I’ve always loved the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but I’ve never been a fan of the labor-intensive process of rolling each individual portion. That’s why I created this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe. It delivers all the classic taste of stuffed cabbage without the extra work, allowing me to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. From the first time I tried it, I knew this recipe would become a staple in my kitchen.
You’ll love this recipe because it combines tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and chicken ham in a rich tomato sauce that simmers to perfection in the slow cooker. Every bite is bursting with flavor, and the simplicity of preparing it makes it perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends. The ingredients meld together beautifully, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the seasoning to match your family’s preferences or add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for a nutrient boost. It’s perfect served on its own, paired with mashed potatoes, rice, or even a warm slice of crusty bread. You can also double the recipe to feed a larger group, making it ideal for meal prep or gatherings.
Despite tasting like a gourmet meal, this dish is very affordable. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples or easy-to-find items at any grocery store. Cabbage, rice, and ground beef are budget-friendly, while chicken ham and simple spices round out the flavor without breaking the bank. This makes it a practical option for families who want delicious, home-cooked meals on a budget.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
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1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
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1 pound ground beef
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1 cup chicken ham, diced
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1 cup uncooked rice
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
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1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup beef or vegetable broth
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2 tablespoons olive oil
This combination of ingredients promises a warm, comforting meal that is simple to make, budget-friendly, and perfect for any occasion.
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Preparing this recipe is straightforward, and the slow cooker does most of the work, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This method is both quick and easy, making it perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Prepare the ingredients: Begin by chopping the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Dice the chicken ham and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic and set everything aside. Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear, then drain.
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Cook the beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once cooked, remove excess fat if necessary.
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Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. This step enhances the flavor before combining it with the other ingredients in the slow cooker.
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Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the cooked beef, sautéed onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage, diced chicken ham, uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, and dried thyme. Pour in the beef or vegetable broth.
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Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
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Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. The cabbage should become tender, and the rice fully cooked.
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Adjust seasoning: About 30 minutes before serving, taste the mixture and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed. You can also add a touch of sugar if the tomato sauce tastes too acidic.
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Serve: Once the slow cooker is finished, stir gently, then scoop portions onto plates or into bowls. This dish pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
This recipe is customizable as well. You can swap vegetables, add extra herbs, or increase the rice for a heartier texture. Many people love it for its simplicity, ease, and the fact that it yields a flavorful, comforting meal that satisfies a variety of tastes. Families, friends, and even picky eaters often enjoy it, making it a popular choice for weekday dinners or casual gatherings.
By letting the slow cooker do most of the work, you save time while achieving a rich, layered flavor that rivals traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. The balance of savory beef, tender cabbage, and subtly sweet tomato sauce creates a comforting meal that is both hearty and satisfying.
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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: A Hearty and Flavorful Dinner Delight
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls deliver all the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls without the extra work of rolling each portion. With tender cabbage, savory ground beef, chicken ham, and a rich tomato sauce, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup chicken ham, diced
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, dice the chicken ham, and finely chop the onion. Mince the garlic and rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Drain thoroughly.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
- Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic into the slow cooker. Add chopped cabbage, diced chicken ham, uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, and dried thyme. Pour in the broth.
- Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. Cabbage should be tender, and rice fully cooked.
- Taste and adjust seasoning 30 minutes before serving, adding more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a side salad.
Notes
For a richer flavor, you can sauté the cabbage briefly before adding it to the slow cooker.
Add extra vegetables like carrots or bell peppers to increase nutrition and texture.
Adjust rice quantity to make the dish heartier or lighter.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 7 hours
FAQs – Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish can be prepared a day in advance. Simply assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, add a little extra broth if needed and cook as directed.
2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely. Allow the cooked cabbage rolls to cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but note that brown rice requires a longer cooking time. You may need to adjust the slow cooker time accordingly or pre-cook the brown rice slightly before adding it to the mixture.
4. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. Use a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the beef and aromatics first, then add all other ingredients. Simmer on low heat for about 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage and rice are tender.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add heat, include red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a small diced chili when combining the ingredients. Adjust the spice level to taste.
6. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, lean ground turkey or chicken works well. The texture may be slightly different, but the overall flavor remains delicious.