Introduction:
These Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls are the perfect hearty, comforting meal! Filled with savory beef and rice, wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, and simmered in a rich tomato sauce, these rolls cook effortlessly in your slow cooker. Set it and forget it for a meal that’s full of flavor and sure to satisfy the whole family!
⏱ Prep Time: 20 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low), 4 hours (high)
⏲ Total Time: 6–8 hours
🍽 Servings: 6–8
🔥 Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal (approx.)
🥬 Ingredients
For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef
- 🍚 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or your choice)
- 🧅 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🍳 1 egg
- 🍅 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 🍚 1/4 cup cooked rice (for filling)
- 🌿 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
- 🥬 1 head of cabbage (blanched leaves)
For the Sauce:
- 🍅 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🧄 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 🍯 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional for a touch of sweetness)
- 🌶️ 1/2 tsp black pepper
📝 Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage:
- Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves.
- Blanch the cabbage leaves by boiling them in water for 2–3 minutes until softened, then drain and set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, onion, garlic, salt, egg, and parsley. Mix well until fully combined.
- Assemble the Rolls:
- Lay a cabbage leaf flat on a clean surface.
- Place a generous spoonful of the beef and rice mixture in the center of the leaf.
- Fold in the sides and roll up tightly, securing the filling inside the cabbage leaf. Repeat with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the tomato sauce, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and brown sugar (if using).
- Layer in the Slow Cooker:
- Place a small amount of the sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls in the slow cooker, stacking them carefully. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, covering them completely.
- Cook the Cabbage Rolls:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are fully melded.
- Serve:
- Serve the cabbage rolls with some of the sauce spooned over the top. Enjoy with a side of mashed potatoes or crusty bread!
🤩 Why You’ll Love These Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls:
- Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can set it and forget it while it cooks to perfection.
- Tender & Flavorful: The cabbage gets wonderfully soft, and the filling becomes juicy and full of flavor.
- Comfort Food: A classic dish that’s warm, hearty, and satisfying—perfect for a cozy family meal.
- Freezer-Friendly: These cabbage rolls freeze well, so you can make a big batch and store them for later.
💡 Tips:
- Freezing Cabbage Rolls: To freeze, wrap individual rolls in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave or slow cooker.
- Substitute Meat: Feel free to use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for lentils or quinoa for a vegetarian take on this recipe.
- Extra Flavor: Add a bay leaf to the sauce for an additional layer of flavor while it cooks.
Enjoy your Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls—a comforting, melt-in-your-mouth meal that’s simple to make and full of flavor!