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This slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe gives you the warm, hearty taste of stuffed cabbage without the work of rolling. It’s simple to make, fills the house with a cozy aroma, and finishes with tender cabbage and savory tomato-beef sauce. If you like easy slow cooker meals, you might also enjoy this version on my site: Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls.

Why You’ll Want To Make This

• It saves time — no rolling leaves.
• It uses one pot (the slow cooker) so cleanup is easy.
• It’s family-friendly and filling.
• You can set it in the morning and come home to a hot dinner.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is just slightly pink. Drain the excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and the seasonings to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft.
3. Transfer the beef and onion mix to the slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage.
4. In a bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
5. Pour the tomato mixture over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker. Mix gently so the cabbage is coated.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are blended.

I sometimes follow a similar slow cooker method used in other beef recipes for easy prep: Easy Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes
• 6-ounce can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 cup water

Directions

Follow the step-by-step instructions above to prepare and cook this dish. After cooking, give it a gentle stir and taste; adjust salt if needed.

Simple Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Spoon it over mashed potatoes or egg noodles to soak up the sauce.
• Serve with a slice of crusty bread to mop up juices.
• Top with a spoonful of sour cream for a tangy finish.

How to Keep This Dish Fresh

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Helpful Tips for Better Results

• Chop the cabbage into bite-size pieces so it cooks evenly and fits on a spoon.
• If you like more sauce, add another 1/2 cup water or a splash of beef broth.
• Taste and adjust salt at the end — slow cooking can mute seasoning.
• For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or turkey.
• For more easy slow cooker ideas and tricks, check out this page: Easy Slow Cooker Meals for Busy Nights.

Simple Variations You Can Try

• Add a diced carrot and celery for extra veggies.
• Use ground pork or a mix of beef and pork for a richer flavor.
• Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of balsamic vinegar for a flavor twist.
• Make it spicy by increasing red pepper flakes or adding a chopped jalapeño.

Nutrition Snapshot (approximate per serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~22 g
• Fat: ~18 g
• Carbohydrates: ~18 g
• Fiber: ~4 g

(Values are estimates and will vary by exact ingredients and serving size.)

Family-Friendly Serving Ideas

• Plate with mashed potatoes for kids who like classic comfort food.
• Put a scoop over rice for an easy weeknight meal.
• Serve with a green salad and fruit on the side for a balanced plate.

Foods That Pair Well With This Dish

• Mashed potatoes, egg noodles, or steamed rice.
• A simple green salad or roasted root vegetables.
• Rye or sourdough bread to soak up the sauce.
• A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cabbage instead of chopping?
A: Yes. Pre-shredded cabbage saves time. Make sure it’s not packed so tightly in the slow cooker — it cooks down a lot.

Q: Do I need to brown the beef first?
A: Browning adds flavor and reduces excess fat, but you can skip it in a hurry. If you skip browning, drain any large pools of fat before serving.

Q: How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
A: Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the slow cooker 15–30 minutes before serving, then cook until it thickens. Or remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30 minutes.

Q: Can I make this on high heat for less time?
A: You can cook on high for about 3–4 hours, but check the cabbage for tenderness — slow and low gives the best texture.

Conclusion

If you want more versions and tips from other cooks, you can read a tried-and-true recipe at Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – The Country Cook. For a slightly different approach and helpful photos, see Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – Flour On My Face. Another easy slow cooker take is shared here: Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – The Lazy Slow Cooker.

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

This easy slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe offers the hearty flavors of stuffed cabbage without the hassle of rolling, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Course dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound ground beef Lean ground beef is recommended for a healthier option.
• 1 yellow onion diced Add more for additional flavor.
• 1 small head green cabbage Chop into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Sauce Ingredients

• 14 ounce can petite diced tomatoes Use canned for convenience.
• 6 ounce can tomato paste Adds thickness and richness.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce Optional for added depth of flavor.
• 1/2 cup water Adjust for desired sauce consistency.

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for some heat.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt Taste and adjust as needed.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until it is just slightly pink. Drain the excess fat.
• Add the diced onion and the seasonings to the skillet. Cook until the onion is soft.
• Transfer the beef and onion mix to the slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage.
• In a bowl, stir together the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water.
• Pour the tomato mixture over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker. Mix gently so the cabbage is coated.

Cooking

• Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are blended.
• After cooking, give it a gentle stir and taste; adjust salt if needed.

Notes

For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or turkey. You can also add diced carrot and celery for extra veggies, or stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a flavor twist.

Keyword Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe, Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls, Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls