What’s the easiest way to make unstuffed cabbage rolls in a crock pot?

The easiest way is this exact slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe ! No rolling, no boiling — just chop, sauté, layer, and let the slow cooker do all the work. It’s the ultimate lazy cabbage roll casserole. If you prefer more texture in the cabbage, you can reduce the cook time slightly or add the cabbage halfway through.

Do you need to boil cabbage before making crock pot unstuffed cabbage rolls?

Not at all. One of the benefits of unstuffed cabbage rolls in crock pot is that the cabbage cooks down beautifully on its own. Just chop it into small, even pieces. No pre-cooking required.

Can I use long grain rice instead of Minute Rice in this unstuffed cabbage roll recipe?

Yes — but adjust the amount and prep: Use ¾ cup of long grain rice Rinse well until water runs clear Add with other ingredients and ensure enough liquid is present For a firm texture, stir in the rice during the last hour of cooking .

How do I make this a low-carb unstuffed cabbage roll recipe?

Easy! Just substitute the rice with: - Cauliflower rice (for a keto-friendly version) - Chopped mushrooms or zucchini You’ll still enjoy all the cozy flavor of deconstructed cabbage rolls without the added carbs.

What’s the difference between slow cooker cabbage rolls and this unstuffed version?

Traditional cabbage rolls involve: - Boiling cabbage leaves - Filling and rolling them individually - Baking or simmering in sauce This unrolled cabbage rolls recipe delivers the same flavor in a fraction of the time — no rolling, no fuss.

Can I add more vegetables to this recipe for unstuffed cabbage rolls?

Yes! Some great add-ins include: - Carrots or parsnips - Diced bell peppers - Mushrooms - Zucchini or squash This makes the dish even heartier and is perfect if you’re trying to increase veggie

Easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls (Cozy One-Pot Meal)

Description

These slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls are a cozy, one-pot comfort food packed with ground beef, cabbage, rice, and savory tomato sauce—no rolling needed! Perfect for meal prep, budget cooking, or easy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 small head green cabbage, chopped (approx. 6 cups)
2½ cups water or beef broth
1 cup Minute rice (or ¾ cup rinsed long grain rice)
1½ tsp garlic salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp sugar
1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with garlic & olive oil preferred)
Optional: shredded cheese for topping

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Instructions

Step 1:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef, garlic, and onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
Step 2:
In a slow cooker, add chopped cabbage, rice, water or broth, garlic salt, pepper, paprika, sugar, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
Step 3:
Stir in the browned beef mixture and mix well until fully combined.
Step 4:
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until rice is tender and cabbage is soft.
Step 5 (Optional):
Top with shredded cheese before serving for an extra comfort food boost.

Notes

For firmer rice, add it in the last 60–90 minutes of cooking.
Long grain rice requires rinsing before use to avoid gummy texture.
For more liquid consistency, stir in a splash of broth after cooking.
Easily adaptable with ground turkey or plant-based protein.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups approx
Calories: 229 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 278mg
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 36mg