Why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a simple and hearty dish that brings the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each wrapper. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm and comforting meal waiting for you. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully over several hours. This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy, as it includes vegetables and lean meat.
How to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
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
Directions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until the onions soften.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with the chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the 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 the Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls warm, straight from the slow cooker. You can enjoy it on its own or serve it with a side of crusty bread or rice. For added flavor, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top before serving. This dish also pairs well with a simple green salad.
How to store Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls will stay fresh for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the microwave or on the stove until heated through.
Tips to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- For extra flavor, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to the sauce mixture to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- To make it a complete meal, consider adding cooked rice or quinoa to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences; more red pepper flakes will add extra heat.
Variation
You can also make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative. Additionally, if you prefer a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of water.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the slow cooker.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add bell peppers, carrots, or even zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
How do I know when it’s done cooking?
The dish is done when the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through. You can check the internal temperature of the meat; it should reach 160°F (70°C).
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 435 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A simple and hearty dish that brings the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling each wrapper.
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
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until the onions soften.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with the chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the 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.
Notes
Serve warm with crusty bread or rice. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 420 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cabbage rolls, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, easy dinner, healthy meal, family recipe