken works great too.
Rice: Using long-grain white rice is key because it cooks fully during slow cooking without getting mushy. Avoid instant rice here, as it can turn too soft.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: These give the rich tomato base. You can swap tomato sauce with crushed tomatoes for a chunkier texture or use a no-salt-added version if watching sodium.
Worcestershire Sauce: This ingredient adds a nice depth of flavor but is optional. You can leave it out or substitute with a splash of soy sauce for a different twist.
How Do You Layer Ingredients for the Best Flavor in Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Layering is important to ensure even cooking and flavor. Here’s my simple approach:
- Start with half the cabbage to create a bed that helps prevent sticking and soaks up flavors.
- Add the seasoned ground beef and rice mixture on top—this allows the meat to cook through and juices to mix with the rice.
- Finish with the remaining cabbage to hold moisture and steam the layers below.
- Pour the tomato mixture evenly on top to spread flavors during slow cooking.
- Cook low and slow for the most tender texture and well-blended flavors.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – essential for cooking everything slowly and hands-free, making the cabbage tender and the flavors meld perfectly.
- Mixing bowl – to combine the ground meat, rice, and seasonings easily before layering.
- Sharp knife and cutting board – for chopping the cabbage and onion into bite-sized pieces safely and quickly.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to gently stir the dish after cooking without breaking up the ingredients too much.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter and leaner option that still tastes great.
- Add chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra sweetness and crunch in every bite.
- Mix in some cooked quinoa instead of rice for a nutty flavor and a boost of protein.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top during the last 30 minutes for a melty cheese finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
- ½ cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation, then 6 to 8 hours to cook on low in the slow cooker (or 3 to 4 hours on high). It’s a great meal to prepare in the morning and have ready by dinner time with minimal effort.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cabbage and Meat Mixture:
Start by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and set aside. In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, uncooked rice, salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and paprika together. Stir everything well until the seasoning is evenly distributed.
2. Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or lightly grease to prevent sticking. Place half of the chopped cabbage evenly on the bottom. Next, spread the meat and rice mixture over the cabbage. Finally, layer the remaining cabbage on top.
3. Add the Tomato Sauce Mixture:
In a separate bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce (if using). Pour this flavorful tomato mixture evenly over the layers in the slow cooker.
4. Slow Cook Until Tender:
Cover the slow cooker and cook the dish on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the cabbage is tender, the meat is cooked through, and the rice is fully soft.
5. Finish and Serve:
Before serving, gently stir the cabbage and meat mixture to combine the flavors. Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the savory sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Cabbage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help prevent excess moisture and keep the dish from becoming too watery.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook. To avoid undercooked rice, consider pre-cooking the brown rice before adding it or increase the slow cooking time to ensure it becomes tender.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients and layer them in the slow cooker insert, then refrigerate overnight. Just add the tomato mixture and cook as directed the next day.
