Craving the comforting flavors of cabbage rolls without all the fuss? These slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls are the answer! This recipe delivers all the deliciousness of traditional cabbage rolls in a simple, hands-off format, perfect for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the work, transforming simple ingredients into a hearty, flavorful dish that the whole family will love.
What is Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a deconstructed version of classic cabbage rolls, where the ingredients – ground meat, rice, shredded cabbage, and tomato-based sauce – are layered in a slow cooker instead of individually wrapped. This simplifies the preparation process significantly while retaining the classic flavors we all adore.
It’s a comforting, budget-friendly, and easy-to-make dinner option, especially ideal for those searching for set-it-and-forget-it meals. Using a slow cooker infuses the ingredients with depth of flavor as it simmers slowly, creating a tender and richly flavored dish. Forget spending hours rolling individual cabbage leaves; give this effortless recipe a try and enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort!
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey or pork)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain rice, rinsed(such as basmati)
- 1 medium head of cabbage, cored and shredded
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
These slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls offer classic comfort food flavors with minimal effort. This dish is incredibly easy, requiring only about 15 minutes of prep time before letting your slow cooker do the work.
Expect a hearty, savory, and deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender ground meat, perfectly cooked rice, and sweet, tangy tomato sauce creates a truly unforgettable dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef (or chosen meat) to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Season the Meat: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to bloom and release their flavors.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Mix well.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Pour a small amount (about 1/2 cup) of the tomato sauce mixture into the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer half of the shredded cabbage over the sauce.
- Add Meat Mixture: Spread the cooked meat mixture evenly over the cabbage layer.
- Sprinkle Rice: Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the meat layer.
- Layer Remaining Ingredients: Layer the remaining cabbage on top of the rice, and then pour the remaining tomato sauce mixture over the cabbage.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.
- Stir and Serve: Before serving, gently stir the layers together. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! The star of this dish is undoubtedly the tender, juicy, and flavorful combination of ground meat, cabbage, and rice, all swimming in a rich tomato sauce. Making these unstuffed cabbage rolls at home is a great way to save money compared to ordering takeout or buying pre-made versions. Not only are you in control of the ingredients, ensuring a healthy and wholesome meal, but you can also customize it to your liking. The optional parsley garnish adds a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
If you enjoy this, try my stuffed bell pepper recipe for another easy-to-make version of comfort food. Give this slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls a try and enjoy a comforting and budget-friendly meal with minimal effort!
What to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls With:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up all of that delicious tomato sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food pairing that complements the flavors of the cabbage rolls.
- Green Salad: A light and refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the main dish.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic Bread: Elevates the whole experience and offers a fantastic carbohydrate pairing.
Top Tips for Perfecting Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Meat Variations: Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground pork, or even a combination for a different flavor profile.
- Rice Rinse: Rinsing the rice before adding it to the slow cooker helps remove excess starch and prevents it from becoming gummy.
- Cabbage Shredding: You can use a knife, mandoline, or food processor to shred the cabbage. For finer shreds buy pre cut cabbage
- Slow Cooker Size: Ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
- **Liquid Adjustment:**If you find the mixture is too dry add 1/2 cup of beef broth.
- Don’t overcook: Overcooking will result in mushy cabbage. Cook on low and test the rice after 6 hours, adding time as necessary to ensure the rice is cooked.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the mixture for a bit of heat.
5 Facts About Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Origin: Cabbage rolls and their unstuffed variations are popular in various countries throughout Eastern and Central Europe.
- Nutritional Value: This dish is a good source of protein from the meat and fiber from the cabbage.
- Customizable: Extremely adjustable to your personal taste. You can add different vegetables, such as bell peppers or carrots
- Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive ingredients, making it an affordable family meal.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the unstuffed cabbage rolls to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the unstuffed cabbage rolls in the microwave or in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of beef broth if needed to prevent drying out. If frozen, reheat slowly to maintain texture and taste,
- Do not leave them at room temperature: for more than 2 hours as that is the safe food handling guidelines
Final Thoughts:
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls offer a fantastic way to enjoy the rich flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the tedious prep work. This recipe’s simplicity, combined with the slow cooker’s ability to meld flavors beautifully, makes it a weeknight winner. Enjoy the comforting taste and the ease of preparation – it’s a recipe you’ll surely come back to time and time again.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest