Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you’re searching for a comforting meal that requires minimal fuss, Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are the perfect answer. This dish takes all the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls and simplifies the cooking process into a hearty, slow-cooked one-pot wonder. With tender ground beef, savory spices, and a medley of vibrant veggies, this dish is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your hunger.
Why Make This Recipe?
- Easy Preparation: No rolling and stuffing needed—just toss everything together and let the slow cooker do its magic.
- Delicious Comfort Food: It combines the classic flavors you love in cabbage rolls without all the work.
- One-Pot Meal: This recipe is a great solution for busy weeknights, as it reduces cleanup and dishes.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is not just a meal; it’s a culinary embrace of nostalgia, offering comfort in every bite.
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until slightly pink, then drain any excess fat.
- Sauté the Onion and Seasonings: To the same skillet, add 1 diced yellow onion along with your seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 2 teaspoons dried parsley, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Cook until the onions soften.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the cooked meat mixture to your slow cooker, adding in a small head of chopped green cabbage.
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine a 14-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes, a 6-ounce can of tomato paste, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir well.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage mixture in the slow cooker. Mix everything gently to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Refrigerated: 3-4 days at temperatures below 40°F (4°C).
- Frozen: Up to 3 months at 0°F (-18°C), ensuring you keep it in an airtight container.
- Thawing: For frozen leftovers, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Topped with Cheese: Serve with a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for an extra gooey treat.
- Accompanied by Bread: A side of crusty bread makes for perfect dipping into the flavorful sauce.
- Garnished with Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or dill on top can elevate the dish visually and tastefully.
Pair your unstuffed cabbage rolls with a light salad or simply enjoy them by themselves for a cozy meal that will transport you back to comforting dinners at home.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cabbage and high-quality ground beef elevate the flavor.
- Watch Your Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper based on your preference for seasoning.
- Let It Sit: If you have time, let the dish sit for about 15 minutes after cooking to allow flavors to concentrate.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground beef for lentils or plant-based ground meat. Add in more vegetables such as carrots or mushrooms for added texture.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture before pouring it over the cabbage.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen cabbage for this dish?
A: Yes, using frozen cabbage can work, but keep in mind the texture will be softer than fresh cabbage.
Q: Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare all the ingredients a day in advance and store them in the slow cooker insert. Just refrigerate it overnight and plug it in the next day.
Q: Can I use other types of meat?
- Ground turkey or chicken can serve as excellent substitutes for beef.
- Just remember that different meats will bring different flavor profiles to the dish.
Ultimately, Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls combine ease and flavor, creating a lovely meal with the comfort and nostalgia of home-cooked food. Perfect for any day of the week, they’ll invitingly fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as they slow-cook to perfection! Embrace the simplicity of this dish while still enjoying all the deliciousness that comes with it.
Print
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 480 minutes
- Total Time: 495 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None specified
Description
A comforting one-pot meal that simplifies the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, featuring tender ground beef and vibrant vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 diced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 small head chopped green cabbage
- 1 (14-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add ground beef. Cook until slightly pink, then drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and seasonings to skillet, cooking until onions soften.
- Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker and add chopped cabbage.
- In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well.
- Pour sauce over meat and cabbage mixture, mixing gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Notes
For best flavor, let the dish sit for 15 minutes after cooking. Use fresh ingredients for optimal taste.