When my grandmother made cabbage rolls, the whole kitchen smelled like comfort and Sunday afternoons. But let me tell you — rolling all those little bundles? Not so comforting on a weeknight! That’s why I’m head over heels for this slow cooker unstuffed cabbage roll version. It’s got all the cozy flavors — tender cabbage, savory beef, tomatoey richness — but none of the fussy rolling. Everything simmers low and slow, just the way Grandma would’ve wanted. And the best part? You can toss it all in the Crockpot and walk away.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the cozy cabbage roll flavors — no rolling required
- Perfect one-pot meal for chilly nights or meal prep
- Just 15 minutes of hands-on time
- Hearty, filling, and budget-friendly
- Freezer-friendly and great for leftovers
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to make low-carb
Recipe Snapshot
| Category | Cuisine | Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dinner | Eastern European-Inspired | 15 mins | 6 hrs (low) | 6 hrs 15 mins | 6 servings | Easy |
Ingredients
Each ingredient includes a little chef’s tip for confidence!
- Ground beef — for rich, savory protein (use lean or regular, both work)
- Onion — adds aromatic depth and natural sweetness
- Garlic — infuses the whole dish with warmth
- Green cabbage — the star! Tender and mellow when slow-cooked
- Cooked rice — classic cabbage roll filler, makes it hearty (use white or brown)
- Crushed tomatoes — creates that cozy, tangy tomato base
- Tomato sauce — adds richness and balances acidity
- Beef broth — enhances the meaty flavor and keeps everything moist
- Worcestershire sauce — for umami magic
- Paprika — adds warmth and subtle color
- Salt & pepper — always season to taste
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
Brown the beef and aromatics
Start by browning your ground beef in a skillet with chopped onion and garlic. You’re not just cooking the meat — you’re building flavor. Don’t skip this step!
Layer into your slow cooker
Add the chopped cabbage to the slow cooker first — it’ll shrink down beautifully. Then pile on the cooked rice, the browned beef mixture, and all your tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire, and spices.
Give it a gentle stir
No need to fully mix everything — just give it a little swirl to help distribute the flavors. The cabbage will cook down and mingle with all those saucy goodies.
Slow cook to perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and everything smells like home. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t over-stir during cooking — let the layers do their thing.
- Want it thicker? Let it cook uncovered for the last 20–30 minutes.
- Use pre-shredded cabbage to save prep time.
- Make it spicier with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Stir in a splash of vinegar or lemon juice at the end for brightness.
Flavor Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version
- Add diced bell peppers for extra sweetness
- Stir in fresh dill or parsley before serving
- Try smoked paprika for a deeper flavor twist
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread or buttery mashed potatoes
- Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese for a meltier finish
- Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies
- For drinks? A bold red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prep the meat and chop the cabbage a day ahead — just keep them chilled until you’re ready to cook.
Once cooked, let it cool completely and store in an airtight container.
Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Leftovers
Reheat for a comforting lunch or stuff into baked potatoes for a twist.
Turn it into a filling for wraps or tortillas with a sprinkle of cheese.
Or freeze for later (see below)!
Freezing
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully!
Let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, or microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring often.
For larger portions, pop it into a 350°F oven covered for 15–20 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make this without rice?
Yes! Just leave it out or swap in cauliflower rice or cooked lentils.
What kind of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is traditional, but savoy cabbage or Napa will work too.
Can I use uncooked rice?
Not recommended — it can get gummy. Stick to pre-cooked rice.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Use lentils or a plant-based ground instead of beef, and swap beef broth for veggie broth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so soul-soothing about cabbage rolls — and this slow cooker unstuffed cabbage roll version keeps all the cozy without the work. It’s humble, hearty, and made for chilly nights or lazy Sundays. I hope it warms your kitchen and your heart like it does mine.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef Lean ground beef is preferred for flavor without excess fat.
- 1 each yellow onion, diced Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped The star of the dish—brings crunch and nutrition.
- 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes Opt for fire-roasted versions for extra flavor.
- 6 ounce can tomato paste Thickens the sauce and deepens the taste.
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce For umami flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme Herbal note; use fresh if available.
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley Adds color and freshness.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Add heat to taste.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for flavor enhancement.
- 1/2 cup water Helps in cooking without thinning flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until there’s just a hint of pink left. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 5 minutes until onions soften.
- Transfer the beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the beef and cabbage mixture in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.