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

Scale

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

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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.