Looking for a comforting, one-pot meal that captures all the cozy flavors of classic cabbage rolls—without the fuss of rolling? This dish is a fantastic timesaver, yet delivers big on hearty, savory notes. Each spoonful is loaded with tender cabbage, flavorful meat, and a tangy tomato sauce that will make you feel right at home.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small head of green cabbage, roughly chopped
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Start by browning the ground meat in a skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, break up any clumps with a wooden spoon. When the meat is about halfway browned, toss in the onion and garlic. Sauté everything together until the meat is no longer pink and the onions turn translucent.
Next, transfer the cooked beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the chopped cabbage on top, followed by the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Pour in the broth, then sprinkle in the oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently stir the ingredients to ensure they’re well combined.
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for about 3 to 4 hours). You’ll know your unstuffed cabbage rolls are done when the cabbage becomes tender and the flavors meld together in a rich, savory sauce. Before serving, give the dish a quick taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
This recipe is a dream for anyone who loves the comforting appeal of stuffed cabbage rolls, but doesn’t have the time or desire to fuss with rolling each leaf. It’s easy to make healthier by choosing ground turkey or an extra-lean beef, and it’s budget-friendly since cabbage is hearty and affordable. Feel free to add caraway seeds for a twist, or even swap in cauliflower rice for a lower-carb spin. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or planning a hassle-free meal prep, these richly seasoned unstuffed cabbage rolls are sure to satisfy.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
