Description
All the comforting, savory flavors of classic cabbage rolls—without the fuss of stuffing—made easy in the slow cooker. Tender ground meat, cabbage, and rice swim in a tangy tomato sauce for a hands-off, hearty meal.
Ingredients
1½ lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 cup uncooked white rice
1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or grated Parmesan
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef (or turkey), onion, and garlic until meat is no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- In the slow cooker, layer half of the chopped cabbage followed by half of the uncooked rice. Add the cooked meat mixture on top.
- Layer the remaining cabbage and rice over the meat mixture.
- In a bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until cabbage is tender and rice is cooked through.
- Stir gently before serving. Garnish with parsley or Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Omit meat and add beans for a vegetarian version.
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Top with shredded cheese in the last 15 minutes for a cheesy version.
Use quinoa or cauliflower rice as rice alternatives (adjust time).
Mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme before serving for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Eastern European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
