If you love the comforting, rich flavors of cabbage rolls but want a fuss-free way to enjoy them, this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is an absolute game changer. With juicy ground beef, tender cabbage, and a tangy tomato sauce all simmered together slowly in your crockpot, you get every bit of that traditional taste without the hassle of rolling each cabbage leaf. It’s an effortless, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for busy days or cozy dinners with the family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential. Each one brings its own special touch—from the savory depth of the ground beef to the vibrant freshness of green cabbage, and the bright, zesty tomato sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 1 pound ground beef: The star protein that keeps this dish hearty and satisfying.
- 1 yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a subtle crunch that balances the richness.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a gentle earthiness that complements the beef perfectly.
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley: Lends fresh, herbaceous notes to brighten the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overpowering.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors for a well-rounded profile.
- 1 small head green cabbage: The heart of the dish, providing tender texture and subtle sweetness as it cooks down.
- 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes: Offers a juicy, acidic punch that balances the richness.
- 6 ounce can tomato paste: Gives a concentrated burst of tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth and a hint of tangy complexity.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps create the perfect sauce consistency while everything simmers to tender perfection.
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by crumbling the ground beef into a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until it’s mostly browned but still slightly pink in the center. This keeps the meat juicy. Drain excess fat if needed to prevent greasiness. Then, add your diced onion, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt right into the pan. Let these cook together for 3 to 5 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant. This step builds a delicious flavor base for the whole dish. Transfer everything from the skillet into your slow cooker.
Step 2: Chop and Add the Cabbage
Take your small head of green cabbage and chop it into roughly one-inch pieces. The beauty of this recipe is in skipping any fiddly rolling, so chopping it makes the cabbage quickly absorb all the savory sauce and spices as it cooks down. Toss the chopped cabbage into your crockpot base, layering it right on top of the beef and onions.
Step 3: Mix and Pour the Sauce
In a bowl or large measuring cup, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir everything together until you have a smooth, rich sauce. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to gently mix so that the beef, cabbage, and sauce are evenly dispersed but without mashing the cabbage.
Step 4: Slow Cook Until Tender
Set your slow cooker to low and let the flavors meld for 6 to 8 hours. If you can, give it a gentle stir halfway through cooking to help everything cook evenly. By the end, you’ll have perfectly tender cabbage and savory meat soaked in a tangy, comforting sauce—just like traditional cabbage rolls but way easier!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy tang that complements the rich tomato sauce. Fresh chopped parsley or green onions sprinkled over adds a bright fresh pop and a bit of color to your plate, making every bite even more inviting.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with fluffy white rice or buttery mashed potatoes to soak up all that luscious sauce. For a lighter touch, try serving it alongside crusty bread or a simple green salad dressed with a sharp vinaigrette to balance the hearty main.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or just switch things up, serve the mixture in hollowed-out cabbage leaves for a rustic yet elegant presentation. You could also layer it over polenta or creamy grits for a fun comfort-food twist that’s totally unexpected but incredibly tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to lock in moisture and flavor. It tastes even better the next day as the spices and sauce deepen.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without sacrificing any flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw overnight if frozen and warm gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. You’ll have a comforting, ready-made meal in minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on moisture levels as it tends to dry out quicker than beef.
Do I need to brown the meat first?
Browning the meat adds great flavor and helps develop a richer sauce. You could skip it, but you may lose some depth in taste and texture.
Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a covered baking dish and bake at 325°F for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the cabbage is tender. Just check and stir occasionally.
What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar can provide a similar umami boost in your slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but the heat is subtle and easy to adjust up or down depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food made easy, there’s no better choice than this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. It’s packed with flavor, requires minimal prep, and delivers the soul-satisfying goodness of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss. Give it a try and let this cozy dish become your new weeknight favorite.
Print
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers a convenient and comforting alternative to traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Ground beef is browned with onions and spices, then combined with chopped cabbage and a flavorful tomato-based sauce before simmering low and slow in a crockpot until tender and delicious. Perfect for a hearty family meal served over rice.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Vegetables
- 1 small head green cabbage
Sauces and Liquids
- 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until it is just a little pink remaining. Drain the excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté onions and seasonings: Add the diced onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to soften and the spices fragrant.
- Transfer to crockpot: Pour the beef and onion mixture into the slow cooker to form the base of your dish.
- Add cabbage: Chop the cabbage into approximately 1-inch pieces and add them evenly into the crockpot with the beef mixture.
- Prepare sauce: In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Combine sauce and ingredients: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage and beef in the crockpot. Gently stir everything together to mix the ingredients but not mash the cabbage.
- Cook slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. If possible, stir the mixture halfway through cooking to redistribute flavors.
- Serve: Once cooked and cabbage is tender, serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls hot, ideally over steamed rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Adjust red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- Stirring halfway through cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures even flavor distribution.
- Serve with rice or crusty bread to complement the savory sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings; adjust cooking time slightly if crockpot is very full.
