Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Why Make This Recipe
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a simple dish that brings all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss. It’s perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. The combination of ground beef, cabbage, and tomatoes creates a flavorful and comforting meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
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
Directions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Once your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are cooked, serve them hot. You can enjoy this dish on its own or with a side of crusty bread or rice. For added flavor, sprinkle some grated cheese on top or add a dollop of sour cream.
How to Store Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely. Then, transfer the unstuffed cabbage rolls to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the leftovers for longer storage. Just place them in a freezer-safe container, and they will last for up to three months.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Make sure to drain the excess fat from the meat to keep the dish lighter.
- Use fresh herbs if you have them, as they can elevate the flavor.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Variation
You can easily customize this dish by using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option. Additionally, consider adding cooked rice or quinoa for added texture and protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cabbage?
Yes, you can use frozen cabbage. Just ensure it is thawed and well-drained before adding it to the slow cooker.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce.
3. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold all the ingredients. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped Fresh or thawed frozen cabbage can be used.
Tomato Sauce
- 14 ounces petite diced tomatoes Canned or fresh can be used.
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 1/2 cup water
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Ensure it is gluten-free if necessary.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley Fresh herbs can be used for better flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust based on spice preference.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and seasonings to the skillet; cook until onions soften.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
Sauce Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
