Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a delightful dish that brings the classic flavors of cabbage rolls without all the fuss of rolling each one. With tender cabbage, beef, and a rich tomato sauce, this meal is comforting and satisfying. Using a slow cooker makes it even easier, as you can set it and forget it until dinner time. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep for the week.
Slow cookers are great for making meals simple. You can cook in the morning, and by the time you return home, a delicious smell fills your house. Plus, unstuffed cabbage rolls are perfect for families too. Everyone gets a bowl of comforting goodness, with all the flavors they love.
Let’s talk about why you will enjoy this easy recipe and how to prepare it step by step.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. First, it is incredibly simple to make. You do not need to spend time preparing each roll. Instead, you chop, mix, and let the slow cooker do the work.
Second, this dish is healthy. Cabbage is low in calories and packed with nutrients. Ground beef provides protein, which is essential for your body. The tomatoes and spices add flavor without extra calories.
Third, this recipe is versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your taste. Whether you prefer spicy or mild flavors, you can make it your own. It is also easy to add other veggies if you want.
Lastly, it is a great dish for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and reheat it during the week. This way, you always have a home-cooked meal ready to go.
HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Making Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is straightforward. It combines classic flavors with an easy method. Here is how you do it.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To prepare this dish, you need:
- A slow cooker
- A skillet
- A mixing bowl
- A spoon for stirring
- A knife for chopping
- A cutting board
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients for the Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- 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: Start by heating a skillet on medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it is browned, but it may still be slightly pink. Drain the excess fat from the beef.
- Add the onions and seasonings: Next, add the diced onion to the skillet with the ground beef. Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook this mixture until the onions are soft.
- Transfer to the slow cooker: Once the meat and onions are cooked, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage on top of the meat mix.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the petite diced tomatoes (do not drain), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir this sauce well to combine all the ingredients.
- Mix in the sauce: Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker. Mix everything gently, so the sauce covers the cabbage and beef evenly.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to low heat and cook for about 6 to 8 hours.
When the cooking time is up, the cabbage will be tender, and the flavors will mix perfectly.
HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Serving Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is easy. Use a ladle to spoon out the dish into bowls. You can top it with some fresh parsley or a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor. Pair it with a slice of crusty bread or serve it over rice for a complete meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
After you make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, you might have leftovers. This dish stores well in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will last for 3 to 4 days.
If you want to freeze it, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer the cabbage rolls to a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it in the microwave or on the stove.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Besides serving it in a bowl, there are many enjoyable ways to serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. Consider these simple ideas:
- Serve it with garlic bread or rolls for dipping.
- Pair it with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for creaminess.
- Serve with some roasted vegetables or a side of mashed potatoes.
VARIATIONS
This recipe is very flexible. You can make many variations based on your preferences. Here are some easy ideas:
- Choose a different meat: Instead of ground beef, use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a lighter meal.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to mix in chopped carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
- Make it vegetarian: Use meat substitutes or beans instead of ground beef. Add more vegetables and spices for flavor.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ground beef? Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just be sure to cook it until it is fully cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.
2. Can I leave cabbage rolls in the slow cooker overnight? It is best to follow the recommended cooking times. Leaving food in the slow cooker for too long may affect the texture.
3. Can I use canned cabbage instead of fresh? Fresh cabbage is best for this recipe. Canned cabbage can become mushy and may not hold up well when cooked.
4. Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you check the labels on your canned ingredients and Worcestershire sauce for gluten.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you want to make this meal ahead, consider these tips:
- Prep the ingredients: Chop the cabbage and onions the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to save time.
- Brown the beef ahead of time: You can cook and drain the ground beef a day before. Store the cooked beef in the fridge. Just reheat before mixing it into the slow cooker.
- Assemble and refrigerate: You can layer the ingredients in the slow cooker insert and keep it in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just set it on low to cook.
This way, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious meal without the rush during busy weekdays.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion to the skillet and sprinkle with thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Cook until onions are softened.
- Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and layer chopped cabbage on top.
- In a mixing bowl, combine petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker, mixing gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or until cabbage is tender.
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley or cheese if desired. Pair with crusty bread or serve over rice.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.