Craving all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but don’t want the fuss of rolling and stuffing? These Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls give you everything you love—savory ground beef, tender cabbage, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic herbs—without the extra work. It’s a hearty, family-friendly meal that practically cooks itself.
This dish transforms the beloved Eastern European classic into a dump-and-go, one-pot slow cooker recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold weather dinners, or budget-conscious meal planning. The result is a thick, stew-like bowl of nostalgia—no rolling, no baking, just flavor-packed comfort.
Ingredients Overview: What You’ll Need and Why
This dish keeps it simple with pantry staples and fresh veggies. Here’s how each ingredient contributes to the overall taste and texture:
Ground Beef
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Lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) adds hearty flavor and protein.
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You can also use ground turkey, chicken, or pork for variations.
Green Cabbage
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Adds texture and volume while soaking up all the flavors from the meat and sauce.
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As it cooks, cabbage becomes soft, slightly sweet, and tender—perfect for stews.
Onion and Garlic
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Onion builds aromatic depth, while garlic adds a subtle sharpness that rounds out the flavor.
Diced Tomatoes + Tomato Sauce
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A combination of canned diced tomatoes and tomato sauce gives the dish body, acidity, and sweetness.
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Tomato paste can be added for an extra concentrated tomato flavor.
Uncooked Rice
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Long grain white rice cooks right in the slow cooker, absorbing the sauce and thickening the dish.
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Brown rice can be used, but it requires a longer cook time or pre-cooking.
Beef Broth
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Adds savory depth and helps cook the rice and cabbage evenly.
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Can be swapped for chicken broth or vegetable broth.
Seasonings
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Paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, pepper, and a hint of brown sugar (optional) create the signature Eastern European flavor.
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A pinch of crushed red pepper adds gentle heat, if desired.
Step-by-Step Instructions: From Prep to Crockpot Perfection
This is a true dump-and-go meal, but here’s the best way to layer and cook it for maximum flavor and texture:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef (Recommended)
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In a skillet over medium heat, cook 1 lb ground beef with 1 diced onion and 3 cloves garlic, minced until browned.
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Drain excess fat.
Note: You can skip this step for convenience, but browning improves flavor and texture.
Step 2: Prep the Cabbage
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Chop 1 small to medium head of green cabbage into bite-sized pieces (about 6–7 cups).
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Discard tough outer leaves and core.
Step 3: Load the Slow Cooker
Into a 6-quart slow cooker, add:
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Cooked beef/onion/garlic mixture
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Chopped cabbage
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1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
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1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
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2 cups beef broth
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1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp thyme
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½ tsp oregano
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Optional: 1 tbsp brown sugar for subtle sweetness
Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
Step 4: Slow Cook
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Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3½–4 hours, until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.
Avoid opening the lid during cooking, especially in the first few hours—it slows the process.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
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Stir well. If too thick, add a splash of broth.
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Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or sweetness as needed.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully forgiving. Here are ways to tweak it to your tastes or dietary needs:
Make It Creamy
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Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese at the end for a creamy, tangy twist.
Vegetarian Version
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Omit the meat and add 1½ cups cooked lentils or chickpeas.
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Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth.
Lower-Carb Option
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Omit rice and reduce broth to 1½ cups. Add cauliflower rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Spice It Up
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Add 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
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Stir in smoked paprika for a smoky profile.
Freezer-Friendly
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This dish freezes and reheats well. Cool completely and store in airtight containers up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
This stew-like dish is satisfying on its own, but a few simple sides can round it out.
Serve With:
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Crusty bread or cornbread for scooping
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A crisp green salad with vinegar-based dressing
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A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top
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Shredded cheddar or Parmesan for added richness
When to Serve:
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Busy weeknights when you need a hands-off meal
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Cold winter nights for hearty comfort
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Meal prep Sundays—makes 6+ servings and reheats well
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Family gatherings—a budget-friendly crowd-pleaser
Nutritional & Health Notes
Unstuffed cabbage rolls are a balanced and wholesome one-pot meal:
High in Fiber & Vitamins
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Cabbage provides vitamin K, vitamin C, and gut-friendly fiber.
Protein-Packed
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Ground meat + rice makes this a complete protein source.
Gluten-Free
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Naturally gluten-free when made with plain rice and gluten-free broth.
Lower in Fat (Optional)
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Use lean ground turkey and skip sour cream or cheese to reduce fat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I have to brown the meat first?
It’s optional but recommended. Browning adds flavor and prevents excess grease in the slow cooker. If you skip this step, choose extra lean beef.
2. Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but it requires a longer cook time. Use parboiled brown rice, or cook it separately and stir in before serving to avoid undercooked grains.
3. Can I cook this on the stovetop?
Absolutely. Simmer covered on medium-low heat for about 45–50 minutes, stirring occasionally until rice and cabbage are tender.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. This dish reheats wonderfully and tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze in portions.
5. Why is there sugar in the recipe?
A small amount of brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and mimics the slight sweetness found in traditional cabbage rolls. You can omit it if you prefer.
6. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is 7 quarts or larger. You may need to increase cook time slightly and stir once halfway through.
7. Can I add cheese?
Yes! Stir in Parmesan for saltiness or sprinkle mozzarella on top during the last 15 minutes and cover until melted.
