Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a fantastic dish that combines the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without all the fuss. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal ready for you with minimal effort. Plus, cooking in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making every bite delicious.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup water
Directions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until the onions soften.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with the chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
After cooking, you can serve this dish hot. It goes well with a slice of crusty bread or over a bed of rice. You could also sprinkle some extra parsley on top for added flavor and color.
How to Store Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
To store leftovers, let the unstuffed cabbage rolls cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep well for 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Make sure to drain the ground beef well to avoid a greasy dish.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, like carrots or bell peppers, to enhance the flavor and nutrition.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add more red pepper flakes according to your taste.
Variation
You can swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Additionally, you can use different types of cabbage, like Savoy or Napa, for a unique texture.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative for a vegetarian version.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge. Just add everything to the slow cooker in the morning.
What should I do if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, you can use soy sauce or a mix of vinegar and soy sauce as a substitute.

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A hearty and easy dish combining the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss, perfectly cooked in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain the excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until the onions soften.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with the chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Notes
For added flavor, serve with crusty bread or over rice. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
