slow cooker cabbage rolls recipe

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

I’m so excited to share this slow cooker cabbage rolls recipe with you all! I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. There’s something about the combination of tender cabbage, flavorful ground meat, and the simplicity of the slow cooker that just makes this recipe perfect for any occasion.

Whether I’m feeding a crowd for a holiday or just need a quick and easy meal for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is always a winner. As an added bonus, this recipe is also incredibly healthy. The cabbage is packed with vitamins and antioxidants, and the lean ground meat makes it a great option for those looking to reduce their fat intake.

Plus, the slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can just sit back and relax while your meal cooks itself. I love that this recipe is also super versatile – you can customize it to fit your tastes by adding in different spices or herbs. My kids love when I add in some diced carrots or bell peppers to give it an extra boost of color and flavor.

And because the slow cooker does all the work for you, you can easily make a big batch of these rolls and freeze them for later use. This recipe is also perfect for those who are short on time in the morning – simply throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker before you head out the door, and come home to a delicious meal waiting for you. It’s truly one of my favorite recipes to date!

I hope you enjoy this slow cooker cabbage rolls recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or if you’d like any variations on this recipe.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

4.6 from 1251 votes

Tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, and herbs, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This set-and-forget slow cooker recipe delivers a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort.

Prep Time25 mins
Cook Time6 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time6 hours 25 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

1 large head green cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1 cup cooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme

For the Sauce

1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil.
2Carefully add the whole head of cabbage and boil for 2 to 3 minutes until the outer leaves soften and become pliable.
3Use tongs to peel off 12 to 14 large leaves, then return the head to the boiling water briefly if needed to loosen more leaves.
4In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
5Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, being careful not to overwork the meat.
6Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a cutting board with the stem end facing you.
7Place about 1/4 cup of the meat mixture near the base of the leaf.
8Fold the sides over the filling, then roll tightly from the stem end to form a neat cylinder.
9Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
10In a separate bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, brown sugar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
11Spread a thin layer of this sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking.
12Arrange the cabbage rolls seam side down in the slow cooker, stacking them in layers if necessary.
13Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the rolls, ensuring all are coated.
14Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the filling is cooked through.
15Carefully remove the cabbage rolls from the slow cooker using tongs and transfer them to a serving platter.
16Spoon some of the sauce from the slow cooker over the rolls before serving.
17The internal temperature of the meat filling should reach 160°F for safe consumption.

🔧Equipment

Large pot for blanching cabbage
Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
Mixing bowl
Cutting board and knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 14g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 85mg🧂Sodium: 920mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 6g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

For a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. To save time, use pre-cooked rice from the freezer or leftover rice. The rolls can be assembled the night before and refrigerated, then cooked the next day.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls Works

This slow cooker cabbage rolls recipe is always a good idea for any occasion, whether it is a busy weeknight or a family gathering. The hands off cooking method makes it easy to serve a crowd without spending all day in the kitchen.

I love that I can set it and forget it, and still get a dinner that tastes like I worked hard on it. For storage, let the rolls cool and keep them in the fridge for up to four days.

To reheat, just warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra sauce. They also freeze beautifully, so I often make a double batch.

Serve them with a side of sour cream or fresh dill for a nice touch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

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

A: You can use either green or white cabbage for this recipe – both will yield delicious results. If you want a bit more flavor, try using savoy cabbage instead.

Q: Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make these cabbage rolls ahead of time by assembling them up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q: How do I store leftover cabbage rolls?

A: Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure they’re heated through until hot and steaming.

Q: Can I substitute ground beef for ground pork?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground pork in this recipe. However, keep in mind that ground beef will yield a slightly different flavor profile than ground pork.

Q: Are these cabbage rolls suitable for vegetarians?

A: No, these cabbage rolls are not suitable for vegetarians due to the inclusion of ground meat. However, you can easily modify the recipe to be vegetarian-friendly by substituting the ground meat with roasted vegetables or beans.

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