Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

You know, there’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that reminds you of home—something that fills your kitchen with the kind of aroma that tugs at your heartstrings. Like this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe! It’s a little twist on a traditional favorite, allowing you to enjoy all the rich flavors without the fuss of rolling the cabbage. I remember when my mom would prepare stuffed cabbage for family gatherings, and the anticipation built as we waited for dinner. Now, I bring that memory alive in a simplified, hearty way that you absolutely need to try.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Let me tell you, there’s a certain magic that happens when flavors meld in a slow cooker. This dish is not only forgiving but practically takes care of itself while you go about your day. Picture it: cabbage softening into submission, ground beef mingling with the juices of tomatoes, and herbs releasing their fragrance as they slowly dance together. It’s the kind of cozy hug in a bowl you crave on chilly nights or busy weeknights when you want to come home to something soul-satisfying without the hassle.

And let me tell you—this is a one-pot wonder that delivers nutrition, satisfaction, and nostalgia all in one savory scoop. It’s hearty enough to feed a family and versatile enough to fit into your weeknight rotation. You can also tweak it as you like, and trust me, this dish tastes even better the next day.

Gather these ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef: Choose lean beef for a lighter touch, or feel free to use turkey or chicken if you want a healthier twist.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: The onion adds a sweet depth to the dish. Just imagine the aroma wafting up as it cooks down.
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped: This is the star of the show! The cabbage wilts beautifully in the slow cooker, bringing a subtle crunch and a touch of earthiness.
• 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes: A staple in my pantry. They bring acidity and natural sweetness.
• 6-ounce can tomato paste: For that rich, luxurious sauce we all crave.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: A splash of umami goodness that just ties everything together.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Earthy and fragrant; it has that comforting aroma that simply elevates the dish.
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley: A fresh touch—essentially the confetti of the dish!
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough to add a little zing. Feel free to skip or add more depending on your spice level.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Always taste as you go, but this is your starting point!
• 1/2 cup water: A little splash to keep things moist, as we want our cabbage and beef to simmer beautifully together.

Preparing Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Brown the beef: Grab your trusty skillet and heat it over medium-high. Crumble in the ground beef and cook until it’s just slightly pink. You want that juicy goodness but don’t forget to drain off any excess fat. This is the moment to really develop those flavors!

2. Sauté the onions: Toss the diced onion into the skillet with seasonings. Cook until the onions soften—this adds layers of flavor, so don’t rush; it’s worth it!

3. Mix it up: Transfer that glorious meat mixture to your slow cooker and stir in the chopped cabbage. It’ll look like a vibrant medley!

4. Create the sauce: In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir it up real good—this sauce is the heart of your dish.

5. Pour and mix: Gently pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage in the slow cooker. Mix it lightly; you want everything to get to know each other without losing the textures.

6. Cook away: Cover it up and set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. The longer, the better; your patience will be rewarded!

Best way to enjoy it

This dish is phenomenal served right out of the slow cooker, and it’s a generous hug served with a warm roll or a side of fried potatoes to soak up that luscious sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top just before serving for that extra touch of color and flavor.

And you know what? This unstuffed cabbage rolls dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad for balance. A quick vinaigrette adds brightness—just the thing to cut through the richness of the dish!

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? You’re in for a treat! This dish actually tastes even better the next day. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Want to freeze it? Scoop portions into freezer-safe bags and label them dated. It’ll keep for about three months. When you’re ready to reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat over low heat in a pot—the flavors will meld even more beautifully.

Helpful cooking tips

• Use a quality beef: Good quality meat makes a world of difference, as it contributes much more flavor.
• Don’t skip the sautéing: Browning the meat and softening the onions creates depth, so trust the process.
• Adjust the seasoning: Everyone’s palate is different—taste and tweak as you go!
• Feel free to customize: This is a base recipe—if you’re feeling adventurous, add cooked rice or quinoa for added texture!

Creative Twists

Feeling a little adventurous? Consider adding some chopped bell peppers for sweetness or a handful of cooked rice or quinoa to bulk it up! You could even swap in ground turkey if you prefer a lighter option.

And for those of you who love spice, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or some jalapeños for an entirely different flavor profile. Who said you can’t make this dish your own?

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 to follow

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
3. Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
5. Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Your questions answered

• What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce? You can substitute with soy sauce for a similar flavor profile.
• Can I make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the beef for lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
• How long does this take to prep? About 20-30 minutes! It’s a breeze, especially with the slow cooker doing the heavy lifting.
• What should I serve it with? A crusty bread or a side salad balances it nicely.
• Is this dish freezer-friendly? Yes! Just portion it out and it’ll keep well for up to three months.

You know, there’s just something about preparing a dish like this that brings everyone together. It’s not just about the food—it’s about the memories and moments that we build around the table. So let’s get cooking! Give this recipe a whirl, feel free to twist it to your taste, and let me know how it goes. Cooking is a journey, my friend—let’s embark on it together!

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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Cooking Method: Simmering Courses: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food Freezer Meals High Protein Non Vegetarian Slow Cooker Recipes

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 480 mins Rest Time 51 mins Total Time 9 hrs 21 mins

Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: Winter

Description

This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a simplified take on a classic dish, letting you enjoy rich flavors without the fuss of rolling cabbage. A hearty meal that combines ground beef, cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef (Choose lean beef for a lighter touch.)
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced (Adds sweet depth to the dish.)
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (The star of the dish.)
• 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes (Brings acidity and natural sweetness.)
• 6 ounces tomato paste (Rich, luxurious sauce.)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce (Adds umami flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (Earthy and fragrant.)
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley (Fresh touch.)
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon red pepper flakes (Adjust spice level to taste.)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (Season to taste.)
• ¹⁄₂ cup water (Keeps mixture moist.)

Directions

1. Brown the beef

   Heat a skillet over medium-high. Crumble the ground beef and cook until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
   Mark as complete

2. Sauté the onions

   Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
   This adds layers of flavor.
   Mark as complete

3. Mix it up

   Transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker and stir in the chopped cabbage.
   Mark as complete

4. Create the sauce

   In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
   This sauce is the heart of your dish.
   Mark as complete

5. Pour and mix

   Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
   Ensure textures are maintained.
   Mark as complete

6. Cook away

   Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
   Patience will reward you with flavor.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 20g31%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Cholesterol 70mg24%

Sodium 700mg30%

Potassium 600mg18%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 5g

Protein 25g50%

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Vitamin A 500 IU

Vitamin C 15 mg

Calcium 40 mg

Iron 3 mg

Phosphorus 300 mg

Magnesium 50 mg

Zinc 5 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This dish tastes even better the next day.

Keywords: cabbage rolls, unstuffed cabbage, slow cooker, beef, comforting, one-pot meal