why make this recipe
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe saves time and keeps the home-cooked taste of classic cabbage rolls. It uses simple ingredients and a slow cooker so you can set it and forget it. If you like easy slow-cooked meals, you may also enjoy a hearty stew like hearty slow cooker beef stew for another warm dinner option.
introduction
This dish gives you all the flavors of stuffed cabbage without wrapping. Ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and spices slow cook together into a soft, tasty meal. It makes a large pot you can eat across a few days. The steps are simple and fit busy weeks.
how to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- 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.
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
For more cabbage ideas, try a simple side like cabbage and ham salad.
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 from the slow cooker. Spoon over rice or egg noodles for a fuller meal. You can also serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Top with a little extra parsley if you like a fresh touch.
how to store Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Let the dish cool to room temperature, then move to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
tips to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Chop the cabbage into even pieces so it cooks evenly.
- If you like more sauce, add another 1/2 cup water or tomato sauce.
- For leaner meals, use 90% lean ground beef.
- To add flavor, brown the onion with the meat and a pinch of salt.
- Try other slow cooker recipes for meal rotation, such as slow-cooker barbequed beef ribs for a different weeknight main.
variation (if any)
- Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Add cooked rice or cooked barley to the meat mixture for a more filling dish.
- Stir in a little brown sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Add sliced carrots or bell peppers for extra vegetables.
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?
A: Yes. Pre-shredded cabbage cooks well. Just check the cooking time and stir gently.
Q: Do I need to brown the beef first?
A: Browning adds flavor. You can skip it, but the dish may taste less rich.
Q: Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?
A: You can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but low for 6-8 hours gives better texture.
Q: Is this recipe freezer safe?
A: Yes. Cool fully, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the tomato mix.
Conclusion
For more slow cooker ideas and similar unstuffed cabbage roll recipes, see these helpful guides: Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – The Country Cook, Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – Flour On My Face, and Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – Fit Slow Cooker Queen.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef For leaner meals, use 90% lean ground beef.
- 1 yellow onion diced yellow onion Chop the onion to enhance flavor.
- 1 small head green cabbage Chop into even pieces for even cooking.
- 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley Top with additional parsley for serving.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Increase for more heat.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup water Add more for extra sauce if desired.
Instructions
Preparation
- 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.
