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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A deconstructed spin on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, this slow-cooker version layers browned beef, onions, and chopped cabbage in a savory tomato sauce for a hearty family-style dinner.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Vegetables
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
  • 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

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
  2. Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
  3. Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
  5. Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Serving
  1. Serve spoonfuls of the unstuffed cabbage rolls over mashed potatoes, cooked rice, or buttered egg noodles to soak up the sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Storage
  1. Cool any leftovers to room temperature (no more than two hours), then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  2. For longer storage, freeze in sealed containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Tips
  1. Brown the beef and onions well — this step deepens flavor and reduces excess grease in the slow cooker.
  2. Chop the cabbage into uniform pieces so it cooks evenly.
  3. If you prefer more sauce, add an extra 1/2 cup of water or a splash of beef broth.
  4. Taste and adjust salt at the end of cooking; flavors concentrate as the dish cooks.
  5. For a milder dish, omit or reduce the red pepper flakes.
Variations
  1. Turkey or ground pork can replace the ground beef for a lighter or different flavor profile.
  2. Add a cup of cooked rice or cooked barley to the meat mixture before adding to the slow cooker for a heartier texture.
  3. Stir in a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of brown sugar at the end for a subtle sweet-tangy balance.

Notes

For a delightful special touch, consider serving with a side of your favorite bread to soak up the delicious sauce.