INTRODUCTION
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls let you enjoy all the warm, homey flavors of stuffed cabbage without the work of rolling leaves. This dish cooks slowly and fills your kitchen with a simple tomato and beef aroma. It is easy for weeknights and for busy days when you want a meal that nearly cooks itself. If you want the full recipe on a single page as you cook, visit the Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe for a quick view and print options.
This version uses ground beef, chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, and a smooth tomato paste sauce. It cooks on low for hours so the cabbage softens and the flavors blend. You only need to brown the meat first and then let the slow cooker do the rest. The result is a warm, filling, and gentle stew that tastes like a family classic.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it saves time and gives classic flavor. It removes the step of stuffing and rolling cabbage. You get the same taste with less fuss. The slow cooker breaks down the cabbage and makes a soft, tender texture that soaks up the sauce. The sauce is tomato forward with a little tang from Worcestershire and a touch of herbs for depth.
This meal fits many needs. It is easy to double for a crowd, simple to reheat, and good for packing into lunches. It also pairs well with bread or rice, so everyone can eat the way they like. If you enjoy filling slow cooker meals, you may also like a rich comfort dish like creamy slow cooker beef pasta, which uses similar hands-off cooking for a different finish and texture.
HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
This recipe is simple. Brown meat, add onion and spice, mix in cabbage, and pour a tomato sauce over it. Then cook slowly. The long, low heat gives time for flavors to soften and combine. You can prepare the ingredients in fifteen minutes and let the slow cooker finish the job. Follow the steps below for a solid result every time.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Slow cooker (4-6 quart works best)
- Large skillet for browning the meat
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl for the tomato sauce
- Measuring spoons and cup
- Cutting board and knife for chopping the cabbage and onion
Ingredients You’ll Need :
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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
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 this dish hot in a shallow bowl or on a plate with the sauce spooned over the top. It goes well with simple sides. A crusty roll or soft dinner roll soaks up the sauce well. Plain steamed rice or mashed potatoes make the meal heartier. Add a green side salad or roasted vegetables for color and freshness.
For a family-style meal, place the slow cooker directly on the table with a large serving spoon. This keeps the food warm and lets each person pick the amount they want. If you need a protein boost, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for creaminess. If you want a quick change of style, try a side of buttered egg noodles for a similar comfort feel.
You can also add a mild vinegar splash or extra Worcestershire on the plate to brighten the dish before eating. A few sprigs of fresh parsley or a pinch of cracked black pepper make a neat finishing touch.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the food to room temperature for no more than two hours before sealing. Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
To freeze, cool the dish completely and place it in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on low heat on the stove or in a covered slow cooker until warmed through.
For meal prep, portion into individual containers before freezing so you can thaw only what you need.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve over steamed white or brown rice to soak up the sauce.
- Spoon over mashed potatoes for a soothing, hearty plate.
- Place on buttered egg noodles for a soft and homey feel.
- Add a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to wipe the pan clean.
- Fresh green salad or steamed green beans add contrast to the warm, soft texture of the main dish.
If you want to try a different style of slow cooker meal with similar ease, you might like the savory flavors of the slow cooker American goulash, which also pairs well with simple sides like rice or pasta.
VARIATIONS
- Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for chopped mushrooms or a plant-based crumbled substitute. Add a splash of soy sauce for depth.
- Turkey or chicken: Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner dish. Brown the meat and follow the same steps.
- Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño when cooking the onion for more heat.
- Creamy twist: Stir in a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese near the end of cooking for a richer sauce.
- Extra veggies: Add diced carrots or bell peppers when you add the onion for more texture and color.
Try different herbs like smoked paprika or oregano to shift the flavor profile. You can also finish with a squeeze of lemon for brightness before serving.
FAQs
Q: Can I skip browning the meat?
A: You can skip browning, but browning adds flavor and texture. If you skip it, the meat may stay softer and the dish may lack depth. Browning takes only a few minutes and improves flavor.
Q: How do I know the cabbage is done?
A: The cabbage is done when it is tender and soft but not mushy. After 6-8 hours on low, the cabbage should give easily when pierced with a fork.
Q: Can I cook on high instead of low?
A: You can cook on high for about 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 hours on low. Check the cabbage and adjust time as needed. The slow low cook gives better melded flavors.
Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Cool fully, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: The recipe is naturally gluten-free if your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Check labels for hidden gluten in sauces.
Q: Can I use a different tomato product?
A: You can use crushed tomatoes instead of diced, or tomato sauce for a smoother base. Adjust thickness with water or a bit more tomato paste if needed.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
You can prepare the meat and onion mixture a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and add to the slow cooker with fresh cabbage and sauce the next day. You can also mix the tomato sauce ahead and keep it covered. If you like, chop the cabbage the night before and store it in a sealed container to save time in the morning.
For a freezer-ready make-ahead, assemble the fully cooked dish and freeze leftover portions. Or prepare everything up to the point of slow cooking: place the raw browned meat and chopped cabbage in a freezer bag with the sauce, freeze, then thaw and cook in the slow cooker when ready. This makes it easy to have a full meal ready with very little time on the day you want to eat.
If you want tips from other slow cooker showpieces, try pairing this prep method with ideas used in recipes like slow cooker beef ramen noodles, where pre-mixing and careful storage make weeknight dinners faster.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- 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.