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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls but with a simplified, deconstructed approach. Ground beef is browned with aromatic spices and onions, then combined with tender chopped cabbage and a rich tomato-based sauce in a slow cooker. The long, slow simmer results in a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for an easy weeknight meal served over rice.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Tomato 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.
  2. Sauté Onions and Seasonings: Add the diced yellow onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the skillet with the beef. Cook together for 3-5 minutes until the onions begin to soften.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Pour the beef and onion mixture into the crockpot.
  4. Prepare the Cabbage: Chop the green cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces and add them to the crockpot.
  5. Mix the Tomato Sauce: In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well until blended.
  6. Add Sauce and Stir: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage and beef in the crockpot. Carefully mix all ingredients so they are evenly distributed.
  7. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours. For best results, stir the mixture halfway through cooking if possible.
  8. Serve: Serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls hot, ideally over a bed of cooked rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.

Notes

  • For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to complete the meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing is possible; thaw completely before reheating.
  • Stirring halfway through cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.

Nutrition

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

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