Experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly flavorful and easy Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. This deconstructed take on a traditional dish offers all the rich, savory taste you love, transformed into a convenient, slow-cooked meal perfect for any busy weeknight. Prepare to delight your family with a hearty dinner that practically makes itself!
Discover the Ease of Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
If the idea of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls seems daunting due to the intricate rolling process, then you’re in for a treat with these Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. We’ve taken all the beloved flavors of the classic dish – the tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and rich tomato sauce – and reimagined them into a hassle-free, one-pot wonder. This un-rolled version cooks low and slow in your crock pot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully and deepen over several hours, resulting in an exceptionally delicious and aromatic meal that requires minimal prep and effort on your part. It’s the perfect solution for those craving a taste of home-cooked comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.
Cooking with a slow cooker is a game-changer for busy households, and this recipe truly shines in that regard. It transforms simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying meal, filling your home with an inviting aroma that promises a delicious dinner. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, these unstuffed cabbage rolls offer a straightforward path to a wholesome, comforting meal that will quickly become a family favorite.
“This was absolutely delicious! I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you!”
– Jen
Expert Tips for Crafting Perfect Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Achieving the best results with your Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is simple with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Meat Variations: While our recipe calls for ground beef, feel free to experiment with other ground meats. Ground chicken or turkey are excellent choices for a lighter meal without sacrificing flavor. You could even use ground pork or a mild Italian sausage for a different, equally delicious twist. Ensure any ground meat is properly browned and drained of excess fat before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent a greasy final dish.
- Scaling the Recipe: This recipe is incredibly versatile and can easily be doubled to feed a larger crowd or for meal prepping. If you’re increasing the quantity, make sure to use a larger crock pot to accommodate all the ingredients comfortably and allow for even cooking.
- Flexible Cooking Times: The beauty of a slow cooker is its flexibility. You can cook this recipe on a low setting for 4-5 hours for a tender, slow-simmered perfection, or on a high setting for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. Always ensure the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked before serving.
- Optional Cheese Topping: For an extra layer of richness and flavor, consider topping individual servings with your favorite shredded cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of Italian cheeses would melt beautifully and complement the savory notes of the dish.
- Freezing for Future Meals: One of the best aspects of this recipe is its freezer-friendliness. Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls can be easily frozen after cooking, making them ideal for meal planning and enjoying quick, homemade dinners on busy days. We’ll dive into detailed freezing instructions below.
- Enhancing Flavor: Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings to your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick, or a dash of fresh parsley at the end can brighten up the flavors.
Storing and Freezing Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls for Convenience
Proper storage is key to enjoying your Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls for days to come. This dish is not only delicious fresh but also makes fantastic leftovers and is an excellent candidate for freezing, turning future meal times into a breeze.
- Refrigeration: While truly exceptional when served fresh, any leftover Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls can be stored in the refrigerator. Transfer the cooled leftovers into an airtight container or a robust zip-top bag. When properly stored, they will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply portion your desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and heat until thoroughly warm, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. Alternatively, you can reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears too thick.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: This recipe is a freezer superstar, making it perfect for meal prepping. To freeze, allow the cooked unstuffed cabbage rolls to cool completely. Divide them into individual serving portions or family-sized portions and place them into airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Ensure as much air as possible is removed from freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. The frozen dish will maintain its quality for up to 3 months. Clearly label containers with the date of freezing for easy tracking.
- Thawing and Reheating from Frozen: To enjoy your frozen unstuffed cabbage rolls, transfer the container or bag to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. Once thawed, reheat it just as you would refrigerated leftovers: in the microwave until heated through, or gently on the stovetop, adding a little liquid if needed to restore consistency. For a quicker reheat, you can also heat individual portions directly from frozen in the microwave, though this might take a bit longer and require more stirring.
Essential Ingredients for Your Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating this comforting dish. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some insightful notes:
- Ground Beef: One pound of lean ground beef is ideal for this recipe. As mentioned, feel free to substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a savory ground pork for a different flavor profile. The key is to brown it thoroughly before slow cooking.
- Garlic: Two cloves of freshly minced garlic infuse the dish with a pungent, aromatic flavor that’s hard to beat. While jarred minced garlic can be a time-saver, fresh garlic offers superior taste.
- Onion: A small diced onion, such as a sweet Vidalia or any yellow onion, provides a foundational sweetness and depth to the savory base.
- Cabbage: One small head of green cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces (approximately 6 cups), forms the heart of this dish. Green cabbage holds up well to slow cooking and provides that characteristic cabbage roll texture. Red cabbage can be used for a slightly earthier flavor, but green is typically preferred for its milder taste.
- Water: Two and a half cups of water helps create the perfect simmering liquid. For an even richer flavor, you can substitute chicken or vegetable stock. If using stock, opt for a low-sodium or no-sodium version to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially since garlic salt is also used.
- Minute Rice: One cup of uncooked Minute Rice is specified for its quick-cooking properties. If you prefer to use regular long-grain white rice, adjust the quantity to ¾ cup and rinse it thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. This step is crucial for regular rice to remove excess starch, preventing the dish from becoming gummy. Minute Rice does not require rinsing.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: One teaspoon, or to taste, adds a subtle heat and rounds out the savory flavors.
- Garlic Salt: One and a half teaspoons of garlic salt provides both saltiness and an extra layer of garlic flavor. If using regular salt, you might want to increase the fresh garlic slightly to compensate for the lost garlic punch.
- Paprika: One teaspoon of regular paprika contributes a mild, earthy sweetness and a beautiful reddish hue. For those who enjoy a deeper, smoky aroma, smoked paprika is an excellent alternative.
- Sugar: A single teaspoon of sugar is a secret ingredient that doesn’t sweeten the dish but cleverly balances the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a more harmonious and well-rounded flavor profile. It’s a minimal amount that makes a big difference.
- Tomato Sauce: One 28-ounce can of tomato sauce forms the rich, savory base of the dish. As with the water, consider low-sodium or no-sodium varieties if you’re mindful of salt intake.
- Diced Tomatoes: One 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes (with juice) adds chunks of tomato and further enhances the sauce. Look for varieties flavored with oregano, garlic, and basil for an additional boost of Italian-inspired flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Preparing these Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is incredibly straightforward, making it an ideal recipe for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and satisfying meal:
- Brown the Meat Base: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until it’s fully browned. During the last few minutes of cooking, add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 small diced onion. Sauté the garlic and onion with the beef until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to ensure your dish isn’t overly oily. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors.
- Combine in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef mixture to your slow cooker. To the slow cooker, add the chopped cabbage, 2 ½ cups of water, 1 cup of uncooked Minute Rice, 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 ½ teaspoons of garlic salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of sugar, the 28-ounce can of tomato sauce, and the 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes (with their juice).
- Mix Thoroughly: Using a large spoon or spatula, stir all the ingredients together in the slow cooker until everything is well coated and evenly combined. Ensure the cabbage is mixed into the liquid, as it will soften and shrink during cooking.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the mixture on the LOW setting for approximately 4-5 hours, or on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model. The dish is ready when the cabbage is very tender and the rice is fully cooked and soft.
- Adjust Consistency (Optional): After cooking, check the consistency of the dish. If you find it to be too thick for your preference, you can thin it out by stirring in a little more water, beef broth, or chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle generous portions of the hot unstuffed cabbage rolls into bowls. For an added touch of indulgence, sprinkle each serving with some shredded cheese, if desired, allowing it to melt into the warm dish. Serve immediately and savor this comforting, flavor-packed meal!
The magic of this recipe lies in the slow cooker’s ability to infuse every component with rich, hearty flavors. The low and slow cooking process tenderizes the cabbage and meat while allowing the spices and tomatoes to create a harmonious sauce that coats every bite.
Once you’ve tried this easy method, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with rolling traditional cabbage rolls!
Expand Your Culinary Horizons: More Hearty Slow Cooker & Comfort Food Recipes
If you loved the ease and flavor of these Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, you’ll definitely want to explore more delicious recipes that offer similar comfort and convenience. Here are some related dishes to inspire your next meal:
- Classic Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Traditional Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls
- Hearty Cabbage Roll Soup
- Effortless Crock Pot Pepper Steak
- Tender Slow Cooker Beef Tips & Gravy
- Rich Crock Pot Beef Stew
- Copycat Wendy’s Chili (Slow Cooker Version)
- Flavorful Crock Pot Brats
- Comforting Stuffed Pepper Soup
- 100 Amazing Ground Beef Recipes
Originally published: January 2021
Updated photos and republished: August 2024
Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
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Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 cup uncooked Minute rice (see notes below)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 28 ounce can tomato sauce
- 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes (with juice) (preferably the garlic & olive oil flavored)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown 1 pound ground beef with the 2 cloves garlic, minced, and 1 small onion, diced. Drain any excess grease.
- In the slow cooker, add 1 small head cabbage, chopped, 2 1/2 cups water, 1 cup uncooked Minute rice, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon sugar, 28 ounce can tomato sauce, and 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes (with juice).
- Add in the cooked ground beef mixture and stir it all until combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Rice and cabbage should be tender.
- If the mixture is too thick for your tastes, just add a little more water (or beef or chicken broth) until the desired consistency is reached.
- Top each serving with some shredded cheese (if desired) and serve.
Video Tutorial
Notes on Rice and Consistency
- Some individuals prefer their rice with a firmer texture. If this is your preference, you can choose to add the rice during the last hour or so of cooking instead of at the beginning. This allows the rice to cook just enough without becoming overly soft.
- If using regular long-grain white rice instead of Minute Rice, reduce the amount to ¾ cup. It is essential to rinse regular rice thoroughly under cold running water until the water runs clear. This step removes excess starch and prevents the dish from becoming gummy or overly thick. Rinsing is not necessary for Minute Rice.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Carbohydrates: 28g |
Protein: 20g |
Fat: 4g |
Sodium: 278mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 6g
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.
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