How do you cook unstuffed cabbage rolls in a slow cooker?

I like to start by browning the ground beef with garlic and onions, then layering it with chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and seasonings directly in the slow cooker. Stir it all together, cover, and let the slow cooker do its magic. The key is to give the flavors time to meld so the cabbage becomes tender and the rice absorbs all the sauce.

How long to cook cabbage rolls in a slow cooker?

For this unstuffed version, I cook it on low for 4–5 hours or high for 3–4 hours . I’ve found that this gives the cabbage just the right softness and lets the rice soak up the flavors without getting mushy.

How long do you cook cabbage rolls for?

Traditional rolled cabbage can take a bit longer if simmered on the stove or baked, but with the unstuffed crock pot method, everything cooks evenly in a single pot, saving both time and effort. The slow cooker ensures the beef stays juicy while the cabbage and rice finish cooking perfectly together.

How long to heat cooked cabbage rolls?

If you have leftovers, I usually reheat them in the slow cooker on low for about 30–45 minutes or on the stovetop in a covered skillet until warmed through. You can even add a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much overnight.

Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Description

Crock Pot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls combine tender chopped cabbage, savory ground beef, rice, and rich tomato sauce for a hearty, comforting meal. Easy to make in one slow cooker, this dish delivers all the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

1 small small head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)

2 ½ cups water

1 cup uncooked Minute rice (see notes below)

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 ½ teaspoons garlic salt

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon sugar

28 ounce can tomato sauce

14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes (with juice) (preferrably the garlic & olive oil flavored)

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Instructions

In a large skillet brown 1 pound ground beef with the 2 cloves garlic, minced and 1 small onion, diced. Drain any excess grease.

In the slow cooker add 1 small small head cabbage, chopped, 2 1/2 cups water, 1 cup uncooked Minute rice, 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon sugar, 28 ounce can tomato sauce and 14.5 ounce can petite diced tomatoes (with juice).

Add in the cooked ground beef mixture and stir it all until combined.

Cover and cook on low 4-5 hours or high 3-4 hours. Rice and cabbage should be tender.

If the mixture is too thick for your tastes, just add a little more water (or beef or chicken broth) until the desired consistancy is reached.

Top each serving with some shredded cheese (if desired) and serve.

Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 3–4 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Homemade