Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a comforting, hearty twist on traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Instead of rolling cabbage leaves, chopped cabbage is combined with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and flavorful herbs and simmered slowly for tender, deeply savory results. Perfect for an easy, no-fuss dinner that delivers all the classic cabbage roll flavors with minimal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the yellow onion and chop the small head of green cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Open the cans of petite diced tomatoes and tomato paste, and gather all other ingredients.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Add the diced onion, chopped cabbage, petite diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and water to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The cabbage should be tender, and the flavors well blended. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible to prevent sticking.
- Serve: Once cooked, stir the mixture well and serve hot. This unstuffed cabbage roll mixture pairs well with rice, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.
Notes
- For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste if you prefer less or more heat.
- If a thicker sauce is desired, remove the slow cooker lid for the last 30 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Adding cooked rice or quinoa during last 30 minutes makes a more filling one-pot meal.
Keywords: unstuffed cabbage rolls, slow cooker cabbage, ground beef cabbage, easy cabbage roll recipe, no roll cabbage rolls