Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Enjoy classic cabbage roll flavor without the fuss! This slow cooker unstuffed cabbage roll recipe is an easy, hearty dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 360 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 385 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Eastern European
# Ingredients:
→ The Hearty Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
→ Tangy Tomato Embrace
05 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
06 -
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
07 -
1 cup beef broth
08 -
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
→ Sweet & Savory Depth
09 -
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
10 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
11 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
12 -
1 tsp dried thyme
13 -
1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
14 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
→ The Cabbage Comfort
15 -
1 1/2 lbs green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet, brown 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Add 1 large yellow onion, chopped, and 4 cloves garlic, minced; cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. This forms the hearty core of your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy Dinner.
02 -
In a large bowl, combine 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk well.
03 -
Add the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the sauce base. Stir in 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice until thoroughly combined. This hearty mixture is key to the rich flavor of your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy Dinner.
04 -
Place half of the 1 1/2 lbs green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces, at the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Spoon half of the beef and rice mixture over the cabbage. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture, ensuring even distribution.
05 -
Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked. Avoid lifting the lid too often to maintain consistent cooking temperature for your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy Dinner.
06 -
Once cooking is complete, gently stir the Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy Dinner to combine all ingredients. Let it rest, covered, for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly for optimal enjoyment.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra layer of flavor, consider caramelizing the onions slightly before adding the garlic in Step 1.
02 -
Leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
03 -
Feel free to substitute brown rice for white rice, but you may need to add an extra 1/4 cup of beef broth and extend the cooking time by 30-60 minutes.
04 -
Serve these comforting unstuffed cabbage rolls with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh dill for an authentic touch.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
Large skillet
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 kcal
Total Fat: 12 g
Total Carbohydrate: 39 g
Protein: 29 g