Enjoy all the classic, comforting flavor of traditional cabbage rolls without any of the tedious rolling! This recipe for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is the ultimate comfort food hack, transforming the beloved dish into a hearty and incredibly easy one-pot meal. This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole features savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich, tangy tomato sauce, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the perfect, satisfying dinner for a busy weeknight.
Why This is the Best Easy Cabbage Roll Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves the taste of cabbage rolls but not the effort.
- Simple and Effortless: This is a true “dump and go” style meal. After a quick browning of the meat, the slow cooker does all the work.
- Hearty and Flavorful: This Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls recipe is packed with savory ground beef and vegetables in a rich sauce for a truly satisfying meal.
- One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, which means minimal cleanup.
- A Family-Friendly Favorite: The classic, comforting flavors are a guaranteed hit with the entire family.
Your Simple Ingredient Checklist
This recipe uses straightforward, easy-to-find ingredients.
The Ingredient Lineup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head of green cabbage, chopped into one-inch pieces
- 1 (14-ounce) can of petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup water
- Seasonings: 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 tsp dried parsley, ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp kosher salt.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Instructions
Get ready for the easiest cabbage roll dinner you’ve ever made.
Part 1: Brown the Meat and Prepare Ingredients
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook and crumble the ground beef until just a little pink remains. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the onions begin to soften.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture to the insert of your slow cooker.
- Add the Cabbage: Add the chopped cabbage on top of the meat mixture.
Part 2: Make the Sauce and Cook
- Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water until well combined.
- Combine and Cook: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the top of the cabbage and beef in the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well dispersed.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. If you can, give it a stir about halfway through the cooking time.
Part 3: Serve
- Serve Hot: Once the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded, the dish is ready. Serve hot on its own or over a bed of fluffy white rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different kind of meat for this recipe? Yes! This recipe is very versatile. You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even a mild or spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
2. What should I serve with these Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls? This dish is fantastic served over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, which helps to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s also great with egg noodles or a side of creamy mashed potatoes. A piece of crusty bread for dipping is also a wonderful addition.
3. Do I have to brown the ground beef before putting it in the crockpot? For the best flavor and texture, it is highly recommended that you brown the ground beef and sauté the onions first. This step creates a deep, savory flavor through caramelization (the Maillard reaction) that you won’t get if you put the raw meat directly into the slow cooker. It also allows you to drain off excess fat.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will get even better overnight! Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet for browning beef and onions
- Mixing bowl for sauce
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 14 oz can petite diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 oz can tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat until just a little pink remains. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt to the skillet. Cook 3–5 minutes until onions soften.
- Transfer beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker insert.
- Add chopped cabbage on top of the beef mixture.
- In a bowl, whisk together diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water until smooth.
- Pour sauce over cabbage and beef in the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours. Stir halfway if possible.
- Serve hot on its own or over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes.