Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
All the cozy flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls—without all the rolling! This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole layers tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, tomatoes, and rice in a rich, savory sauce. Everything slowly cooks together until hearty, tender, and incredibly comforting. ❤️
đź›’ Ingredients
- 1½ lbs ground beef
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp brown sugar, optional
- 1 tbsp olive oil, if needed
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
👩‍🍳 Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion has softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Drain excess grease.
2. Prepare the Crockpot
Lightly grease your slow cooker. Add about half of the chopped cabbage to the bottom.
Spread the browned beef mixture over the cabbage.
3. Add the Rice & Tomatoes
Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the beef.
Add the remaining cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
4. Season Everything
Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Add paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and optional brown sugar.
Gently stir the mixture as much as possible without compacting it.
5. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on:
- LOW for 5–6 hours, or
- HIGH for 3–4 hours
Cook until the cabbage is tender, the rice is cooked through, and the beef is hot and flavorful.
Tip: Avoid repeatedly opening the lid because this can increase the cooking time.
6. Stir & Serve
Once finished, gently stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
đź’ˇ Pro Tips
- Don’t skip browning the beef. It adds much deeper flavor.
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
- For a richer tomato flavor, add an extra tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Prefer a little heat? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- For a lower-carb version, replace the rice with cauliflower rice and add it during the final part of cooking.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
âť“ Q&A
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey works well if you prefer a lighter version.
Can I use brown rice?
Yes, but brown rice generally requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. For the most reliable slow-cooker result, white long-grain rice is easier.
Can I make it without rice?
Absolutely. Simply omit the rice and reduce the broth slightly, or add extra cabbage and vegetables.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to about 2–3 months.
What goes well with cabbage roll casserole?
A simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread makes an excellent side.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
✔️ No cabbage rolling required
✔️ Easy crockpot dinner
✔️ Hearty and filling
✔️ Budget-friendly ingredients
✔️ Perfect for meal prep
✔️ Classic comfort-food flavor
