Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are like a cozy hug in a bowl! This dish takes all the delicious flavors of classic cabbage rolls—ground beef, rice, and cabbage—and cooks them together without the fuss of rolling each bite. It’s hearty, comforting, and really simple to make, especially when you let the slow cooker do all the work for you.
I love this recipe because it saves so much time but still gives you that rich, comforting feeling of a homemade meal. The cabbage softens perfectly while soaking up all the flavor from the tomato sauce and spices. Plus, it’s great for busy days when I want something filling and warm without standing over the stove for long.
I usually serve this with a dollop of sour cream and a crusty piece of bread to soak up every last bit of the sauce—that’s my favorite way to enjoy it. It’s a great meal for family dinners or when friends come over because it feels like a special dish but is honestly so easy to throw together. If you like cabbage rolls but want a quicker, fuss-free version, give this a try—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: The star here! Green cabbage softens in the slow cooker, soaking up all the flavors. If you can’t find green cabbage, savoy or napa cabbage works too for a milder taste.
Ground beef: I like using lean ground beef to keep it tasty but not greasy. Ground turkey is a great lighter swap if you want less fat. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tofu or plant-based meat.
Rice: Using cooked white rice ensures the texture stays right. You can also use brown rice, but cook it first since it takes longer to soften.
Tomato sauce and diced tomatoes: These give the recipe its rich, tangy base. If you want a fresher twist, use crushed tomatoes or add a splash of tomato paste for extra depth.
Worcestershire sauce: It adds umami and a slight tang. If you avoid this for dietary reasons, soy sauce or tamari can be a good stand-in.
How Do You Make Sure the Cabbage Stays Tender and Not Mushy?
The slow cooker gently softens the cabbage over several hours, but a few tips help it stay perfect:
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, not too small. Large pieces keep some texture.
- Layer the ingredients evenly in the slow cooker to allow steam circulation.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours—this slow cook time breaks down cabbage nicely without turning it to mush.
- If cooking on high, stick to 3-4 hours and check the texture to avoid overcooking.
These steps help keep the cabbage tender but still a little firm, giving you that great “roll” feel without the work.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – this is key for easy, hands-off cooking and keeps everything tender and flavorful.
- Large skillet – great for browning the ground beef and softening onions before adding to the slow cooker.
- Cutting board and knife – for chopping cabbage, onions, and garlic with ease.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure liquids and spices accurately for best flavor.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir and combine ingredients without scratching your cookware.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still tastes hearty.
- Add shredded carrots or diced bell peppers for extra color, crunch, and nutrition.
- Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chili powder to give the dish a little smoky or spicy kick.
- Finish with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a melty, cheesy touch that’s perfect if you want something richer.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, cored and chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or green onions for garnish (optional)
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty recipe requires about 15 minutes of active prep time to chop and brown ingredients. Then, let it cook slowly in your slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. This gentle cooking tenderizes the cabbage and blends the flavors beautifully, giving you a comforting dish with minimal hands-on time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef and Sauté Vegetables:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Drain any extra fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker:
Place the cooked beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage, cooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so that all ingredients are evenly mixed.
3. Cook Slowly and Let Flavors Develop:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the cabbage is soft and the sauce is rich and flavorful.
4. Adjust and Serve:
Give the mixture a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Serve your unstuffed cabbage rolls hot, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a bit of color and brightness, and add a dollop of sour cream on top if you like it creamy.
Enjoy your easy, cozy meal that’s just like traditional cabbage rolls but without all the rolling! Perfect for busy days or anytime you want a warm, tasty dish.
Can I Use Frozen Cabbage for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage, but it’s best to thaw and drain it well before adding to the slow cooker to avoid excess moisture. This helps keep the sauce from becoming too watery.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! Simply skip the sour cream topping or use a dairy-free alternative like coconut or cashew-based sour cream to keep it creamy without dairy.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms when combining ingredients in the slow cooker for extra flavor and nutrition.
