Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls with Pork Recipe
Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls with Pork is a traditional and comforting dish featuring tender sour cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground pork, rice, fresh herbs, and onions. Simmered in tomato juice with smoked meats for a rich smoky depth, these cabbage rolls are perfect for a hearty family meal served alongside polenta or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Ingredients
Scale
Cabbage Rolls
- 2 pounds sour cabbage leaves
- 2 pounds ground pork
- ½ cup long grain rice (uncooked, such as basmati or jasmine)
- 1 large onion, chopped or grated
- ¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients
- 8 ounces bacon or other smoked meats (such as smoked sausage or hock)
- 4 cups tomato juice
Instructions
- Prepare Cabbage Leaves: Place the sour cabbage leaves in a large bowl and soak them in cold water for a few minutes to reduce excess saltiness. Drain the water and cut any overly large leaves in half to make smaller rolls.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, uncooked rice, chopped onion, fresh dill, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well by hand, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Use salt sparingly due to the saltiness of the sour cabbage.
- Form Cabbage Rolls: Spoon about two tablespoons of the meat mixture onto each cabbage leaf. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the ends to fully enclose the filling. Repeat this process until all the meat and leaves are used.
- Arrange in Crockpot: Chop any remaining cabbage and spread it evenly on the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange the prepared cabbage rolls on top, then place the smoked meat over the rolls if using.
- Add Tomato Juice: Pour all the tomato juice over the cabbage rolls and cover the crockpot with its lid.
- Slow Cook: Cook the cabbage rolls on the low setting for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the rolls are tender and fully cooked.
- Serve: Serve hot with polenta or mashed potatoes and a dollop of sour cream for a delicious traditional finish.
Notes
- Be cautious with the added salt since the sour cabbage is naturally salty.
- Using smoked meat like bacon, sausage, or a smoked hock adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can reduce the tomato juice slightly before pouring it over the rolls.
- Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Ensure the rice is uncooked before mixing to allow it to cook properly in the crockpot.
Keywords: cabbage rolls, slow cooker recipe, pork cabbage rolls, traditional cabbage rolls, sour cabbage, smoked meat, comfort food