Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and hearty dish. This recipe captures all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but makes it easier by skipping the rolling part. You get to enjoy a delicious and filling meal without the fuss. Perfect for busy days, this dish cooks itself in a slow cooker while you go about your day. You will be thrilled with how easy it is to prepare, and the family will love the taste.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to adore Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. First, it saves you time. You can throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work. Second, this dish is packed with flavor. The combination of beef, cabbage, and tomatoes creates a rich taste that warms your heart. Also, it’s a great way to include vegetables in your meal without fuss. Lastly, this recipe is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch and eat leftovers throughout the week.
HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Making Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is simple. With just a few steps, you can create a comforting dish that everyone will enjoy. Follow the directions closely, and you’ll have a fantastic meal ready to eat.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
To make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, you will need:
- A slow cooker
- A skillet for browning meat
- A cutting board and knife
- A mixing bowl
- A spoon for mixing
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 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
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:
- Brown the beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and just slightly pink. This process releases flavor and makes the meat juicy.
- Drain excess fat: Once the beef is browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. This makes the dish healthier and less greasy.
- Add onion and seasonings: Now, add the diced yellow onion (1 onion) along with the dried thyme (1 teaspoon), dried parsley (2 teaspoons), and red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon) to the skillet. Stir everything together. Cook for a few minutes until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Transfer to slow cooker: After the onion mixture is ready, carefully transfer the beef and onion mixture into your slow cooker.
- Chop the cabbage: Take your small head of green cabbage and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add the chopped cabbage to the slow cooker with the meat mix.
- Make the sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the 14-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, the 6-ounce can of tomato paste, the 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Combine: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the beef and cabbage in the slow cooker. Gently mix everything together so that the sauce covers all the ingredients.
- Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the cabbage and meat will be.
HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Serving Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is easy. Just scoop out a portion using a ladle and place it in a bowl. Make sure to include meat, cabbage, and sauce in each serving. You can top it with some fresh parsley for color and added flavor. This dish goes well with crusty bread or a simple salad on the side.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To freeze, allow the dish to cool completely. Then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:
- Pair with bread: Serve with a loaf of fresh bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Tasty toppings: Consider adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for extra richness.
- Side salad: A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast to the warm, hearty dish.
VARIATIONS
Get creative with Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls! Here are some variations to try:
- Add rice: You can mix in some uncooked rice into the slow cooker to absorb the sauce and make the dish even heartier.
- Switch the meat: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it up: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or some sliced jalapeños.
- Try other vegetables: Blend in other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for additional flavor and nutrition.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage! Just thaw it before adding it to the slow cooker.
2. How long does it take to cook on high?
If you choose to cook on high, it will take about 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 on low.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and then cook them the next day.
4. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as the Worcestershire sauce you use does not contain gluten.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
To make your cooking process smooth, consider these make-ahead tips:
- Chop vegetables in advance: You can chop the onions and cabbage a day ahead of time. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to cook.
- Brown the meat ahead: Brown the ground beef earlier in the day or even the night before. Just keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to mix it into the slow cooker.
- Mix the sauce: If you want to cut down on prep time, you can mix the tomato sauce ingredients ahead of time, too. Store it in the fridge and pour it into the slow cooker when you’re ready.
Preparing Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is simple and allows for flexibility. Enjoy this delicious meal that will warm both your heart and your belly!
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook until browned and slightly pink.
- Carefully drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced yellow onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir and cook until onions are soft.
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture into your slow cooker.
- Chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces and add it to the slow cooker.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the beef and cabbage in the slow cooker and gently mix together.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours.