In chilly weather, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty meal that fills the house with tantalizing aromas. Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is that recipe — an indulgent take on a classic dish that eliminates the hassle of rolling individual cabbage leaves. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the fact that it’s all made in a slow cooker, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family gathering. Plus, it’s customizable, allowing you to enjoy the flavors you love without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this dish
This unstuffed cabbage roll recipe transcends the typical weeknight dinner. It’s a blend of savory ingredients that not only taste great together but also carry a nostalgic warmth. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or a beginner, this dish is straightforward and requires minimal hands-on time, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax.
The hearty combination of ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce makes it a satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s also budget-friendly, allowing you to feed a crowd without breaking the bank. Plus, the flavor deepens the longer it cooks, making it an ideal dish for preparing ahead of time.
"This dish feels like a warm hug after a long day! The flavors are so comforting, and my family devoured it!" — Local Home Chef
How this recipe comes together
Creating your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is incredibly easy and can be broken down into a few simple steps. First, you’ll want to brown the ground beef, adding a melodic dance of flavors as it sears. Next, combine that meat with fresh onion and seasonings, then layer in the chopped cabbage. The crowning glory? A rich, tangy sauce that binds everything together. Once you mix it all up, simply let your slow cooker work its magic for six to eight hours. The result? A sumptuous, hearty dish that’s ready when you are!
What you’ll need
To whip up this comforting dish, gather these key ingredients:
- 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
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or swap in different herbs to experiment with flavors!
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until slightly pink.
- Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and seasonings to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the slow cooker and stir in the chopped cabbage.
- In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water until well blended.
- Pour this sauce over the meat and cabbage, mixing gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld beautifully!
Best ways to enjoy it
Serving Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is where you can get creative! For a delightful plate, serve over a bed of steamed rice or pasta. Pair it with a crisp side salad to add a refreshing crunch. You might even consider crusty bread for dipping into the savory sauce, perfect for those chilly nights.
Storage and reheating tips
If you find yourself with leftovers (which might be difficult given its deliciousness!), you can safely store your cabbage rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. If you’d like to freeze leftovers, they can be stored for up to three months. Just be sure to label your container for easy future access!
Helpful cooking tips
To enhance the flavor profile of your dish, don’t skimp on seasoning; the herbs can make all the difference. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference. If you have any leftover vegetables in your fridge, feel free to toss in chopped carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor!
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce for a fiery twist.
- Herbaceous Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or oregano to elevate the flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out beef for lentils or a meat substitute for a plant-based option.
Common questions
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
The prep time is about 20 minutes, with most of the cooking being hands-off in the slow cooker.
Can I use frozen cabbage?
While it’s possible, fresh cabbage provides the best texture. If you choose frozen, adjust the cooking time slightly.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This meal pairs nicely with rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You could also consider crusty bread for a cozy touch!
Now, you’re ready to dive into this flavorful and comforting dish. Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is sure to become a staple in your home, and with such ease of preparation, it’s a win for both the cook and the hungry diners at your table!
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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 500 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A warm and hearty take on classic cabbage rolls, made easy in a slow cooker for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 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
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until slightly pink.
- Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and seasonings to the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened.
- Transfer the meat mixture into the slow cooker and stir in the chopped cabbage.
- In a bowl, mix together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water until well blended.
- Pour this sauce over the meat and cabbage, mixing gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld beautifully!
Notes
For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken. Feel free to add leftover vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg