Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

If you love the comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls but want a fuss-free, hands-off method, you are going to adore this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. It captures all the hearty goodness of traditional stuffed cabbage but skips the rolling part entirely, making dinner preparation a breeze without sacrificing any flavor. Imagine savory ground beef seasoned with herbs, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce melding together slowly in your crockpot, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivering a cozy, satisfying meal at the end of the day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple staples that come together to create a balanced dish with depth and warmth. Each one plays a key role, from the savory ground beef providing richness to the cabbage adding fresh texture and vibrant color.

• 1 pound ground beef: choose a lean to medium blend for juicy, flavorful meat without too much grease.
• 1 yellow onion, diced: adds sweetness and an aromatic base that lifts the whole dish.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: brings a subtle earthiness that complements the beef beautifully.
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley: adds fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of green color.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes: just enough heat to keep things interesting without overpowering.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: enhances all the flavors naturally.
• 1 small head green cabbage: sliced into hearty chunks that soften perfectly in the slow cooker.
• 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes: adds juicy bursts of acidity and bright color.
• 6 ounce can tomato paste: deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce: introduces a savory umami punch that ties the flavors together.
• 1/2 cup water: balances the sauce, ensuring the cabbage cooks to tender perfection.

How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and crumbling in the ground beef. Cook it until there’s just a little pink left—you want it juicy, not dry. Drain off any excess fat if needed, then add the diced onion along with thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt. Let everything cook together for about 3 to 5 minutes until the onions soften and blend perfectly with the seasoned beef. This will build a deep flavor base that the slow cooker will amplify over time.

Step 2: Prepare the Cabbage

While the meat mixture is cooking, chop your green cabbage into roughly one-inch pieces. This chunkier cut means the cabbage will hold its shape and provide satisfying texture, gently softening without becoming mushy during the slow cooking process.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Transfer the browned meat and onion mixture to your slow cooker, then add the chopped cabbage on top. In a separate bowl or large measuring cup, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until everything is smooth and well combined, then pour this sauce over the cabbage and meat inside the crockpot.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot so the flavors start mingling. Set the slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6 to 8 hours. If you have time, stir the mixture halfway through cooking to ensure every bite is well coated with sauce. The end result is tender cabbage and rich, flavorful beef that tastes like it simmered all day.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream can elevate the dish beautifully, adding a fresh or creamy contrast to the savory tomato sauce. A little cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice also brightens the flavors if you like a slight tang.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are fantastic served over fluffy white or brown rice, which soaks up every bit of the delicious sauce. Mashed potatoes or buttered egg noodles are also cozy companions, providing a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls in individual ramekins topped with shredded cheese and broiled until bubbly and golden. You could also spoon the mixture over baked potatoes or stuff it into warm pita pockets for a casual, make-ahead lunch option that’s bursting with flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to marry, making the meal even tastier the following day.

Freezing

To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then transfer it into a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Be sure to label and date the packaging for easy identification.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If reheated from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first to maintain the best texture and flavor. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help keep the cabbage tender and moist.

FAQs

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work well, though the flavor will be a bit lighter. You may want to add a little extra seasoning or a splash of soy sauce to boost umami if you go this route.

Do I need to pre-cook the cabbage before adding it to the slow cooker?

No pre-cooking is necessary. The cabbage softens beautifully during the slow cooking process, so chopping it into bite-sized pieces before adding is all that’s needed.

How long can I cook the Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls on high?

If you are short on time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. Just check that the cabbage is tender and the meat is fully cooked before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The basic ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but be sure to check your Worcestershire sauce’s label as some brands contain gluten. You can substitute with a gluten-free alternative if needed.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Diced carrots, bell peppers, or even mushrooms can be stirred in along with the cabbage to add more variety, color, and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a total game-changer for cozy family dinners. It nurtures with every bite and makes weeknight cooking feel luxuriously simple. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, this will quickly become one of your favorite comfort meals to make again and again!

Print