Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Slow cooker recipes are the unsung heroes of home cooking, transforming simple ingredients into hearty, delicious meals with minimal effort. One standout dish that captures the essence of cozy comfort food is the Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. This culinary creation delivers all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing each leaf. Perfect for busy weeknights or gathering friends and family around the table, it’s a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach.

Reasons You’ll Love Making It

Why should this recipe deserve a prominent spot in your meal rotation? For starters, it’s a budget-friendly option that provides a fulfilling and nutritious meal without breaking the bank. With just a few ingredients, this dish offers a fantastic way to enjoy wholesome flavors while saving time and money. Perfect for a nourishing weeknight dinner or a Sunday family feast, it’s not just a dish; it’s a dish that brings everyone together.

"I never liked cabbage rolls, but this turned me into a fan! It’s so flavorful and easy to make, my whole family loves it!" — A happy home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Preparing Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a breeze. This dish allows you to enjoy a remarkable homemade meal without the labor-intensive aspects of traditional versions. Below are the essential steps to guide your cooking journey:

1. Brown the ground beef until it’s slightly pink, then drain any excess fat.
2. Sauté diced onions and seasonings until the onions soften.
3. Move the meat mixture to your slow cooker and add in the chopped cabbage.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water, then pour this sauce over the mixture within your slow cooker.
5. Gently combine everything, cover, and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Gather Your Ingredients

To create this culinary masterpiece, you will need the following 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

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or add in some shredded carrots for added sweetness and nutrition.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s just slightly pink. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the skillet, cooking until the onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the chopped cabbage.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until well mixed.
5. Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker, mixing gently to combine.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the cabbage is tender.

Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Serving your unstuffed cabbage rolls can be both fun and creative! Here are a few ideas:

• Serve it alongside a light, tangy cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.
• A hearty slice of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• For a heartier meal, pair with mashed potatoes or a side of creamy coleslaw.

Storage Tips

Storing leftovers properly can help you enjoy this dish even longer. Here are some quick storage tips:

• Allow any leftovers to cool before placing them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer-term storage.
• To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in the microwave or on the stovetop, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Pro Chef Tips

Here are some tips to elevate your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:

• For added depth of flavor, try incorporating a splash of apple cider vinegar for a slight tang.
• Want more vegetables? Chopped bell peppers or zucchini can add extra nutrients and flavor.
• If you’re short on time, you can use pre-chopped cabbage available in grocery stores.

Creative Twists

If you’re in the mood to switch things up, consider these variations:

• Experiment with the herbs—try adding fresh dill for a different aromatic profile.
• For a spicy kick, incorporate jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Swap out the tomato paste for salsa for a fresh twist that adds extra flavor.

Your questions answered

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

Prep time is about 15 minutes, and once it’s in the slow cooker, you can let it cook for 6 to 8 hours.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are great lean alternatives.

Is it safe to freeze and reheat this dish?

Yes! It’s safe to freeze leftovers. Just ensure to reheat thoroughly to 165°F for food safety.

With its wonderful flavors and effortless preparation, Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls should definitely make it onto your weekly meal plan. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

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• Total Time: 495 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A hearty, budget-friendly dish that captures the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of stuffing each leaf. Perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until it’s just slightly pink. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and kosher salt to the skillet, cooking until the onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the chopped cabbage.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until well mixed.
5. Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker, mixing gently to combine.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until the cabbage is tender.

Notes

Feel free to substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or add shredded carrots for added sweetness. For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 480 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: cabbage rolls, slow cooker, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal