Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls bring all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra work of rolling them up. This hearty dish features tender ground beef, soft cabbage, flavorful tomatoes, and a touch of spices, all simmered together in a slow cooker until everything is perfectly melded and delicious.
I love making this recipe because it’s so easy to put together, and it fills the house with the warm, cozy smell of home-cooked goodness. There’s something really satisfying about digging into a bowl that has all the familiar tastes you expect from cabbage rolls but in a simple, unstuffed form. Plus, it’s a great way to use up cabbage in a tasty way that everyone enjoys.
My favorite way to serve this dish is with a big scoop of mashed potatoes or some crusty bread on the side to soak up all the tasty sauce. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting dinner with little fuss. I find that leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a winner for meal prep too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cabbage: Green cabbage is classic here because it softens nicely in the slow cooker without falling apart. You can swap with savoy or napa cabbage for a slightly different texture and flavor.
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 beef for a good mix of flavor and fat, but lean ground turkey or chicken work well if you want a lighter version. Just keep an eye on cooking time as leaner meat can dry out faster.
Rice: White rice is best since it cooks fully in the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. Brown rice needs longer cooking, so you could pre-cook it or use quick-cooking rice to avoid it being underdone.
Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: Both add rich flavor and moisture. If you don’t have tomato sauce, you can blend canned tomatoes to a smoother consistency as a substitute.
How Do You Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls in a Slow Cooker Without Overcooking?
Slow cookers cook at low temps, so timing is key to avoid mushy cabbage or rice. Here’s what helps:
- Add uncooked rice directly to the slow cooker so it absorbs the liquid and flavors while cooking.
- Use medium heat settings and check towards the end to test cabbage tenderness.
- If browning beef first, drain excess fat to prevent greasy sauce.
- Stir gently to mix flavors but avoid breaking up the cabbage too much.
With these tips, your cabbage will be tender but still hold shape, and the rice will be soft and flavorful—not crunchy or mushy. It’s an easy, hands-off way to get the classic taste without fussing over each roll.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – the star of this recipe, it lets you cook everything low and slow without much effort.
- Large skillet – optional but helpful for browning the ground beef to add extra flavor.
- Mixing bowl – for combining the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, and spices before adding to the slow cooker.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – perfect for stirring the ingredients gently without breaking up the cabbage too much.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner, lighter dish.
- Add diced bell peppers or shredded carrots for a boost of color and sweetness.
- Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a little smoky heat.
- Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese right before serving for a melty finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Sauce:
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for browning beef)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time. Then, you’ll cook everything in a slow cooker for 6 to 7 hours on low, or 3 to 4 hours on high. It’s a hands-off meal that fills your home with wonderful flavors while you do other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef (Optional):
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat. If you prefer, skip this step and add raw beef directly to the slow cooker for even easier prep.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
Add the chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker with the browned (or raw) beef.
3. Make the Sauce and Add it:
In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the meat and veggies in the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine evenly.
4. Cook Until Tender:
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The cabbage and rice should become tender and soak up all that delicious sauce.
5. Finish and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Stir gently to mix. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme if you like. This dish goes wonderfully with mashed potatoes or crusty bread to scoop up the sauce.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground beef, but make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator before cooking. Brown it in a skillet to remove excess moisture and improve flavor before adding to the slow cooker.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
You can, but brown rice takes longer to cook and may remain chewy if cooked on the usual slow cooker timing. To avoid this, either pre-cook the brown rice or add it during the last 1-2 hours of cooking.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives, cooked lentils, or mushrooms. You may want to add extra seasoning or vegetable broth to boost the flavor.
