Description
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe offers all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. Ground beef, onions, and chopped cabbage simmer in a savory tomato sauce infused with Worcestershire sauce, herbs, and spices, making it a hearty and easy one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Tomato Sauce
- 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
Seasonings and Liquids
- 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 heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, chopped cabbage, petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and water.
- Mix Ingredients: Stir all ingredients well to combine the flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
- Cook Slowly: Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Final Stir and Serve: Before serving, give the mixture a good stir to redistribute any settled sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot, making sure to scoop some of the tender beef and cabbage mix with the rich tomato sauce on each plate.
Notes
- You can add more water if you prefer a looser sauce consistency.
- For a spicier version, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Serve this dish over cooked rice or with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat beautifully.
Keywords: slow cooker cabbage rolls, unstuffed cabbage rolls, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, crockpot meals