Enjoy Flavorful Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Tonight!

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are the ultimate in comfort food without all the fuss. This hearty dish combines the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls, but with a simplified preparation that allows the slow cooker to do all the work. Get ready to savor the delicious blend of ground beef, cabbage, and a tangy tomato-based sauce – all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker.

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What Are Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?

Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, also known as “Deconstructed Cabbage Rolls,” take the essence of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls and reimagine them in an easier, more convenient format. Instead of laboriously stuffing individual cabbage leaves, the cabbage is simply chopped and combined with the other classic ingredients – ground beef, onions, tomatoes, and seasonings. This one-pot method delivers all the comforting flavors you love, without the extra time and effort of traditional stuffed cabbage.

Why Use a Slow Cooker?

The slow cooker is the perfect vessel for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. The long, gentle cooking time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a tender, saucy dish that practically falls apart when served. Plus, the convenience of a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, freeing up your time to tackle other tasks while dinner cooks itself. With minimal prep work and hands-off cooking, Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are the ultimate “dump and go” meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• 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
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ cup water

How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until still slightly pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Add the Aromatics

Add the diced onion, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook until the onions have softened.

Step 3: Combine in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the meat-onion mixture to a slow cooker and add the chopped cabbage.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well to blend the ingredients.

Step 5: Cook in the Slow Cooker

Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker, then gently mix to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the cabbage is tender.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls over rice or your preferred side dish and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Cooking Tips

For best results, cook the Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls on the low setting for the full 6-8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to become tender and almost melted into the dish. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but the texture and flavor may not be as developed.

Ingredient Variations

While ground beef is the traditional protein used in stuffed cabbage rolls, you can easily substitute ground turkey or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Feel free to experiment with different types of cabbage, such as Savoy or red cabbage, to change up the flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

Leftover Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. The dish also freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutritional Information

One serving of Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls (about 1 cup) contains approximately 300 calories, 22 grams of protein, 12 grams of fat, and 22 grams of carbohydrates. The dish is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as fiber, thanks to the cabbage. Lean ground beef provides a healthy dose of iron and B vitamins, making this a nutritious and satisfying meal.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers
• Cabbage Roll Soup
• Beef and Cabbage Stir-Fry
• Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Casserole

FAQs

How do you cook unstuffed cabbage rolls in a slow cooker?

To cook unstuffed cabbage rolls in a slow cooker, you’ll start by browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and spices. Then, you’ll transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker and add the chopped cabbage. Finally, you’ll make a simple sauce with tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water, then pour it over the cabbage and beef. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until the cabbage is tender.

How long to cook cabbage rolls in a slow cooker?

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls should be cooked on the low setting for 6-8 hours. This long, gentle cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the cabbage to become tender and almost melted into the dish.

How long do cabbage rolls need to cook for?

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls need to cook for 6-8 hours on the low setting to achieve the perfect texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, you can cook them on high for 3-4 hours, but the results may not be as tender and well-developed.

How long to heat cooked cabbage rolls?

Reheating cooked Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a breeze. Simply transfer the leftovers to a saucepan or microwave-safe dish and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through, about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to stir or flip the dish halfway through to ensure even heating.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a comforting, hassle-free way to enjoy the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls. With the convenience of a slow cooker and the simple, one-pot preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Dive into the savory blend of ground beef, cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce – your slow cooker will do all the work, leaving you free to enjoy the delicious results. Give this easy and satisfying recipe a try, and get ready to savor the comforting goodness of Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls!

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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