Name: Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 1 yellow onion, diced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 teaspoons dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 small head green cabbage, chopped; 14-ounce can petite diced tomatoes; 6-ounce can tomato paste; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup water

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving all the irresistible flavors of classic cabbage rolls but could do without the fuss of rolling and tucking each one, let me introduce you to Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. This recipe brings together tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato sauce in the coziest way possible—just layer, stir, and let your slow cooker perform its magic. It checks all the boxes for comfort food but is weeknight-easy, making it perfect for sharing with family, meal prepping, or even serving at a casual dinner party!

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, especially when each one plays such a critical role in the dazzling flavors and colors of this dish. Every component serves a delicious purpose—from the heartiness of the beef to that bright pop of tomato and the subtle heat of spices, you’ll be amazed at how such a simple line-up becomes something really special.

Ground beef (1 pound): Provides the meaty, savory foundation and richness that makes cabbage rolls so hearty and satisfying.
Yellow onion, diced: Adds mellow sweetness and builds flavor from the very start—don’t skip the sauté!
Green cabbage, chopped (1 small head): The star ingredient; its gentle flavor and texture become delightfully tender after hours in the slow cooker.
Petite diced tomatoes, 14-ounce can: These give vibrant acidity and little tomato bursts throughout the dish.
Tomato paste, 6-ounce can: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce for perfect texture.
Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons: Adds umami depth and a subtle tang for that extra layer of crave-worthiness.
Dried thyme, 1 teaspoon: Brings gentle herbal notes that complement the meat and cabbage beautifully.
Dried parsley, 2 teaspoons: Offers a fresh, almost grassy brightness, balancing the richer elements.
Red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon: A little spark of heat—feel free to increase or omit, based on your preference.
Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances every other flavor and ensures your dish isn’t bland.
Water, 1/2 cup: Keeps everything juicy and helps blend the sauce as it slowly simmers.

How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until it’s mostly cooked, with just a hint of pink remaining. This step is key for developing flavor and ensuring your beef has that classic savory note. Plus, draining any excess fat here means your finished dish won’t turn out greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Seasonings

Add your diced onion straight into the skillet with the beef, along with the dried thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt. Sauté until the onion softens and turns translucent. The heat wakes up the spices and lets the onion mellow, setting the stage for deep, well-rounded flavor in your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls.

Step 3: Layer Meat and Cabbage in the Slow Cooker

Next, transfer your beef and onion mixture directly into the slow cooker. Add all that wonderful chopped cabbage right on top. It might seem like a lot, but trust me—it will cook down beautifully and soak up all the flavors.

Step 4: Mix the Tomato Sauce

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the petite diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water. Stir until the tomato paste is completely dissolved and you have a smooth, tangy sauce ready to pour over everything in the slow cooker.

Step 5: Combine and Cook

Pour your sauce over the meat and cabbage in the slow cooker and gently toss everything together for a little head start on mingling the flavors. Cover with the lid, set your slow cooker to low, and let it work for 6 to 8 hours. When you lift the lid, you’ll find bubbling, tender cabbage in a rich, savory sauce—just like traditional cabbage rolls but so much easier!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

Garnishes

When it comes time to serve, I love showering each bowl of Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a handful of chopped scallions. A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of Greek yogurt adds a luscious, creamy touch that balances the tangy tomato sauce beautifully. If you’re a cheese lover, a dusting of grated Parmesan won’t disappoint either.

Side Dishes

This warm, hearty main dish pairs wonderfully with simple sidekicks. Think: a loaf of crusty bread, buttery mashed potatoes, or fluffy rice to soak up all that savory tomato sauce. A crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette also does wonders to cut through the richness and brighten up your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a show-stopping dinner, consider spooning your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls into bread bowls or serving atop a bed of cauliflower rice for a lower-carb twist. Or, ladle into deep bowls and top with a swirl of herbed sour cream and a sprinkling of toasted pine nuts—your family will swear you’ve made a special occasion meal, even if it’s just another cozy weeknight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls keep brilliantly! After letting the dish cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better with time, making leftovers a treat for lunch the next day.

Freezing

This is a dream meal for stocking your freezer. Portion your cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers (single servings work great for meal prep) and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re in need of a fuss-free dinner, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place your portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each, until piping hot. If you prefer, warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water as needed to loosen the sauce. Either way, the texture and flavor hold up beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative and works just as well in Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls. You may want to add a splash more Worcestershire sauce to boost the savory flavor if you go this route.

Do I need to pre-cook the cabbage?

No need at all! The slow cooker does all the work, softening the cabbage to perfection as the dish cooks. Just chop and add it in raw—so simple!

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten free as written, making it ideal for anyone avoiding gluten. Just double-check that your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten free if needed.

What can I add for extra flavor?

If you want to switch things up, try tossing in minced garlic with the onions, a splash of balsamic vinegar for depth, or a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness in your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls.

Can I make this on the stovetop?

You sure can! Follow the sautéing directions in a large Dutch oven or soup pot, then add the rest of the ingredients, cover, and simmer gently for 45-60 minutes until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a low-effort, soul-warming meal everyone will love, give these Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls a spot in your dinner routine. With big flavor, easy prep, and plenty of comfort, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to return to, week after week. Happy slow cooking!