Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to enjoy the heartwarming comfort of a classic dish — with half the work? Say hello to Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, a cozy, homestyle meal that captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling! 🥬🍅

This recipe hails from generations of European kitchens — a symbol of thrift, family, and hearty meals shared around the table. By turning it into a slow cooker version, you’ll still get that tender cabbage, flavorful beef, and rich tomato sauce, but with the convenience of “set it and forget it.” Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends when you want something filling and full of love. ❤️

As your slow cooker simmers away, the ingredients melt into each other — the sweetness of cabbage, the savory beef, and the tangy tomato sauce — all blending into a comforting, soul-soothing dish. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s bring this beloved old-world favorite into your modern kitchen! 🍲

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Ingredients:

For the Main Dish:

• 1 ½ lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• ½ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
• A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt

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Step-by-Step Directions:

1. Brown the Beef:
   In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion and garlic until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker:
   Add chopped cabbage to the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with the cooked beef mixture.
3. Mix the Sauce:
   In a large bowl, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir in the uncooked rice.
4. Pour and Combine:
   Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the beef and cabbage. Gently stir everything to combine, but don’t overmix — you want even layers of flavor.
5. Cook Low and Slow:
   Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or High for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through. 🍅
6. Taste and Adjust:
   Stir before serving and adjust seasoning as needed — add a pinch of salt or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for more depth.
7. Serve and Garnish:
   Spoon generous servings into bowls, garnish with parsley, and add a dollop of sour cream for extra richness.

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Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 6–7 hours (on Low)
⏳ Total Time: About 7 hours
🍽️ Servings: 6 hearty bowls
⚡ Calories per serving: Approximately 420 kcal

Estimated Nutrition per Serving:

• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 840mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️