If you love the classic taste of stuffed cabbage rolls but want a simpler, hands-off version, this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is perfect. It combines the hearty flavors of ground meat, tomatoes, and cabbage in a cozy stew-like dish without the hassle of rolling individual cabbage leaves. Plus, it’s made even healthier by using cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you want a comforting, nutritious meal that cooks itself. The slow cooker infuses the ingredients with rich flavors while keeping the dish light and low-carb.
If you enjoy comforting, slow cooker recipes like Slow Cooker Better Than Sex Cake or Slow Cooker Sausage Stuffed Mini Sweet Peppers, you’ll love this easy cabbage roll-inspired meal.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
This recipe delivers all the flavor of traditional stuffed cabbage without the fuss. Ground meat is browned and combined with diced cabbage, tangy tomatoes, and savory seasonings, then slowly cooked until tender. Adding cauliflower rice keeps the dish light while providing a great texture contrast. It’s perfect for anyone following low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients Needed
- 1 head cabbage, chopped (about 1 pound or 4 cups)
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or your choice)
- 1 ½ cups cauliflower rice
- 28 ounces diced or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth (1 cup for Instant Pot)
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Add the browned meat to the slow cooker along with chopped cabbage, tomatoes, beef broth, diced onion, garlic, salt, parsley, smoked paprika, and pepper. Stir to mix well.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours, until the cabbage and meat are tender.
Step 4: Add Cauliflower Rice
Add cauliflower rice to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 15-30 minutes until the rice is tender.
Instant Pot Method
Step 1: Sauté Meat and Onion
Set Instant Pot to high sauté. Heat oil, add ground meat and onion, and cook 3-5 minutes until browned. Drain grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add Remaining Ingredients Except Cauliflower Rice
Add cabbage, tomatoes, beef broth, garlic, salt, parsley, paprika, and pepper. Stir well.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Seal lid and cook on manual high pressure for 7 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Add Cauliflower Rice and Finish Cooking
Stir in cauliflower rice. Seal lid again and pressure cook for 0 minutes (this instantly cooks the rice). Quick release pressure.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh cabbage for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning and spices to your preference.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 15 minutes of cooking to reduce liquid.
- Try mixing in your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano for variation.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these unstuffed cabbage rolls with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad. They also pair well with sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
Storage and Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, any ground meat works well in this recipe.
Is cauliflower rice necessary?
It’s optional but adds texture and keeps the dish low-carb.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe is a delicious, easy, and healthier twist on traditional cabbage rolls. It’s perfect for busy cooks wanting comfort food without the fuss.
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Healthy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe: Easy and Flavorful Comfort Food
- Total Time: 3-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
Make hearty and healthy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls with ground meat, cabbage, tomatoes, and cauliflower rice. Perfect comfort meal!
Ingredients
- 1 head cabbage, chopped (about 1 pound or 4 cups)
- 1 pound ground meat (beef, turkey, or your choice)
- 1 ½ cups cauliflower rice
- 28 ounces diced or crushed tomatoes
- ½ cup low-sodium beef broth (1 cup for Instant Pot)
- ½ cup onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground meat and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up. Drain excess grease.
- Add browned meat to slow cooker with cabbage, tomatoes, beef broth, onion, garlic, salt, parsley, smoked paprika, and pepper. Stir well.
- Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours, until cabbage and meat are tender.
- Add cauliflower rice and cook an additional 15-30 minutes until tender.
- Instant Pot Method: Sauté meat and onion on high sauté until browned. Add remaining ingredients except cauliflower rice, pressure cook 7 minutes, natural release 5 minutes, quick release remaining pressure. Stir in cauliflower rice, pressure cook 0 minutes, quick release.
Notes
- Use fresh cabbage for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- For thicker sauce, remove lid last 15 minutes to reduce liquid.
- Try adding thyme or oregano for variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
