Delight in the comforting flavors of the season with a bowl of Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. This recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the classic taste of cabbage rolls without the complicated process of stuffing each leaf. Thanks to your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a hearty meal ready with minimal effort.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 250
- Protein: 15 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fat: 10 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 600 mg
Why Make This Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls offer a stress-free approach to a beloved dish, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. The flavors meld beautifully while cooking, with the slow cooker doing all the work. This dish boasts a satisfying mix of savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and savory tomatoes, providing warmth and comfort. Plus, the leftovers are just as good, making this dish a great choice for meal prep!
How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onions and minced garlic until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to keep your dish light and healthy.
Step 2: Mixing
In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, chopped cabbage, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cooking
Cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Cook for about 6-8 hours or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.
Step 4: Finishing
Once cooked, give the mixture a good stir before serving. Ladle into bowls, and enjoy the warm, hearty goodness.
How to Serve Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Serve your unstuffed cabbage rolls warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. They pair wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal. This dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, and it’s sure to impress your guests!
How to Store Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Expert Tips for Perfect Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- For added flavor, consider using ground turkey or a mix of ground meats.
- If you want a bit of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or some diced jalapenos to the mix.
- To make it even easier, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice from another meal.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste—don’t hesitate to add more herbs or spices if you enjoy bold flavors.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute ground beef with lentils or a mixture of finely chopped vegetables and beans for a vegetarian alternative.
- Different Sauces: Switch up the tomato sauce with marinara sauce or a spicy salsa for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just combine it with the cabbage and tomato sauce in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
- What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You can make this recipe on the stovetop by simmering it in a large pot for about 1.5 to 2 hours over low heat, ensuring the cabbage becomes tender.
- Can I use frozen cabbage? Yes, frozen cabbage is fine to use—it may cook faster, so check for tenderness earlier.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? Ensure your tomato sauce and any seasoning blends are gluten-free, and substitute regular rice with a gluten-free grain like quinoa.
- What should I do with leftovers? Leftovers are perfect for lunch the next day! You can enjoy them cold or reheated.
Conclusion
Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking comfort food without the fuss of traditional cabbage rolls. With their rich flavors and nutritious ingredients, this dish is sure to become a comforting staple in your home. So grab your slow cooker, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to this simple yet delicious meal! Enjoy the hearty flavors and the ease of preparation—happy cooking!
Print
Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 375-495
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Beef
Description
Enjoy the comforting flavors of unstuffed cabbage rolls made effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the chopped onions and minced garlic until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
- In a slow cooker, combine the cooked beef mixture, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, cooked rice, chopped cabbage, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it on low. Cook for about 6-8 hours until the cabbage is tender.
- Once cooked, stir the mixture before serving. Ladle into bowls and enjoy.
Notes
Serve warm, garnished with parsley or sour cream. Pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 480
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
