Let me tell you, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights! It’s all the comforting, hearty goodness of classic cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling them. You just toss everything into your slow cooker, let it do its magic, and end up with a meal the whole family will devour. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and sneaks in a ton of veggies without anyone complaining. Plus, your kitchen smells AMAZING while it cooks. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning the meat)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Pro Tips
- Chop the cabbage small. Bite-sized pieces make it easier for kids (and adults!) to eat.
- Pre-brown the meat. Browning the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot adds depth of flavor.
- Rinse the rice. Give your rice a quick rinse to remove extra starch so it doesn’t turn gummy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Everyone’s taste is different, so don’t be afraid to add more salt or spice at the end.
- Add some heat. If your family likes a little kick, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet (for browning the meat)
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slow cooker
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for extra fiber.
- Want a vegetarian version? Skip the meat and use lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
- If you’re not a fan of cabbage, try chopped kale or spinach as a substitute.
Make Ahead Tips
- Chop the cabbage, onion, and garlic the night before and store in the fridge to save time in the morning.
- You can brown the ground beef and store it in the fridge overnight too.
How to Make Crockpot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
1. Brown the ground beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic, and cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain any excess grease.
2. Add ingredients to the crockpot
In your slow cooker, add the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, smoked paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, then pour in the beef broth. Add the browned beef mixture on top and give it another good stir.
3. Cook on low
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the cabbage and rice are tender. Give it a good stir halfway through cooking if possible.
4. Garnish and serve
Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spoon into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm!
Leftovers and Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Heat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
There you have it—cozy, delicious, and ridiculously easy Crockpot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls! This recipe is sure to become a family favorite, especially on chilly nights when you need something hearty and satisfying. If you give it a try, let me know how it turned out in the comments! Did you tweak it for your family? Got any questions? I’d love to hear from you! 😊
