Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
A delicious and easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe that features all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Ground beef, cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce slow-cook together to create a hearty, family-friendly meal perfect for any day.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
- Brown the ground beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is mostly browned but still slightly pink. Drain off any excess fat.
- Sauté the onion and seasonings: Add the diced yellow onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onions have softened and the seasonings are fragrant.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Move the beef and onion mixture into your slow cooker. Add the chopped green cabbage on top.
- Prepare the sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
- Combine in slow cooker: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage and beef in the slow cooker. Gently stir to distribute the sauce evenly 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, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
- Serve with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers reheat well and taste even better the next day.
- Make sure to chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: slow cooker, unstuffed cabbage rolls, ground beef, cabbage recipe, easy dinner, comfort food