Description
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage without the fuss. Ground beef, cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce simmer slowly in the crockpot, creating a hearty and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Tomato Sauce
- 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it is just slightly pink in the center, then drain off any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Sauté Onions and Season: Add the diced yellow onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the skillet. Cook the mixture until the onions become soft and translucent, which helps develop the dish’s flavor.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked meat and onion mixture into the slow cooker. Add the chopped green cabbage on top.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well to create a rich tomato sauce that will cook and mingle with the meat and cabbage.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage and meat mixture in the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine the ingredients without breaking up the cabbage too much.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours. This gradual cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together perfectly and tenderizes the cabbage.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- If you prefer some spice, increase the red pepper flakes slightly or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
- Serve over steamed rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: slow cooker, unstuffed cabbage rolls, ground beef, cabbage, comfort food, easy dinner
