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Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
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Classic cabbage rolls made in the slow cooker. Leaves stuffed with ground beef and rice and slow-cooked in seasoned tomato sauce. Soon to become one of your go-to recipes.
serves/makes:
ready in:
over 5 hrs
over 5 hrs
5 reviews
ingredients
1 large head cabbage
1 pound ground beef
1/3 cup uncooked regular (not instant) rice
1 medium onion, grated
1 egg, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper flakes
2 teaspoons sugar
1 can (8 ounce size) tomato sauce
1 can (15 ounce size) diced tomatoes, undrained
directions
Pull off the larger outer leaves of the head of cabbage until you have about 12-15 of them. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the cabbage leaves. Cook until they are limp. Drain them and set aside until they are cool enough to handle.
Combine the ground beef, rice, onion, egg, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
Lay one cabbage leaf out on a work surface. Place a small amount of the beef mixture in the middle and carefully fold in the sides and then roll up from the bottom to form the cabbage roll. Place in the slow cooker and repeat with remaining cabbage leaves.
Combine the hot pepper flakes, sugar, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes until well mixed. Pour over the cabbage rolls.
Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 hours or until cooked. Serve the stuffed cabbage rolls with the sauce from the crock pot.
crock pot notes
Crock pots/slow cookers all heat differently. There is no standard among manufacturers. Cooking times are suggested guidelines based on our testing. Please adjust cooking times and temps to work with your brand and model of slow cooker.recipe tips
Select a cabbage with large, flexible leaves for easier rolling.
Make sure to drain the cabbage leaves well after boiling to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
To prevent sticking, place a layer of cabbage leaves at the bottom of the slow cooker before adding the rolls.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for protein.
Try different types of tomato products for a different flavor, like fire-roasted diced tomatoes or seasoned tomato puree.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the tomato sauce for a hint of warmth.
common recipe questions
What type of cabbage is best for cabbage rolls?
Savoy cabbage or green cabbage works best for cabbage rolls as they have large leaves that are easy to separate.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Ground turkey (or chicken) can be used as a leaner alternative to ground beef for a healthier option.
Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked rice?
Using cooked rice may result in a mushier texture, so it's best to stick with uncooked regular rice for the filling.
Do I have to boil the cabbage before stuffing?
Boiling the cabbage leaves helps to soften them for easier rolling and cooking. It also helps to remove any bitterness from the cabbage.
Can I add other seasonings to the filling?
Adjust the seasoning by adding herbs like parsley, dill, or paprika.
How do I prevent the cabbage rolls from falling apart?
Make sure to roll the cabbage leaves tightly to secure the filling inside. Placing them seam side down in the slow cooker will also help keep them intact.
What size slow cooker should I use?
A 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe, allowing enough space for the cabbage rolls to cook evenly. If you adjust the serving sizes, adjust the size of the crock pot you use accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cabbage rolls ahead of time and refrigerate them in the slow cooker insert until ready to cook.
How do I reheat leftover cabbage rolls?
Reheat the cabbage rolls in the microwave or on the stove with a bit of extra sauce to prevent them from drying out.
Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
Yes, you can freeze cooked cabbage rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Can I make these spicy?
You can use hot Italian sausage (may be greasier), add more crushed red pepper flakes, add hot sauce to the tomato sauce, or use a can of diced tomatoes with hot chiles in place of regular diced tomatoes.
nutrition data
484 calories, 26 grams fat, 37 grams carbohydrates, 28 grams protein per serving.
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reviews & comments
January 20, 2021
Great recipe. I doubled the amount of rice. I have a question, though. The sauce is a bit too thin and runny. I'd like to add tomato paste to make it just a bit thicker. Not as thick as spaghetti sauce but almost like that kind of thickness. How many small cans of tomato paste should I use?
January 14, 2014
Delicious
July 5, 2013
I leave the sugar out but otherwise follow this reicpe to a T. The cabbage comes out very tender from the crock pot.
November 22, 2011
Made this tonite, it says 4 servings but doesnt tell you that it is 4 rolls a serving. tough part was getting the cabbage away from the head, be patient go for the really pale leaves several layers in. You can do anything with the filling, I added a couple of shredded carrots for the sweetness, way to much red pepper flakes. Wanted more sauce. So am adding another can of tomato sauce to reheat them. Definitly double the amount of rice. Overall YUM YUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 6, 2009
Tastes just like my grandmother used to make. The only thing I did different was doubled the amount of rice. DEEEEEELISH!!!