Easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
A deconstructed version of traditional cabbage rolls, made easy in the slow cooker with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, rice, and a sweet-tart sauce for a comforting family meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes - 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs ground beef (or a blend of beef and pork)
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large head green cabbage, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or dill
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker insert.
- Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, uncooked rice, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika to the slow cooker. Stir everything gently to combine.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the rice is fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more brown sugar or vinegar for desired sweet-tart balance.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.
Notes
- Use a blend of beef and pork for added flavor if desired.
- Adjust brown sugar and vinegar to taste for the perfect sweet-tart balance.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.