Slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls are a comforting and hearty dish that delivers all the flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling and stuffing leaves. By combining ground beef, rice, cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce in the crockpot, you get a flavorful, stick-to-your-ribs meal with minimal effort.
This recipe is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a hot, ready dinner. It’s budget-friendly, family-friendly, and packed with protein, fiber, and flavor. Whether you call them deconstructed cabbage rolls or lazy cabbage rolls, this slow cooker version is the easiest way to enjoy the traditional dish.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey/pork)
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Preparation
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until browned.
- Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Load the Slow Cooker
- Add chopped cabbage to the bottom of the crockpot.
- Layer in browned beef mixture.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaves.
Step 3: Slow Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until cabbage is tender.
Step 4: Stir in Rice
- About 20 minutes before serving, stir in cooked rice.
- Mix well and let it heat through.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove bay leaves before serving.
- Top with shredded cheese if desired.
Variations
- Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for fewer carbs.
- Polish Style: Add a pinch of allspice and fresh dill for authentic flavor.
- Sweet & Sour Version: Stir in 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 2 tablespoons vinegar.
- Vegetarian: Use lentils instead of beef and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Cooking Notes
- Pre-cooked rice works best—uncooked rice may absorb too much liquid and get mushy.
- Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- This dish thickens as it sits, so leftovers taste even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or cornbread.
- Add a side salad with vinaigrette for balance.
- Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
💡 Tips
- Browning the beef before adding ensures the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the bay leaves—they add depth to the sauce.
- Freeze leftovers in single portions for quick future meals.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
Timing
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, 8 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 720mg
❓ FAQs
Q1: Can I use uncooked rice in this recipe?
- Not recommended in the slow cooker—it can become mushy. Use pre-cooked rice for best results.
Q2: Can I make this recipe in the oven?
- Yes! Bake at 350°F (175°C) in a covered casserole dish for about 1 hour, stirring halfway through.
Q3: Can I freeze unstuffed cabbage rolls?
- Yes. Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Q4: Can I make it spicy?
- Absolutely—add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chili powder to taste.
Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
- Yes, just skip the cheese topping. The dish is naturally dairy-free otherwise.
Conclusion
Slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls are the ultimate comfort food, combining the hearty flavors of beef, rice, cabbage, and tomato sauce in one easy dish. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, this crockpot recipe is perfect for busy days, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family. Rich, filling, and customizable, it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.