Cabbage rolls are a beloved comfort food, but anyone who has ever made them knows they can be a little time-consuming. Between boiling the cabbage leaves, filling, rolling, and baking, it can feel like an all-day process. This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe gives you all the flavors of the classic dish without the extra work. Everything simmers together in the crockpot, making it an easy, hearty meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 small head of green cabbage
- 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 6-ounce can of tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Brown the beef
In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until it is mostly cooked through, leaving just a slight pink color. Drain excess fat if needed. - Season with aromatics
Add the diced onion, dried thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3–5 minutes, until the onions begin to soften and the spices become fragrant. Transfer this mixture into the crockpot. - Prepare the cabbage
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, about one inch in size. Add the chopped cabbage to the crockpot on top of the beef mixture. - Make the sauce
In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until smooth and well blended. Pour the sauce into the crockpot. - Mix and cook
Gently stir all the ingredients together in the crockpot so the meat, cabbage, and sauce are evenly distributed. Cover with the lid. - Slow cook
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If possible, give it a stir halfway through cooking to ensure even flavor and texture. - Serve
Spoon the unstuffed cabbage rolls hot over cooked white rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Tips and Variations
- Make it spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Use different protein: Ground turkey, pork, or a mix of beef and pork works wonderfully.
- Boost the flavor: Add 2 cloves of minced garlic with the onions or stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Meal prep-friendly: This dish reheats beautifully and can be frozen in portions for later use.
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe gives you the cozy, home-cooked flavor of traditional cabbage rolls with just a fraction of the effort. The slow cooker does all the work, yielding a hearty, flavorful dish that feels like comfort food in a bowl. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or a simple weeknight meal.