The Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe offers a simplified, deconstructed approach to a classic comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling, making it incredibly convenient and fuss-free.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor)
- 1 pound ground pork (or use 2 pounds of ground beef for simplicity)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 head of green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (approximately 6-8 cups)
- Optional: 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (add during the last hour of cooking for a more traditional texture)
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is a culinary dream for anyone seeking effortless yet incredibly delicious comfort food. It’s a one-pot wonder that lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. The preparation time is a mere 20 minutes, allowing you to assemble a deeply satisfying meal with minimal effort, boasting a rich, savory, and wonderfully tender outcome.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meats and Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and ground pork (or just the ground beef) until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the drained meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Combine Wet Ingredients and Seasonings: Pour the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the seasonings.
- Add Meat Mixture and Cabbage: Add the browned meat and onion mixture to the slow cooker, stirring gently to distribute it throughout the tomato mixture. Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the slow cooker. You may need to do this in stages, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly as you add more. Stir everything together until the cabbage is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors should have melded together beautifully. (If adding rice, stir it in during the last hour of cooking on HIGH, or the last 2 hours on LOW.)
- Serve: Once cooked, stir the unstuffed cabbage rolls gently. Ladle the mixture into bowls. Serve hot, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
You’ll adore this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe because it truly captures the essence of classic cabbage rolls without any of the fuss. The slow cooking process tenderizes both the meat and cabbage to absolute perfection, infusing every bite with a deep, savory tomato-garlic flavor that’s incredibly comforting. This recipe is a fantastic money-saver compared to ordering takeout or buying pre-made meals, offering a wholesome and delicious dinner that’s easy on your wallet. The simplicity of dumping everything into the slow cooker means you get maximum flavor for minimum effort, a true weeknight lifesaver.
Unlike the often sticky and time-consuming process of rolling individual cabbage rolls, this deconstructed version is a breeze. It’s similar to a hearty stew, but with all the familiar and beloved tastes of cabbage rolls. The rich, tomatoey broth and tender, savory mixture will warm you from the inside out. So, ditch the rolling pin and embrace the simplicity – give this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe a try for your next comforting meal!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe for days to come.
- Refrigeration: Allow the cooked cabbage rolls to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, let the cooked dish cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Reheat individual portions or larger amounts in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the mixture seems too thick.
- Microwave: Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until thoroughly heated.
- Oven: For larger batches, transfer the cooled dish to an oven-safe baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Experience the comforting essence of cabbage rolls redefined with this incredibly simple Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe. It’s a delicious, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy families. Give it a go and enjoy a taste of home, made effortlessly.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and ground pork (or just the ground beef) until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the drained meat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent.1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for flavor), 1 pound ground pork (or use 2 pounds of ground beef for simplicity), 1 large onion, finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Pour the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine all the seasonings.1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Add the browned meat and onion mixture to the slow cooker, stirring gently to distribute it throughout the tomato mixture. Add the thinly sliced cabbage to the slow cooker. You may need to do this in stages, allowing the cabbage to wilt slightly as you add more. Stir everything together until the cabbage is mostly submerged in the liquid.1 head head of green cabbage, cored and thinly sliced (approximately 6-8 cups)
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors should have melded together beautifully. (If adding rice, stir it in during the last hour of cooking on HIGH, or the last 2 hours on LOW.)1/2 cup uncooked white rice
- Once cooked, stir the unstuffed cabbage rolls gently. Ladle the mixture into bowls. Serve hot, perhaps with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.