slow cooker stuffed cabbage recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best slow cooker stuffed cabbage recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – slow cooker stuffed cabbage! This dish is a staple in our household, and I love how it’s a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

The tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a delicious filling of rice, ground beef, and spices make for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and cook. My kids adore this recipe, and it’s always a hit when we have family gatherings or potlucks.

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and I’ve tweaked it to perfection to ensure it’s not only delicious but also healthy. The slow cooker does all the work for us, so we can enjoy a stress-free dinner without worrying about slaving away in the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal. It’s also an excellent way to get your daily dose of veggies while enjoying the taste of comfort food.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – just brown the meat, cook the rice, and assemble the cabbage rolls in the slow cooker. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

4.9 from 1356 votes

A hearty and comforting dish featuring cabbage rolls filled with a savory rice and meat mixture, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 30 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head green cabbage
1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Sauce

2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 bay leaf

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2Carefully remove the core from the cabbage and place the cabbage in the boiling water.
3Boil for 5-7 minutes until the leaves are softened and can be easily peeled away.
4Remove the cabbage from the water and set it aside to cool.
5Once cool enough to handle, peel off 12-14 large leaves and set them aside.
6Chop the remaining cabbage and set it aside.
7In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper.
8Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
9Place one cabbage leaf on a flat surface and spoon about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture onto the center of the leaf.
10Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling and roll tightly to form a stuffed cabbage roll.
11Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
12You should have 12-14 stuffed cabbage rolls.
13In the slow cooker, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, sugar, salt, black pepper, paprika, and bay leaf.
14Stir well to combine.
15Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the slow cooker, making sure they are submerged in the sauce.
16Spoon any remaining sauce over the top of the cabbage rolls.
17Add the chopped cabbage to the slow cooker.
18Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.
19Stir gently to combine all ingredients.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Large pot
Mixing bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5.8g❤️Cholesterol: 70mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 29g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 25g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option and add 1/2 cup of chopped mushrooms to the meat mixture for extra flavor.

This slow cooker stuffed cabbage recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – be it family gatherings or daily meals. One of its best features is that it stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.

When reheating leftovers, you can either bake them in the oven with some extra tomato sauce on top or microwave individual portions until hot through. My kids love helping me assemble the cabbage rolls into neat little packets filled with goodness – they’re so much fun to eat!

This recipe never fails to impress our guests with its comforting taste and satisfying texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Q: What type of cabbage should I use for this recipe?

Cabbage with tight leaves is ideal for this recipe. You can either use green or red cabbage, whichever is available at your local market.

Q: Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer leaner protein options. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Do I need to add any extra seasonings besides salt and pepper?

No additional seasonings are required beyond salt and pepper unless you prefer more flavor. However, if you want to add some extra zing, you can sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the top.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the filling mixture and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling the cabbage rolls.

Q: How do I reheat leftover stuffed cabbage rolls?

To reheat leftover stuffed cabbage rolls, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover with foil and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.

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