Slow-Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole

Love classic cabbage rolls but don’t want to spend time stuffing and rolling every cabbage leaf? This Slow-Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Casserole gives you all those comforting flavors with a fraction of the work! 🥬🍅

Seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, onions, rice, and a rich tomato sauce slowly cook together until everything is hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting. It’s an easy dump-and-go style family dinner that tastes even better the next day.

🛒 Ingredients

• 1½ lbs lean ground beef
• 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 cups low-sodium beef broth
• ¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¾ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan
• A dollop of sour cream

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Brown the beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Add the diced onion and cook for another 2–3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

Browning the beef first gives the casserole a much richer flavor, although you can skip this step if you’re short on time.

2. Add the cabbage

Place about half of the chopped cabbage into the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.

Add the cooked beef and onion mixture, followed by the remaining cabbage.

3. Make the tomato mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, paprika, Italian seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.

Pour the sauce evenly over the cabbage and beef.

4. Add the rice

Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the mixture.

Gently stir everything together as much as possible without packing it down.

5. Slow cook

Cover and cook on:

LOW: 5–6 hours
HIGH: 2½–3½ hours

Check toward the end to make sure the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.

Avoid excessive stirring during cooking, as it can make the rice overly soft.

6. Rest and serve

Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for 10–15 minutes.

Stir gently, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.

💡 Pro Tips

• Chop the cabbage fairly small so it becomes tender and easy to eat.
• Don’t use too much rice: The rice absorbs plenty of liquid as it cooks.
• Prefer brown rice? Use cooked brown rice and stir it in during the final 30 minutes instead of adding uncooked brown rice.
• Want more tomato flavor? Add another tablespoon of tomato paste.
• For a cheesy version: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or cheddar over the top during the final 15 minutes.
• Add heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes gives the tomato sauce a delicious kick.
• Let it rest: This helps the sauce thicken and allows the flavors to settle.

🍽️ What to Serve With It

This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but you can pair it with:

• Crusty bread 🥖
• Garlic bread
• Green salad 🥗
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted vegetables
• Cucumber and tomato salad
• A spoonful of sour cream

❓ Quick Q&A

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.

Can I make this without rice?
Yes. Simply omit the rice and reduce the broth slightly. The cabbage and beef will still make a delicious casserole.

Can I use brown rice?
For best texture, use cooked brown rice and stir it into the casserole near the end of cooking.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes. Cool completely and portion into airtight freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

How long do leftovers keep?
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.

📊 Yield & Nutrition

Yield: 6 servings

Approx. per serving:

• Calories: 395
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 620mg

Nutrition is approximate and will vary depending on the beef, rice, broth, tomato products, and other ingredients used.

❤️ Final Bite

All the cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—without the rolling! 🥬🥩🍅 This slow-cooker casserole is hearty, saucy, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a comforting homemade meal with minimal fuss.