Hearty Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll

## Hearty Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll

Cabbage rolls are a comforting, hearty dish that has stood the test of time. Filled with a savory combination of ground beef, rice, and spices, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, they are simmered in a rich tomato sauce for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The slow cooker makes this dish incredibly convenient, offering the perfect balance of flavor and texture with minimal hands-on effort. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also ideal for a cozy family dinner.

Hearty slow cooker cabbage rolls are the perfect solution for a busy weeknight or a weekend meal with friends. They’re easy to prepare, require only a few ingredients, and cook low and slow to create a satisfying meal. Each bite offers a delicious combination of tender cabbage, flavorful beef, and zesty tomatoes, with a spice mix that adds depth to the dish. The slow cooker ensures the cabbage is perfectly cooked and the filling stays moist, making it an irresistible comfort food.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

### 1. **Effortless Cooking**

With the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. Just prepare the cabbage rolls and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

### 2. **Comforting and Hearty**

This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender cabbage and savory beef filling in a rich tomato sauce.

### 3. **Family-Friendly**

The flavors in this recipe are mild and approachable, making it a perfect choice for even the pickiest eaters.

### 4. **Great for Meal Prep**

This recipe makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.

### 5. **Versatile**

The recipe is easily customizable. You can add different vegetables, seasonings, or even substitute ground turkey for beef to fit your dietary preferences.

## Ingredients

– Cabbage

– Ground beef

– Cooked rice

– Onion (chopped)

– Tomato sauce

– Diced tomatoes

– Garlic powder

– Paprika

– Salt and pepper

## Variations

– **Vegetarian Version**: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of tomato sauce.

– **Spicy Cabbage Rolls**: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

– **Add Vegetables**: Try adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

– **Rice Substitution**: Use quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to regular rice.

## How to Make the Recipe

### Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the head of cabbage and boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove and let cool. Once cooled, carefully peel off 12-15 cabbage leaves.

### Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined.

### Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

3. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll up, tucking in the sides to secure the filling.

### Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker

4. Place the cabbage rolls in the slow cooker. Pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over the top, making sure the rolls are covered with sauce.

### Step 5: Slow Cook

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the cabbage rolls to become tender and the flavors to develop.

### Step 6: Serve

6. Serve the cabbage rolls hot with a side of crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad.

## Tips for Making the Recipe

– **Boil the Cabbage Carefully**: Don’t overboil the cabbage; a couple of minutes are enough to soften the leaves and make them pliable for rolling.

– **Use Lean Ground Beef**: For a leaner version, opt for ground turkey or chicken.

– **Make the Rolls Tight**: Roll the cabbage tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

– **Layer the Rolls**: If you’re short on space in your slow cooker, layer the cabbage rolls and pour extra tomato sauce between layers to keep them moist.

– **Add More Flavor**: Consider adding fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or bay leaves to the slow cooker for extra depth of flavor.

## How to Serve

Hearty slow cooker cabbage rolls are the perfect main dish and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them with mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream on top of each cabbage roll will add a creamy contrast to the tangy tomato sauce.

## Make Ahead and Storage

### Storing Leftovers

Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

### Freezing

These cabbage rolls freeze well. Once they’ve cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave or slow cooker.

### Reheating

To reheat, place the cabbage rolls in a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or heat them in the microwave. They can also be reheated in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until hot throughout.

## FAQs

### 1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, pork, or chicken as a substitute for ground beef.

### 2. Can I make this recipe without rice?

Yes, you can omit the rice or use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

### 3. How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?

The cabbage rolls are done when the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked. The slow cooker time may vary, so check after 6 hours.

### 4. Can I cook this on high heat in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but low heat is preferable for the best texture and flavor.

### 5. Can I add other vegetables inside the cabbage rolls?

Absolutely! You can add chopped carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for more flavor.

### 6. Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?

Yes, store-bought tomato sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but feel free to add your own seasonings if you prefer.

### 7. Is there a way to make these rolls spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

### 8. Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cabbage rolls and store them in the fridge for up to a day before slow cooking.

### 9. Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

Yes, use cooked rice for the filling to ensure it is fully cooked in the slow cooker.

### 10. Can I freeze the cooked cabbage rolls?

Yes, cooked cabbage rolls can be frozen. Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

## Conclusion

## Hearty Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll

Cabbage rolls are a comforting, hearty dish that has stood the test of time. Filled with a savory combination of ground beef, rice, and spices, all wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, they are simmered in a rich tomato sauce for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The slow cooker makes this dish incredibly convenient, offering the perfect balance of flavor and texture with minimal hands-on effort. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also ideal for a cozy family dinner.

Hearty slow cooker cabbage rolls are the perfect solution for a busy weeknight or a weekend meal with friends. They’re easy to prepare, require only a few ingredients, and cook low and slow to create a satisfying meal. Each bite offers a delicious combination of tender cabbage, flavorful beef, and zesty tomatoes, with a spice mix that adds depth to the dish. The slow cooker ensures the cabbage is perfectly cooked and the filling stays moist, making it an irresistible comfort food.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

### 1. **Effortless Cooking**

With the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. Just prepare the cabbage rolls and let the slow cooker do the work for you.

### 2. **Comforting and Hearty**

This dish is the epitome of comfort food, combining tender cabbage and savory beef filling in a rich tomato sauce.

### 3. **Family-Friendly**

The flavors in this recipe are mild and approachable, making it a perfect choice for even the pickiest eaters.

### 4. **Great for Meal Prep**

This recipe makes a large batch, so it’s perfect for preparing ahead of time and enjoying throughout the week.

### 5. **Versatile**

The recipe is easily customizable. You can add different vegetables, seasonings, or even substitute ground turkey for beef to fit your dietary preferences.

## Ingredients

– Cabbage

– Ground beef

– Cooked rice

– Onion (chopped)

– Tomato sauce

– Diced tomatoes

– Garlic powder

– Paprika

– Salt and pepper

## Variations

– **Vegetarian Version**: Substitute the ground beef with lentils or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of tomato sauce.

– **Spicy Cabbage Rolls**: Add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

– **Add Vegetables**: Try adding diced carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

– **Rice Substitution**: Use quinoa, couscous, or cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative to regular rice.

## How to Make the Recipe

### Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage Leaves

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the head of cabbage and boil for 2-3 minutes, then remove and let cool. Once cooled, carefully peel off 12-15 cabbage leaves.

### Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling

2. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until fully combined.

### Step 3: Assemble the Cabbage Rolls

3. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture onto each cabbage leaf and roll up, tucking in the sides to secure the filling.

### Step 4: Cook in the Slow Cooker

4. Place the cabbage rolls in the slow cooker. Pour the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over the top, making sure the rolls are covered with sauce.

### Step 5: Slow Cook

5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the cabbage rolls to become tender and the flavors to develop.

### Step 6: Serve

6. Serve the cabbage rolls hot with a side of crusty bread, rice, or a simple green salad.

## Tips for Making the Recipe

– **Boil the Cabbage Carefully**: Don’t overboil the cabbage; a couple of minutes are enough to soften the leaves and make them pliable for rolling.

– **Use Lean Ground Beef**: For a leaner version, opt for ground turkey or chicken.

– **Make the Rolls Tight**: Roll the cabbage tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.

– **Layer the Rolls**: If you’re short on space in your slow cooker, layer the cabbage rolls and pour extra tomato sauce between layers to keep them moist.

– **Add More Flavor**: Consider adding fresh herbs such as thyme, oregano, or bay leaves to the slow cooker for extra depth of flavor.

## How to Serve

Hearty slow cooker cabbage rolls are the perfect main dish and pair well with a variety of sides. Serve them with mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, a dollop of sour cream on top of each cabbage roll will add a creamy contrast to the tangy tomato sauce.

## Make Ahead and Storage

### Storing Leftovers

Leftover cabbage rolls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop.

### Freezing

These cabbage rolls freeze well. Once they’ve cooled, place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the microwave or slow cooker.

### Reheating

To reheat, place the cabbage rolls in a slow cooker on low for 1-2 hours, or heat them in the microwave. They can also be reheated in the oven covered with foil at 350°F until hot throughout.

## FAQs

### 1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey, pork, or chicken as a substitute for ground beef.

### 2. Can I make this recipe without rice?

Yes, you can omit the rice or use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.

### 3. How do I know when the cabbage rolls are done?

The cabbage rolls are done when the cabbage is tender and the filling is fully cooked. The slow cooker time may vary, so check after 6 hours.

### 4. Can I cook this on high heat in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook on high for 3-4 hours, but low heat is preferable for the best texture and flavor.

### 5. Can I add other vegetables inside the cabbage rolls?

Absolutely! You can add chopped carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture for more flavor.

### 6. Can I use store-bought tomato sauce?

Yes, store-bought tomato sauce works perfectly for this recipe, but feel free to add your own seasonings if you prefer.

### 7. Is there a way to make these rolls spicier?

You can add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture for a spicy kick.

### 8. Can I make cabbage rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cabbage rolls and store them in the fridge for up to a day before slow cooking.

### 9. Do I need to pre-cook the rice?

Yes, use cooked rice for the filling to ensure it is fully cooked in the slow cooker.

### 10. Can I freeze the cooked cabbage rolls?

Yes, cooked cabbage rolls can be frozen. Store them in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months.

## Conclusion

This hearty slow cooker cabbage roll recipe brings the flavors of a classic dish into a convenient and easy-to-make meal. Packed with seasoned beef, rice, and tender cabbage, and simmered in a savory tomato sauce, these cabbage rolls are perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. Whether you’re serving them for the family or making them ahead for the week, they are sure to satisfy everyone’s hunger and warm their hearts. The slow cooker does all the hard work, making this recipe both simple and delicious.