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
- 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.
- 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.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Add the cooked beef and onion mixture into the crockpot, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cabbage: Chop the green cabbage into roughly 1-inch pieces and add it to the crockpot over the beef mixture.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American