Experience the ultimate comfort food with our Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls! Tender cabbage leaves are generously stuffed with a savory blend of beef, pork, and rice, all slow-simmered to perfection in a rich, tangy tomato sauce. This classic dish, made effortlessly in your Crock Pot, promises a hearty and deeply flavorful dinner that will become a family favorite.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls: A Timeless Classic Made Easy
There’s nothing quite like a plate of homemade cabbage rolls to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. This beloved comfort food, with its delicate balance of tender cabbage and a robust meat-and-rice filling bathed in a luscious tomato sauce, has been a staple in kitchens for generations. However, the traditional method of preparing stuffed cabbage can be quite time-consuming. That’s where the slow cooker comes in as a game-changer! Our Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls recipe simplifies the process, allowing you to achieve that same incredible, slow-cooked flavor with minimal effort.
By cooking these delectable rolls low and slow in your Crock Pot, you unlock a depth of flavor that’s simply unparalleled. The ingredients have ample time to meld together, creating a harmonious symphony of tastes that truly satisfies. The cabbage becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, while the rich, savory filling absorbs all the wonderful nuances of the tomato sauce. This hands-off approach makes it an ideal meal for busy weekdays or a relaxing weekend gathering. Plus, with a little planning, you can even prepare them ahead of time, making dinner assembly a breeze!
The Unmatched Convenience of Slow Cooking Stuffed Cabbage
Why should you consider making your stuffed cabbage rolls in a slow cooker? The benefits are abundant, making it the preferred method for many home cooks. First and foremost is the incredible convenience. After a short prep session, your Crock Pot handles the rest, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax. No more standing over a hot stove, constantly monitoring the pot!
Secondly, the slow cooking process is inherently designed to tenderize ingredients and deepen flavors. Cabbage leaves, which can sometimes be a bit tough, become incredibly soft and yielding in the gentle heat of the slow cooker. The meat and rice filling slowly absorb the rich tomato sauce, transforming into a succulent, flavorful mixture. This extended cooking time allows all the spices and ingredients to fully infuse, resulting in a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours – because it has!
Another fantastic advantage is the ability to prepare this dish ahead of time. You can assemble your cabbage rolls a day in advance, store them in the refrigerator, and then simply transfer them to the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook. This makes meal prep incredibly efficient, especially for special occasions or when you know you’ll have a busy day ahead. For truly effortless comfort food, the slow cooker is your best friend when it comes to classic stuffed cabbage rolls.
Essential Ingredients for Delectable Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
Crafting the perfect batch of Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building the rich, comforting flavors of this dish. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some tips for each:
- Green Cabbage: A large head of green cabbage is traditional and ideal for cabbage rolls. Its leaves are robust enough to hold the filling yet become wonderfully tender when cooked. To easily remove the core, firmly bang the core side of the cabbage onto a flat, hard surface while holding it with both hands. This should loosen the core, allowing you to lift it out with ease.
- Cooked White or Brown Rice: Using pre-cooked rice is crucial for ensuring the filling cooks evenly and doesn’t remain crunchy. White rice is commonly used, but brown rice can add a nuttier flavor and more fiber. For a quick shortcut, consider microwaveable rice pouches or boil-in-bag options. Leftover rice from a previous meal is also a perfect choice! Ensure the rice amount is measured *after* cooking.
- Lean Ground Beef: We recommend using lean ground beef, such as 93%, to prevent the rolls from becoming overly greasy. Beef forms the hearty base of our filling, providing a rich, meaty flavor.
- Ground Pork: The combination of ground beef and ground pork adds an incredible depth of flavor and juiciness that enhances the overall taste of these rolls. While a mix is highly recommended, you can certainly use all beef or all pork if that’s what you have on hand or prefer.
- Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Black Pepper: These staple seasonings are crucial for building the aromatic and savory foundation of the meat and rice filling. They infuse every bite with classic, comforting flavors. Freshly chopped parsley (optional) can also add a touch of vibrant color and a fresh herbaceous note.
- Tomato Soup: While tomato sauce can be used, a can of condensed tomato soup adds a unique savory sweetness and creamy texture to the sauce, contributing to a more complex flavor profile for your cabbage rolls. It truly enhances the “party” of flavors!
- Crushed Tomatoes: Canned crushed tomatoes provide the rich, robust tomato base for the sauce. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor without extra effort, look for crushed tomatoes that come pre-seasoned with garlic, basil, and oregano.
- Sugar: A small amount of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother, more palatable sauce. If you prefer to avoid sugar, feel free to omit it or use a natural substitute like a touch of maple syrup or honey, though it’s typically a very small amount.
How to Prepare Delicious Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps to create tender, flavorful cabbage rolls that will impress everyone at your dinner table. Remember, precise preparation ensures the best results for this classic comfort food.
1. Prepare the Cabbage Leaves for Rolling
Begin by rinsing your green cabbage thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut around the core of the cabbage to remove it. Alternatively, try the trick mentioned in our ingredient section: firmly bang the core side of the cabbage onto a flat surface to loosen it, then easily pull it out. Place the cored cabbage, core side up, into a microwave-safe bowl with a lid. Add about ½ cup of water to the bowl, cover it, and microwave on high for five minutes. After this initial cooking time, carefully flip the cabbage over, re-cover, and microwave for an additional 10 minutes. This process softens the leaves, making them pliable and easy to roll. Once cooked, remove the cabbage from the microwave, place it on a cutting board, and allow it to cool slightly. Use a fork to gently peel off 6-8 large, intact cabbage leaves and lay them on paper towels to cool and dry completely. When cool enough to handle, place each large leaf flat on the cutting board and carefully slice out the tough center stem, dividing each leaf into two halves.
2. Craft the Savory Meat and Rice Filling
While your cabbage is cooling, prepare the hearty filling. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the ¾ cup of cooked white or brown rice with ½ pound of raw lean ground beef and ½ pound of raw ground pork. Add 1½ tablespoons of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley (if using), 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined. Ensure the meat and spices are evenly distributed throughout the rice. Set this flavorful mixture aside.
3. Mix the Tangy Tomato Sauce
In a separate medium bowl, combine the sauce ingredients. Pour in one 10-ounce can of tomato soup, one 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes, and ½ teaspoon of sugar. Stir these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended and smooth. This creates the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that the cabbage rolls will simmer in. Set the sauce mixture aside until you’re ready to layer your slow cooker.
4. Expertly Roll Your Cabbage Rolls
Now comes the fun part: rolling the cabbage rolls! Take one softened cabbage leaf half and spoon approximately 1½ tablespoons of the meat mixture onto it, placing the filling near one end. Carefully fold the short end of the cabbage leaf over the ball of meat. Then, tuck in the sides of the cabbage leaf to prevent the filling from escaping. Continue rolling the cabbage leaf tightly until you have a compact, neat roll. Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaf halves and meat mixture. The exact number of rolls you get may vary depending on the size of your cabbage leaves and how much filling you use per roll.
5. Layer and Slow Cook to Perfection
Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Pour about 1 cup of the prepared tomato sauce mixture into the bottom of the Crock Pot and spread it evenly to create a base. Arrange a single layer of your rolled cabbage rolls over the sauce. If you have more rolls, spoon additional tomato sauce over the first layer, then carefully place the remaining rolls on top. Finally, pour any leftover sauce generously over all the cabbage rolls, ensuring they are well-covered. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for approximately 6 hours, or until the internal temperature of the meat filling reaches 165°F and the cabbage is incredibly tender. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely irresistible!
Tips for Success & Delicious Variations
To ensure your Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls are consistently delicious, consider these tips and explore some delightful variations:
- Don’t Overfill: While it’s tempting to load up the cabbage leaves, overfilling can make them difficult to roll and prone to unraveling during cooking. Stick to the recommended 1½ tablespoons of filling per half-leaf.
- Ensure Rice is Cooked: Always use cooked rice in your filling. Raw rice won’t cook properly within the rolls and will remain crunchy, ruining the texture of the dish.
- Firm Rolls are Key: Roll your cabbage leaves as snugly as possible without tearing them. This helps the rolls maintain their shape and keeps the filling intact during the long cooking process.
- Meat Variations: Feel free to customize the meat. Use all ground beef, all ground pork, or even ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For an extra rich flavor, you can sauté the ground meat slightly before mixing it with the rice and seasonings, though this isn’t strictly necessary for slow cooking.
- Sauce Customizations: Experiment with your tomato sauce! Add a splash of red wine for richness, a dash of Worcestershire sauce for umami, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. You can also mix in some diced bell peppers or carrots for added vegetables and flavor.
- Make it Unstuffed: If rolling feels too daunting, you can adapt this recipe to an “unstuffed” version! Simply layer the ingredients in the slow cooker: a base of sauce, followed by chopped cabbage, then the meat and rice mixture, and topped with more sauce. It delivers all the flavor with less effort.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Cabbage Rolls
Cabbage rolls are a complete meal in themselves, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple sides that complement their rich flavors:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious tomato sauce.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide a classic, comforting accompaniment, creating a truly hearty meal.
- Egg Noodles: Simple buttered egg noodles are another excellent choice, offering a soft texture that pairs well with the tender rolls.
- Roasted Potatoes: For a different texture, serve with roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs.
- Side Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cabbage rolls.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Green beans, asparagus, or broccoli make great simple veggie sides.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls
What should I serve with Cabbage Rolls?
Cabbage rolls are quite hearty on their own, but they pair wonderfully with crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Other popular choices include mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or egg noodles. A fresh side salad or steamed green vegetables would also be a lovely, lighter complement.
Can I make these on the stove instead?
Yes, you certainly can! While this recipe focuses on the slow cooker method for convenience, traditional cabbage rolls are often cooked on the stovetop. You would typically simmer them in a large pot on low heat for an extended period. For a specific stovetop recipe, you can refer to other classic stuffed cabbage recipes.
Do I have to cook the rice before adding it to the filling?
Absolutely, yes! It is essential to cook the rice before mixing it with the meat filling. Raw rice will not cook evenly inside the cabbage rolls and will result in a hard, unpleasant texture. Pre-cooking ensures the filling is tender and perfectly cooked.
What kind of cabbage works best for cabbage rolls?
Green cabbage is the traditional and most recommended type due to its large, flexible leaves that become wonderfully tender when softened. Savoy cabbage is another excellent choice; its leaves are typically more tender and have a crinkled texture that can hold more sauce.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for make-ahead meal prep! You can assemble and roll the cabbage leaves with the filling a day in advance. Store the uncooked rolls tightly covered in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply arrange them in your slow cooker with the sauce and proceed with the cooking instructions.
Do I need to microwave the cabbage first?
Microwaving the cabbage is a highly effective way to soften the leaves, making them much easier to separate and roll without tearing. If you prefer not to microwave, you can boil the whole head of cabbage in a large pot of salted water for about 10-15 minutes until the outer leaves are tender enough to peel off easily.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover cabbage rolls should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will remain fresh and delicious for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I freeze Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls?
Yes, cabbage rolls freeze beautifully! Once cooled completely, transfer them to freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring they are covered in some sauce. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the oven or microwave.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls for days to come, and they also make excellent freezer meals.
- Refrigerator: Once the cabbage rolls have cooled to room temperature, transfer them along with their sauce into an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, cabbage rolls freeze exceptionally well. Allow the cooked rolls to cool completely. You can freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container to prevent them from sticking together. Alternatively, place them in a freezer-safe dish, covered with plenty of sauce. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheating:
- From Refrigerator: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For larger quantities, place them in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until hot.
- From Freezer: Thaw frozen cabbage rolls overnight in the refrigerator. Then, reheat as you would refrigerated leftovers. For a quicker reheat, you can place frozen rolls in an oven-safe dish, covered, and bake at a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) for a longer period (45-60 minutes) or until heated through.
More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love
- Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Cabbage Roll Soup
- Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Oven Version)
- Bacon Fried Cabbage
- Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers
Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls
Print
Pin
Ingredients
- 1 head green cabbage
- ½ cup water
- ¾ cup cooked white or brown rice
- ½ pound lean ground beef (I used 93%)
- ½ pound ground pork (see notes below)
- 1 ½ Tablespoons onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup
- 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- ½ teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Rinse off 1 head green cabbage and use a sharp knife to cut around the core and remove it.
- Place the cabbage core side up in a microwave-safe bowl with a lid. Add ½ cup water to the bowl, cover with a paper towel and microwave on high for five minutes.
- After five minutes, carefully flip the cabbage over, cover with a paper towel and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- While the cabbage cooks, add ¾ cup cooked white or brown rice, ½ pound lean ground beef, ½ pound ground pork, 1 ½ Tablespoons onion powder, 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon ground black pepper to a medium-size bowl. Stir to combine. Set aside.
- In a separate medium bowl, add 1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup, 1 (15 ounce) can crushed tomatoes and ½ teaspoon sugar. Stir to combine. Set aside.
- Once the cabbage is finished cooking, carefully remove it from the bowl and place it on a cutting board. (I used my silicone oven mitts to do this to protect my hands)
- Use a fork to gently tease 6-8 large cabbage leaves away from its body and set them on paper towels to cool and dry.
- Once they are cool enough to handle, place one large leaf flat open on the cutting board and cut the tough center stem out of the center, leaving two cabbage leaf halves.
- Take one cabbage leaf half and spoon 1-1/2 Tablespoons of the meat mixture into the cabbage leaf near one end. Take the short end and fold it over the ball of meat. Tuck in the sides of the cabbage leaf and finish rolling it up.
- Continue with the remaining cabbage leaves until you’ve used up the entire amount of meat mixture. You may need additional cabbage leaves or fewer depending on the size of cabbage leaves and how much meat mixture you are adding to them.
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with non-stick spray. Place 1 cup of the tomato sauce mixture into the bottom and spread it evenly.
- Place the cabbage rolls in a single level across the bottom. If you have additional rolls, place more tomato sauce on top of the rolls, then lay the remaining rolls on top.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the top of the rolls.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for approximately 6 hours or until the inside of the rolls reaches 165 degrees.
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
- I used a combination of beef and pork but you could use just one pound of one or the other.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 9g |
Protein: 9g |
Fat: 5g |
Sodium: 244mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 3g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.