If you’re craving the cozy flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but just don’t have the time (or energy) to roll each one by hand, these Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are about to become your new weeknight favorite.
Let’s be honest—some days, the idea of prepping a fussy dish feels about as doable as folding laundry with toddlers around (been there!). But this recipe brings all the hearty goodness of cabbage rolls into one easy, toss-it-all-in slow cooker meal. No rolling. No layering. Just dump, stir, and let the magic happen.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
- Zero fuss: No boiling, stuffing, or rolling—just chop, brown, and slow cook.
- Family-approved: My youngest used to turn their nose up at cabbage. Now? They ask for seconds.
- Deeply satisfying: Warm, beefy, tomatoey comfort in every spoonful.
- Meal prep gold: Makes a generous batch with leftovers that reheat beautifully.
Plus, it’s one of those “set it and forget it” meals that lets you get back to life while your kitchen fills with that mouthwatering aroma.
What Does Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Taste Like?
Think of it as a cozy bowl of nostalgia. The ground beef brings richness, while tomatoes and tomato paste add tang and depth. The chopped green cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet as it simmers, soaking up the savory broth and spices.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and tastes like something Grandma might’ve made—only without the hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
One of the best things about making Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls is how simple the ingredient list is—and yet the flavors come together in such a beautifully comforting way. You likely have most of these staples on hand already, and if not, they’re easy to find at any grocery store.
Let’s break it all down, so you know exactly what goes into this hearty, low-effort dinner:
- Ground Beef (1 pound)
Go for lean ground beef, such as 85/15 or 90/10. This provides just enough fat for flavor without making the dish greasy. If you’re aiming for something lighter, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead, but you may want to adjust the seasoning a bit. - Yellow Onion (1, diced)
A classic base for almost any slow cooker meal, onion adds depth and a natural sweetness. Dice it finely so it melts right into the dish as it cooks low and slow. - Green Cabbage (1 small head, chopped)
The real star of these Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls, cabbage becomes sweet and tender after hours of cooking. Don’t worry if it seems like a lot at first—it cooks down considerably. Be sure to use green cabbage rather than red, as it keeps the texture soft and the flavor balanced. - Petite Diced Tomatoes (1 can, 14 ounces)
These give the dish its signature tomato base. The petite cut ensures the tomatoes integrate smoothly into the sauce without overpowering each bite. - Tomato Paste (1 can, 6 ounces)
For that deep, concentrated tomato flavor. This thickens the sauce and brings richness without the need for extra additives or sugar. - Worcestershire Sauce (2 tablespoons)
If you’ve ever wondered what gives cabbage rolls that crave-worthy umami kick—this is it. Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy, slightly smoky layer of flavor that brings everything together. - Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon) + Dried Parsley (2 teaspoons)
These herbs lend an earthy, comforting aroma to the slow cooker as it bubbles away. If you have fresh parsley, you can sprinkle a bit on top before serving for extra color and brightness. - Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 teaspoon)
Optional but recommended, especially if your family enjoys a little heat. Feel free to scale it up or down depending on spice preferences. - Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon)
Enhances all the flavors without overpowering. Remember that canned tomato products can have some salt already, so you can adjust to taste. - Water (1/2 cup)
Just enough to thin the sauce so everything melds beautifully while it cooks. You could also use low-sodium beef broth for even more flavor.
Looking to serve your cabbage rolls with something extra hearty? Pair this with our creamy Garlic Sauce Baby Potatoes or tuck it alongside the Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake for a seriously satisfying meal.
Every ingredient in these Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls works together to give you all the flavor of classic cabbage rolls—without all the fussy rolling and layering. It’s rustic, reliable, and just the kind of one-pot dinner your week needs.
How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve ever made traditional cabbage rolls before, you know it’s a bit of a project — boil the leaves, mix the filling, roll them tight, stack them just right. But with this Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls recipe, we’re skipping all that effort and heading straight for flavor. Here’s how to make it, step by step:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pan and cook until it’s mostly browned, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. You’ll want the beef just slightly pink in spots — it’ll finish cooking in the slow cooker.
Once browned, drain off any excess fat. This helps keep the final dish from being too greasy.
Tip: If you’re making other beefy slow cooker favorites like Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites, this step will feel familiar. Browning first really amps up the flavor.
Step 2: Add the Onion and Spices
To the same skillet, add your diced yellow onion along with:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp kosher salt
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion softens and everything becomes fragrant. This step blooms the spices and gives your dish that deep, savory foundation.
Step 3: Prep the Slow Cooker
Now, grab your slow cooker insert and transfer the seasoned beef and onion mixture to the bottom. Then, pile in your chopped green cabbage (one small head). It might seem like a lot at first, but trust me—it wilts down as it cooks.
Spread the cabbage evenly over the beef, but don’t pack it in too tightly. You want those layers to breathe a bit so the steam can move through and tenderize everything perfectly.
Step 4: Mix the Tomato Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) petite diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup water (or beef broth for extra richness)
Stir until it’s smooth and combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the cabbage and beef in the slow cooker. Use a spoon to gently press down and help distribute the sauce, but no need to stir aggressively.
Looking for more cozy tomato-based slow cooker ideas? Try this Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot—it’s a saucy, savory crowd-pleaser too.
Step 5: Cover and Cook Low and Slow
Place the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to LOW and cook for 6 to 8 hours.
The magic here is in the patience — the cabbage becomes tender, the flavors marry beautifully, and your home starts to smell like a hug. If you’re home during the cook, give it a gentle stir about halfway through (not required, but helps everything blend).
Step 6: Stir and Serve
Once your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls are ready, give the whole pot a gentle stir. The cabbage should be soft, the sauce thick and flavorful, and everything deeply infused with that tomato-beef goodness.
Ladle into bowls and serve just like this, or spoon over a warm bed of rice, mashed potatoes, or even buttery egg noodles if you want to stretch it a little further.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
- Don’t skip the browning step. It adds rich flavor you just can’t get by tossing raw beef in.
- Use a liner for the slow cooker if you hate scrubbing tomato-based dishes (it’s a game-changer).
- Want it saucier? Add an extra 1/2 cup of broth or tomato sauce.
- Make it low-carb by skipping rice or using cauliflower rice when serving.
- Spice it up with more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce at the end.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Keeps in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Yes, it freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave or stovetop—just add a splash of water to loosen it up again.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey makes it a bit leaner, though you may want to up the seasonings a touch.
Do I need to cook the cabbage first?
Nope! That’s the beauty—just chop and toss it in. The slow cooker handles the rest.
Can I add rice to this?
You can, but it’s best to cook the rice separately and serve it underneath. Rice tends to get mushy in slow cookers.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your Worcestershire sauce is certified gluten-free.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe that hits all the notes—comforting, hearty, low-effort, and full of flavor—this one’s a keeper. It’s the kind of dish that warms your kitchen and your soul.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
Print
Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls: Easy Comfort Food for Busy Nights
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
All the cozy, comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—without the rolling. This easy slow cooker recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a fuss-free dinner.
Ingredients
1 pound lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
1 yellow onion, diced
1 small head green cabbage, chopped
1 can (14 oz) petite diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) 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 (or beef broth)
Instructions
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook until mostly browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, thyme, parsley, red pepper flakes, and salt to the skillet. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring, until onion softens and mixture is fragrant.
3. Transfer the seasoned beef and onion mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Add the chopped cabbage on top of the beef mixture, spreading it evenly but not packing it down.
5. In a bowl, whisk together diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and water (or broth). Pour evenly over the beef and cabbage in the slow cooker.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and flavors are melded.
7. Stir gently before serving and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
Use beef broth instead of water for a richer flavor.
This dish pairs wonderfully with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or crusty bread.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days 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 1/2 cups
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: slow cooker, cabbage rolls, unstuffed, comfort food, easy dinner
