why make this recipe
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is a wonderful meal for busy days. It combines the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling them. Using a slow cooker makes it easy to prepare and allows the ingredients to blend together beautifully. This dish is also budget-friendly, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking to save money while enjoying a hearty meal.
how to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
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
Directions:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and seasonings to the skillet, cooking until the onions soften.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with the chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
how to serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Serve this dish warm right from the slow cooker. It pairs well with crusty bread or rice for a filling meal. You can also sprinkle some additional parsley on top for an added touch of flavor and color.
how to store Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before storing. Place the unstuffed cabbage rolls in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- If you prefer a bit of extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce or a spoonful of sugar to the sauce mix.
- Experiment with different ground meats, like turkey or sausage, for varied flavors.
- Make it vegetarian by using lentils or mushrooms instead of ground beef.
variation
To add a different spin, consider mixing in grated carrots or cooked rice into the slow cooker for more texture and nutrition.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can replace the ground beef with lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based meat substitute.
Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?
A: Add more red pepper flakes or some chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
Q: Is it possible to cook this dish faster?
A: You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time.
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and seasonings to the skillet, cooking until the onions soften.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the slow cooker along with the chopped cabbage.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water; stir well.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and mix gently.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.