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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls for Cozy Nights

These Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting and delicious dinner option that simplifies traditional stuffed cabbage.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Meat Mixture
  • 1 pound Ground Beef Substitute with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion (diced) Can be replaced with shallots for a milder taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Use dried thyme as a substitute for fresh.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes Adjust quantity or omit for milder dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Opt for kosher or sea salt for better texture control.
For the Cabbage
  • 1 medium Cabbage Use coleslaw mix for ease or kale for a twist.
For the Tomato Sauce
  • 14.5 ounces Diced Tomatoes (petit) Consider fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste Can substitute with additional diced tomatoes.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce Soy sauce can be a good alternative.
  • 1/2 cup Water Feel free to substitute with beef broth.
Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley Omit if unavailable, or replace with fresh basil.

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Skillet

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your slow cooker to the LOW setting.
  2. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until mostly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Add the diced onion, thyme, red pepper flakes, and salt to the browned beef. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until onions are translucent.
  4. Transfer the sautéed beef and onion mixture into the preheated slow cooker.
  5. Chop the cabbage into 1-inch pieces and add on top of the meat mixture in the slow cooker.
  6. In a medium bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Mix well.
  7. Pour the prepared tomato sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and stir gently to combine.
  8. Cover and set the slow cooker to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
  9. Once the cooking time is complete, check for tenderness and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 24gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 850mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 45mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

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