Oh, how I love the cozy, comforting vibe that comes with the smell of warm, savory dishes bubbling away in my kitchen! One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother making traditional cabbage rolls on chilly Sunday afternoons. The delightful aroma would fill the house, and it felt like a big, warm hug. However, when life gets busy, I find that time-consuming recipes sometimes fall by the wayside. That’s where my Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe comes in! It captures all those nostalgic flavors I adore without requiring hours of prep or complicated steps. Trust me, this dish is as simple as it is satisfying, and I’m excited to share it with you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy weeknight dinner: Just toss ingredients in your slow cooker and relax.
• Budget-friendly: Utilizes affordable ingredients without sacrificing that home-cooked flavor.
• Comforting flavors: Savory meat, tangy tomato, and wholesome cabbage meld together beautifully.
• Family favorite: Kids enjoy the flavors and textures, and it’s a sneaky way to get veggies in them!
• Customizable: Adjust the spices or add in extra veggies for a personalized twist.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll need:

• 1 large head of green cabbage, chopped
• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)
• 1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown works well)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (fresh adds so much flavor!)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley (or a handful of fresh if you have it on hand)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded cheese for topping

Let’s dive into this flavorful dish!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the cabbage: Start by chopping your cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about perfection here; rustic is better! You want around 6-8 cups.
2. Brown the meat: In a skillet, on medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease. This step helps lock in flavor!
3. Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet (with the meat still in there), toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Combine in the slow cooker: Now it’s time to layer everything into your slow cooker! Add the chopped cabbage, browned meat, sautéed onion and garlic, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
5. Add liquid: To ensure the rice cooks perfectly, you’ll want to add about 2 cups of water or broth to the mixture. This will help everything cook evenly.
6. Cook it slow: Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, high for 3-4 hours works too!
7. Finishing touch: Optional, but if you want to add shredded cheese, sprinkle it on top in the last 15 minutes of cooking. Let it melt beautifully!

Pro Tips & Variations

This recipe is super adaptable!

• Spice it up: Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika if you like a little kick.
• Mix in veggies: Zucchini, bell peppers, or even carrots can be great additions for extra flavor and nutrition. Just chop them finely and toss them in with the other ingredients.
• Cheese lovers: Try mixing in some ricotta cheese for creaminess, or top with mozzarella or cheddar for that melty goodness!
• Dairy-free: Skip the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative; this dish is still just as comforting!

Experimenting is half the fun, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how I like to serve my unstuffed cabbage rolls: scooped out into cozy bowls, topped with fresh parsley, and perhaps a sprinkle of extra cheese (because why not?). A side of crusty bread or a warm, buttery roll pairs perfectly with this dish, as does a simple green salad to balance out the richness. And don’t forget a comforting cup of coffee or tea to sip on while enjoying your creation!

Storage Tips

The best part about this dish is that it keeps beautifully! Here’s how to store leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Let the unstuffed cabbage cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-4 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, ladle the unstuffed cabbage into freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave a little headspace for expansion. It should keep well for about 2-3 months.
• Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of water or broth if it’s looking a bit dry.

Are cabbage rolls healthy?

Absolutely! Cabbage rolls, even in their unstuffed form, are packed with nutrients. Cabbage is low in calories and high in fiber, while the ground meat adds protein. Plus, you can sneak in extra veggies to boost the health factor even further!

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute if you’re going plant-based! Each type of meat brings a different flavor, so choose what you love best.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

No worries! You can also make this dish in a large pot on the stove. Just simmer everything together for about 45 minutes to an hour, making sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Definitely! This unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is great for meal prepping. You can assemble it the night before, store it in the fridge, and pop it in the slow cooker in the morning. Or, you can cook and store the leftovers to enjoy later in the week!

Conclusion

So there you have it! My heartwarming, easy-to-make Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe that transforms busy nights into cozy dinners filled with flavor and joy. I’d love to hear how your unstuffed cabbage rolls turned out! Feel free to comment below with your own twists or variations. Cooking is about sharing love with food, and I can’t wait to hear about your experiences in the kitchen!

Savor Easy Delicious Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Try this Easy slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe for a mouthwatering meal Simple steps delicious flavors make it a family favorite

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 large head of green cabbage, chopped

1 pound ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)

1 cup uncooked rice (white or brown)

1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can (15 ounces) of tomato sauce

1 large onion, chopped

3 cloves fresh garlic, minced

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon dried parsley (or a handful of fresh)

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: shredded cheese for topping

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Instructions

Prep the cabbage: Start by chopping your cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry about perfection here; rustic is better! You want around 6-8 cups.

Brown the meat: In a skillet, on medium heat, brown the ground beef (or turkey) until fully cooked. Drain any excess grease.

Sauté the onion and garlic: In the same skillet, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.

Combine in the slow cooker: Add the chopped cabbage, browned meat, sautéed onion and garlic, uncooked rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.

Add liquid: Add about 2 cups of water or broth to the mixture.

Cook it slow: Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Finishing touch: Optional, add shredded cheese on top in the last 15 minutes of cooking.

Notes

A comforting, easy-to-make unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe made in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights. This dish captures nostalgic flavors without the hassle!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 servings
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 20g

Keywords: slow cooker, unstuffed cabbage rolls, easy recipes, comfort food, weeknight dinner