Print

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, hands-off meal that captures the traditional flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle. Ground beef, aromatic herbs, and tender cabbage simmer together in a savory tomato sauce, making this dish perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Serve it over rice for a hearty and satisfying experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 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
  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces

Sauce

  • 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
  • 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until it is just a little pink. Drain excess fat if necessary. This step ensures rich flavor and helps avoid excess grease in the final dish.
  2. Sauté onions and spices: Add the diced yellow onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the browned beef. Continue cooking for 3-5 minutes until the onions begin to soften and become translucent, infusing the beef with aromatic spices.
  3. Prepare the slow cooker: Transfer the beef and onion mixture into your slow cooker. Then, add the chopped cabbage pieces, distributing them evenly for consistent cooking.
  4. Mix the sauce: In a bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water until well combined. Pour this sauce mixture over the cabbage and beef in the slow cooker.
  5. Combine and cook: Gently stir the contents of the slow cooker to evenly distribute the sauce, beef, and cabbage. Cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. For best results, stir halfway through cooking if possible to ensure even heat and flavor distribution.
  6. Serve: Once cooked, serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls hot, ideally over a bed of rice to soak up the delicious tomato sauce and enjoy a fulfilling meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or cooked lentils.
  • Adding a splash of red wine to the sauce can deepen the flavors.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Stirring halfway through slow cooking is optional but recommended for even cooking.
  • This dish can be prepared a day ahead; flavors improve when reheated.
  • Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, unstuffed cabbage rolls, ground beef recipe, easy dinner, cabbage recipe, comfort food, crockpot meals

Find it online: https://platedbyemma.com/slow-cooker-unstuffed-cabbage-rolls-recipe/