If you love classic cabbage rolls but don’t love the time it takes to prepare them, this Easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. With all the familiar, comforting flavors—savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato base—this hands-off slow cooker meal is perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners alike.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
This recipe brings everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls into one simple, no-fuss dish. Instead of rolling individual cabbage leaves, everything cooks together in the slow cooker for maximum flavor and minimal effort.
- No rolling or stuffing required
- Family-friendly and comforting
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Uses simple pantry ingredients
- Perfect for busy days when you want a warm, homemade meal
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this hearty slow cooker dinner:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup water
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Prep the Cabbage
Chop the green cabbage into bite-sized pieces. This helps it cook evenly and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Step 3: Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Add the cooked beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, salt, and water.
Step 4: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are fully blended.
Step 5: Serve
Give everything a final stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Make it milder: Skip the red pepper flakes for a kid-friendly version.
- Lighten it up: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Add rice: Stir in cooked rice during the last 30 minutes for a heartier dish.
- Extra veggies: Add chopped carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- Thicker sauce: Use slightly less water if you prefer a thicker consistency.
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve these unstuffed cabbage rolls on their own or with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple side salad.
Storage:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are a cozy, no-fuss twist on the classic—savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato sauce all simmered together for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 yellow onion, diced
1 small head green cabbage, chopped
1 (14-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup water
Instructions
1. Brown the ground beef with the diced onion in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is cooked through and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease if needed.
2. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
3. Add the cooked beef and onion to the slow cooker.
4. Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and water. Stir well.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
6. Stir, taste, and adjust salt or seasoning if needed. Serve hot.
Notes
For a kid-friendly mild version, skip the red pepper flakes.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option.
For a heartier meal, stir in cooked rice during the last 30 minutes of cook time.
Leftovers keep well and taste even better the next day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~320 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbs | 18g |
| Fat | 18g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sodium | ~720mg |
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s warm, filling, and packed with familiar flavors that make everyone feel at home. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or planning easy leftovers, this dish is a reliable favorite you’ll come back to again and again.