Description
These slow cooker cabbage rolls are stuffed with a savory mix of ground beef, rice, and spices, then simmered in a tangy tomato sauce until tender. A comforting, budget-friendly meal made easy with the slow cooker.
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
1 large head of green cabbage
1 lb ground beef
½ cup uncooked white rice
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
For the Sauce:
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp vinegar (white or apple cider)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
½ tsp dried thyme (optional)
Instructions
Prep Cabbage: Core the cabbage and place the whole head in boiling water for 3–5 minutes to soften the leaves. Carefully peel away 10–12 leaves. Trim thick stems for easier rolling.
Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Roll: Place 2–3 tbsp of filling in each cabbage leaf. Roll up, tucking in sides, and secure seam-side down.
Make Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix all sauce ingredients.
Assemble: Spoon a little sauce into the bottom of the greased slow cooker. Layer rolls, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.
Serve hot with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Ground turkey can be used as a leaner substitute.
Use pre-cooked rice to shorten cooking time slightly.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for spice.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Eastern European / American
Keywords: cabbage rolls, slow cooker cabbage rolls, stuffed cabbage, crock pot dinner, ground beef recipes