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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

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This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing. Ground beef, aromatic seasonings, tender cabbage, and a savory tomato sauce come together in a crockpot, making this a perfect, hands-off meal for busy days. Serve hot over rice for a hearty, satisfying dinner.

  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 small head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Tomato Sauce Mixture

  • 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes
  • 6 ounce can tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup water

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until it is just slightly pink inside. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
  2. Cook Aromatics: Add the diced yellow onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the skillet. Cook together for 3-5 minutes until the onions begin to soften and the spices are fragrant.
  3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the cooked beef and onion mixture into the crockpot, spreading it evenly.
  4. Add Cabbage: Chop the green cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces and add it to the crockpot over the beef mixture.
  5. Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl or large measuring cup, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, soy sauce, and water. Stir well until fully combined.
  6. Add Sauce and Mix: Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage and beef in the crockpot. Carefully stir all ingredients together to distribute the sauce and cabbage evenly.
  7. Cook: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6 to 8 hours. If possible, stir the mixture halfway through cooking to help meld flavors.
  8. Serve: Once cooked until the cabbage is tender and flavors are well combined, serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls hot over cooked rice for a comforting meal.

Notes

  • For a lower sodium option, substitute reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari.
  • Stirring halfway through cooking helps prevent sticking and enhances flavor integration but is optional.
  • This dish can be prepared a day in advance and reheated for even better flavor.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
  • Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version of this meal.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American