Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage

This hearty Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe transforms a classic comfort food into a simple, set-it-and-forget-it meal. The slow cooking process allows all those traditional cabbage roll flavors to meld together perfectly while eliminating the fussy stuffing and rolling steps.

I first discovered this recipe when looking for ways to satisfy my husband's love for his grandmother's cabbage rolls without spending hours in the kitchen. Now it's our go-to meal during busy weeks, and my kids actually request it despite the veggie content.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides the hearty protein base and traditional flavor. Choose 85/15 lean for best flavor without excess grease
• Garlic and onion: Create the aromatic foundation that makes this dish so comforting. Fresh garlic delivers the most vibrant flavor
• Cabbage: The star vegetable that becomes tender and sweet when slow cooked. Look for firm heavy heads with crisp leaves
• Minute rice: Absorbs all the delicious flavors while helping thicken the sauce. Regular rice will not cook properly in this recipe
• Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: Create the rich tangy base that defines this dish. The garlic and olive oil flavored diced tomatoes add an extra layer of flavor
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful color. Hungarian paprika works particularly well here
• Sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes. It seems small but makes a huge difference in the final taste

How To Make Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Brown the meat:

Cook the ground beef, garlic, and onion in a large skillet over medium heat until no pink remains. Break up the meat into small pieces as it cooks using a wooden spoon for best texture. Drain excess fat to prevent greasy results.

Combine ingredients:

Add the chopped cabbage, water, uncooked Minute rice, black pepper, garlic salt, paprika, sugar, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to your slow cooker. This order allows the cabbage to cook properly in the liquid.

Add meat mixture:

Stir in the browned ground beef mixture, ensuring it gets fully incorporated with the other ingredients. Make sure to scrape all those flavorful bits from your skillet into the crock pot.

Slow cook to perfection:

Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the cabbage becomes tender and translucent. The rice will plump up and absorb the savory flavors of the broth and seasonings.

Adjust consistency:

If the mixture seems too thick after cooking, add small amounts of water or broth until you reach your preferred consistency. This allows you to customize the dish to be more stew like or more like a casserole.

Serve with toppings:

Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese if desired. The heat from the dish will melt the cheese beautifully, adding a creamy element to each bite.

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The tomato sauce is my favorite part of this recipe. My grandmother always simmered her cabbage roll sauce for hours to get that perfect sweet tangy balance, and the slow cooker recreates that same depth of flavor without any babysitting. I sometimes add a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the tomato mixture for an extra umami boost, a trick I learned from my mother.

Make It Your Own

You can easily customize this recipe to suit your family's preferences. Ground turkey works beautifully as a leaner alternative to beef, though I recommend using the 85/15 variety for better flavor. For a more robust taste, a mix of ground beef and ground pork creates a wonderful depth similar to traditional European cabbage rolls.

For those looking to increase the vegetable content, finely diced carrots and bell peppers blend seamlessly into the mixture. Just add them when sautéing the onions for a nutritional boost that even picky eaters won't notice.

Storage And Reheating

This unstuffed cabbage roll recipe actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The mixture will thicken considerably when chilled, so add a splash of broth when reheating.

To reheat, portion into microwave safe bowls and heat for 2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For stovetop reheating, warm over medium low heat in a covered pot, stirring occasionally and adding liquid as needed to reach desired consistency.

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Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish stands beautifully on its own, but a few simple accompaniments can elevate it to a feast. Crusty bread or warm cornbread makes an excellent partner for soaking up the flavorful sauce. For a complete meal that will please even hearty appetites, serve with a simple side salad dressed with vinaigrette.

My family particularly enjoys this with a dollop of sour cream on top, which adds a pleasant tanginess that balances the rich tomato base. For a touch of brightness, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or dill just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, pork, or chicken for the ground beef. Each will add its unique flavor to the dish.

→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground meat and use vegetable broth instead of water for a vegetarian-friendly version.

→ What kind of rice works best in this dish?

Minute rice is recommended for its quick-cooking properties, but you can use regular white or brown rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this on the stovetop. Simmer all ingredients in a large pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the rice and cabbage are tender.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

→ Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

Yes, feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, or celery for added texture and flavor.