Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: 7 Comforting Secrets

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate, packed with hearty cabbage, savory ground meat, and fluffy rice all simmered together in a rich tomato sauce. I love how easy it is to throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work while I go about my day. The aroma that fills the house while it’s cooking is simply irresistible! Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your home, too.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef (or any ground meat of your choice)
• 1 cup cooked rice (make sure it’s fluffy and ready to go!)
• 1 onion, chopped (for that lovely flavor boost)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic makes everything better!)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce (this is what brings it all together)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (for extra juiciness)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (a little depth of flavor here)
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon pepper (freshly cracked, if you can!)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (for that touch of warmth)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (it adds a lovely herbal note)

How to Prepare Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Getting these Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls ready is super easy, and I promise the results will be worth it! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you at the end of the day. Trust me, the slow cooker is your best friend here!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by removing the core from the cabbage. Be gentle and carefully peel off the leaves, setting them aside. You’ll want about 8–10 good-sized leaves.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Get in there with your hands to ensure everything is combined well!
3. Now, take a few of those cabbage leaves and layer them at the bottom of your slow cooker. It helps to create a nice base for the rolls.
4. Next, grab a leaf, place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center, and fold the sides over to create a little pocket. Repeat this for all the leaves until your mixture is gone.
5. Layer the filled cabbage rolls in the slow cooker, stacking them gently. Don’t worry about perfection; they’ll cook down beautifully!
6. Pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes evenly over the rolls, making sure they’re all nicely coated.
7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. You’ll know they’re done when the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender. Yum!

Nutritional Information

These Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are not only delicious but also quite balanced! Each serving has approximately 350 calories, making it a hearty yet healthy choice. You’ll get around 15 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat, and a solid 20 grams of protein to keep you satisfied. With about 35 grams of carbohydrates and 4 grams of fiber, it’s a filling meal that doesn’t skimp on nutrition. Just a heads up, these values are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what to expect while enjoying this comforting dish!

Tips for Success

To make your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls truly shine, here are some of my favorite tips! First, make sure to really pack the meat mixture into the cabbage leaves; this helps them hold together during cooking. If you find the cabbage leaves are too thick or tough, you can blanch them in boiling water for a minute to soften them up a bit—trust me, it makes a difference! Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning; taste your meat mixture before filling the leaves. Lastly, if you like a bit of spice, feel free to toss in some red pepper flakes for an extra kick!

Variations on Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

One of the best things about these Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is how flexible they are! If you’re in the mood for something different, try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist. You can even go vegetarian by using a mix of lentils and veggies like bell peppers and mushrooms instead of meat—so delicious! Want a little extra flavor? Add some cooked bacon or sausage to the meat mixture. And don’t hesitate to toss in some chopped carrots or zucchini for added nutrition. Get creative and make it your own—you can’t go wrong!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, there are so many delicious options to consider! A dollop of sour cream on top adds a creamy richness that complements the savory flavors perfectly. You might also want to sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness. As for sides, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the meal nicely. If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, some crusty bread or garlic bread is fantastic for soaking up every last bit of that tasty tomato sauce. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every bite!

FAQ Section

Got questions about these Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls? I’ve got you covered! First off, Can I use different types of meat? Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options work wonderfully. What if my cabbage leaves are tough? No worries! Blanching them in hot water for a minute can soften them up perfectly. How do I store leftovers? Simply keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days; they taste even better the next day! And finally, Can I freeze them? Yes! Just let them cool completely, then freeze in portions. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try these Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls as I am! They’re truly a comforting dish that brings everyone together. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Please leave a comment with your thoughts or any tweaks you made. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection!

If you’re interested in similar dishes, you might enjoy Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole as well!

For additional cooking tips and techniques, visit Food Network’s slow cooking tips (source).

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: 7 Comforting Secrets

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A hearty and flavorful dish featuring cabbage, ground meat, and rice cooked together in a slow cooker.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Total Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 large head of cabbage
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Instructions

1. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully peel off the leaves.
2. In a bowl, mix the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme.
3. Place a few cabbage leaves at the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Fill each cabbage leaf with the meat mixture and fold it up.
5. Layer the filled cabbage rolls in the slow cooker.
6. Pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over the rolls.
7. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is cooked through.

Notes

• Use any ground meat of your choice.
• Add spices according to your taste.
• Serve with sour cream or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, Cabbage Rolls, Slow Cooker Recipes