Crockpot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – All the Flavor Without the Fuss
If you love classic cabbage rolls but don’t love all the rolling, stuffing, and baking, this Crockpot Unstuffed Cabbage Roll recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort meal. It has everything you crave—tender cabbage, savory ground beef or turkey, perfectly cooked rice, and rich tomato sauce—without any of the extra work.
As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for hearty dinners that practically cook themselves. This one checks every box: minimal prep, simple ingredients, and big, cozy flavor. Just layer everything into the slow cooker and let it do the heavy lifting.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something nostalgic about cabbage rolls. They’re warm, filling, and perfect for feeding a hungry family. But traditional versions can take hours to assemble. This unstuffed version gives you all that classic flavor in a simple layered casserole.
Here’s why this recipe stays on repeat in my kitchen:
- No tedious rolling
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Feeds a crowd
- Perfect for meal prep
- Even better the next day
It’s similar in comfort-food vibes to my go-to This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit—hearty, satisfying, and family-approved.
Ingredients
- 1 large head cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Ingredient Swaps and Notes
- Ground meat: Beef gives it classic flavor, but turkey or ground chicken keeps it lighter.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best. Brown rice can be used but may need extra cooking time and a splash of broth.
- Extra flavor: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for depth.
- Low-carb option: Swap rice for cauliflower rice (add during the last 1–2 hours).
- Cheese topping: Mozzarella or a cheddar blend melts beautifully on top.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until fully browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes until soft and fragrant.
3. Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine cooked meat, onion mixture, uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
4. Layer in the Crockpot
Add half of the chopped cabbage to the bottom of the crockpot. Spoon half of the meat mixture over it. Repeat with remaining cabbage and meat mixture.
5. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until cabbage is tender and rice is fully cooked.
6. Add Cheese (Optional)
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top during the last 30 minutes and allow it to melt.
Tips for Success
- Make sure the rice is evenly distributed so it cooks uniformly.
- If the mixture looks dry halfway through, add a splash of tomato sauce or broth.
- Don’t skip browning the meat—it adds depth and prevents greasy texture.
- Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly.
If you love slow cooker comfort food, you’ll also enjoy This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers. It’s another effortless recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal work.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some ways to round out the meal:
- A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Crusty garlic bread
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- A glass of red wine
For entertaining, start with This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests before serving this as the main course.
And if you’re craving more Italian-inspired comfort meals, don’t miss This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 380–420
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 8g
Nutrition will vary depending on meat choice and cheese usage.
Storage and Leftover Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave individual servings or warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
This recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy cozy, family-style meals like this one, here are a few more reader favorites:
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is the Reason I Never Have Leftovers
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Unstuffed Cabbage Roll recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a little prep and a handful of pantry staples, you get a hearty, satisfying dinner that feels like it took all day—because technically, it did… just without you standing over the stove.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment, share your tweaks, and don’t forget to follow along for more simple, flavor-packed comfort food recipes.
Happy cooking!
— Jason Griffith | ChefManiac.com
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