I’ve always been a huge fan of traditional cabbage rolls, but let’s be honest—they’re a bit time-consuming and fiddly to assemble. That’s why I’m excited to share this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe with you—it captures all those comforting flavors without the hassle of rolling each bundle. You just dump everything into the slow cooker, let it work its magic, and come back to an aromatic, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a huge crowd-pleaser and reheats beautifully for lunches or dinners later in the week. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the upcoming busy days, this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe is definitely worth making your go-to.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe come together so well—each one contributes to that classic cabbage roll taste and a depth of savory flavor. When shopping, look for fresh cabbage and quality ground beef for the best results.

Ground beef: I recommend using 80/20 beef for flavor and juiciness without too much fat.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth; dicing it finely helps it blend seamlessly.
Green cabbage: A small head chopped gives the perfect texture—not too mushy when slow cooked.
Petite diced tomatoes: These stir in nicely and add a fresh tomato tang.
Tomato paste: Gives that rich, concentrated tomato flavor classic in stuffed cabbage dishes.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds subtle umami depth that takes the sauce from ordinary to outstanding.
Dried thyme: A touch of earthiness that rounds out the tomato and beef flavors.
Dried parsley: Brightens the dish with gentle herbal notes.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds a hint of heat, but feel free to adjust to your liking.
Kosher salt: Essential for bringing all those flavors together.
Water: Helps everything soften and mix without drying out.

Variations

I love that you can play around with this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. I often tweak the spices or swap out ingredients to keep things interesting, and you should definitely feel encouraged to make it your own!

Ground turkey or chicken: I switch to turkey sometimes for a leaner option; it keeps the dish light but just as tasty.
Spicy kick: Adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce ups the heat, perfect if you like it bold.
Vegetarian: Use lentils or mushrooms instead of meat and vegetable broth and you’ve got a hearty meatless version.
Extra veggies: Toss in some shredded carrots or bell peppers for added texture and sweetness.
Herb swap: Fresh basil or oregano work wonderfully if you want a slightly different herbal note.

How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning your ground beef along with the diced onion. This step is key because it develops deep flavors and helps the onions soften right from the start. Make sure to break up the beef as it cooks for even browning, and drain any excess fat so your dish isn’t greasy.

Step 2: Prepare the Slow Cooker Mix

Next, transfer your browned beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Then add the chopped cabbage, petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and water. Stir everything well to combine—this helps distribute the flavors evenly throughout the dish.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for about 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. You want the cabbage very tender but not mushy, and the flavors to meld beautifully. I usually set it on low in the morning before work and come home to a ready meal that fills the house with an irresistible aroma.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds cool creaminess that balances the tomato’s acidity perfectly. Some people enjoy a little shredded sharp cheddar, too, for an extra cheesy touch. It’s all about what makes you smile at the table.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often keep it simple with a warm crusty bread or buttered noodles. Mashed potatoes or even a light green salad work well for a balanced meal, too. This dish is so filling that you don’t need much else to round it out.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I like to serve this dish in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of cheese and broiled until bubbly. It adds a personal touch and makes the meal feel extra cozy and inviting—perfect for a casual dinner party or family gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool leftovers to room temperature before storing them in airtight containers in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, which makes this recipe fantastic for meal prep. Just remember to eat within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe freezes beautifully! I portion the cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space for expansion. It freezes well for up to 3 months, making it great to have on hand for busy days when cooking feels like a chore.

Reheating

When reheating, I like to thaw overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water helps keep the cabbage moist so it doesn’t dry out. This way, it tastes almost as good as the day you made it!

FAQs

Can I make this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for cooked lentils, textured vegetable protein, or finely chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavor. This swap keeps the hearty texture and rich flavor without the meat.
Is it possible to use frozen cabbage?

While fresh cabbage is best, you can use frozen chopped cabbage in a pinch. Just be aware it tends to release more water, so you might want to reduce the added water slightly to prevent a watery dish. Cooking time remains about the same.
Can I cook this on high in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook this dish on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. Just check the cabbage for tenderness to make sure it doesn’t overcook and become mushy. Setting it on low for a longer time generally gives a better texture.
How do I prevent the dish from being too watery?

Make sure not to add more water than the recipe calls for because cabbage will release natural moisture as it cooks. Browning the meat and draining excess fat helps keep flavors concentrated, too. If the sauce is too thin at the end, you can thicken it by stirring in a little tomato paste or a cornstarch slurry.
Can I add rice like traditional stuffed cabbage rolls?

You can, but I recommend cooking the rice separately and mixing it in near the end of cooking to prevent it from getting too mushy. Alternatively, serve the unstuffed cabbage rolls over a bed of cooked rice to maintain the right texture and enjoy the flavors together.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe has earned a permanent spot in my meal rotation because it’s so simple yet full of comforting, homey flavors. I love how effortless it is to throw everything together and come back hours later to a delicious, wholesome dinner waiting for me. I’m confident you’ll enjoy making it just as much as eating it—give it a try and let it become your new slow cooker favorite!

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

★★★★★ 5 from 99 reviews

Author: Touba
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a comforting, hearty dish that captures all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of filling and rolling. Ground beef, tender cabbage, and savory tomato sauce slow cook together with a blend of herbs and spices, creating a delicious and easy one-pot meal perfect for weeknights or busy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup water

Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Dice the yellow onion and chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks for an even texture. Drain any excess fat to reduce grease.
Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, chopped cabbage, petite diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and water. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The cabbage should become tender and all flavors meld beautifully.
Final Touches and Serve: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired. Serve warm as a comforting main dish.

Notes

For a lower-fat version, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or lean ground beef.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
This recipe freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.
For gluten-free preparation, ensure Worcestershire sauce used is gluten-free.

Keywords: slow cooker, unstuffed cabbage rolls, ground beef, cabbage, easy dinner, comfort food, one-pot meal

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Variations