When I want all the cozy comfort of cabbage rolls but absolutely do not have the patience to roll and stuff individual leaves, this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is what I make. It has the same savory beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato flavor, just without the extra work.
This is one of those set-it-and-forget-it dinners I rely on during busy weeks. Everything simmers together low and slow, and by dinnertime the flavors are deep, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. If you love easy crockpot dinners that feel homemade, this one deserves a spot on your meal plan.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
- All the flavor of classic cabbage rolls with no rolling
- Simple prep and hands-off slow cooker cooking
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Hearty enough for dinner, great for leftovers
- Comfort food that reheats beautifully
Quick Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
I like to organize ingredients into clear tiers so everything feels manageable.
Protein
- 1 pound ground beef
Vegetables
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Tomato Base
- 1 can petite diced tomatoes, 14 ounces
- 1 can tomato paste, 6 ounces
Seasonings And Liquids
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup water
Instructions
Step 1: Brown The Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is mostly cooked but still slightly pink. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Add Onion And Seasoning
Add the diced onion and all seasonings to the skillet. Cook until the onions soften and the beef finishes cooking.
Step 3: Transfer To Slow Cooker
Add the beef mixture to the slow cooker along with the chopped cabbage.
Step 4: Mix The Sauce
In a bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water until well combined.
Step 5: Combine And Cook
Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
Tips And Variations
- Ground turkey can be used instead of beef for a lighter option
- Add cooked rice during the last hour for a more traditional cabbage roll feel
- If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes
- Stir gently before serving to evenly distribute the sauce
Storage And Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
FAQs
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. The flavors get even better the next day.
No, the cabbage cooks down perfectly in the slow cooker.
No, the cabbage cooks down perfectly in the slow cooker.
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls offer a simple, delicious way to enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling individual leaves.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
- Transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Notes
For extra flavor, use fire-roasted tomatoes. This dish stores well and can be frozen for easy future meals.
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 9
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 80
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