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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A warm, comforting dish that captures the essence of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of stuffing each leaf, featuring a savory blend of ground beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato sauce.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and Veggies
  • 1 pound ground beef The heart of the dish, bringing rich flavor and protein.
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness and aroma to the filling.
  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped Provides a crunchy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes Offers juiciness and acidity, balancing the dish.
  • 6 ounces tomato paste Contributes thickness and a robust tomato flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Adds depth and umami to the sauce.
  • 1/2 cup water Helps create a perfect cooking environment for all the ingredients.
Seasonings
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme A fragrant herb that complements the hearty flavors.
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley Adds freshness and a hint of color.
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Provides a subtle kick of heat.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for seasoning the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it’s no longer pink, ensuring it’s fully cooked. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  2. Once drained, add the diced onion, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, parsley, and kosher salt to the skillet. Sauté until the onions are softened and fragrant.
Slow Cooking
  1. Transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker, then add the chopped cabbage on top.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well to create a cohesive sauce.
  3. Pour the sauce mixture over the beef and cabbage in the slow cooker and gently mix the ingredients together. Cover and set your slow cooker on low, allowing it to cook for 6-8 hours.
Serving
  1. Once cooked, gently stir the dish to combine any layers that may have formed, and serve it over rice or with crusty bread.

Notes

For best results, consider browning the beef the night before. Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for sweetness or experiment with additional vegetables like bell peppers or carrots.