This Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. When dinnertime rolls around, you'll have an incredibly tender and flavorful dish waiting for you!
Did You Know?
Pro Tips
Storage & Meal Prep
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I soften cabbage leaves for rolling?
Boil the whole head of cabbage for 3-5 minutes until the outer leaves are pliable. Carefully peel off leaves as they soften. You can also freeze and thaw the cabbage overnight.
2. What type of rice should I use in the filling?
Uncooked white rice works best — it absorbs liquid from the tomato sauce as the rolls cook. Partially cooked rice can become mushy after hours in the slow cooker.
3. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a leaner substitute. Mix it with a tablespoon of olive oil and extra seasoning to compensate for the lower fat content.
4. How do I roll cabbage rolls tightly?
Place filling near the stem end of the leaf, fold the sides in like a burrito, then roll tightly away from you. Place seam-side down in the slow cooker.
5. What sauce works best for slow cooker cabbage rolls?
A simple tomato sauce with a touch of brown sugar and vinegar creates the classic sweet-tangy flavor. Crushed tomatoes, tomato soup, or marinara all work well.
6. How long do cabbage rolls cook in the slow cooker?
6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The cabbage should be tender and the rice fully cooked through.
7. Can I assemble cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate uncooked rolls overnight. Place them in the slow cooker the next morning with sauce and cook as directed.
8. Why did my cabbage rolls fall apart?
The leaves may not have been softened enough, the rolls were not tight enough, or there was too much filling. Use a toothpick to hold them if needed.
9. Can I freeze uncooked cabbage rolls?
Yes — freeze assembled rolls on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. Cook frozen rolls in the slow cooker with an extra hour of cooking time.
10. What should I serve with cabbage rolls?
Mashed potatoes, crusty bread, sour cream on top, and a simple green salad are all traditional accompaniments to cabbage rolls.
Watch How to Make This
Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
Method
- Use a sharp knife to cut out the core of the cabbage — this helps the leaves release easily. Place the whole head in a pot of boiling water for about 2 minutes, just until the outer leaves soften and start to loosen. Gently peel off 12–14 leaves and set them aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, uncooked jasmine rice, onion, garlic, egg, paprika, salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Use your hands to combine — mix until even, but don't overwork it.
- Lay one cabbage leaf flat and place about 2 tablespoons of filling in the center. Fold in the sides and roll tightly. Repeat until all the filling is used.
- In your slow cooker, whisk together tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, bouillon cube, red pepper flakes, and 2 cups of beef broth. It should smell savory and balanced.
- Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the sauce. Spoon extra sauce over the top so each roll is mostly covered. If you have leftover cabbage leaves, tuck them around the edges to keep everything snug.
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. The rice inside will absorb the sauce and cook through. You'll know it's done when the leaves are tender and the filling is firm.
- Let it rest 10–15 minutes uncovered before serving. Garnish with parsley and serve with crusty bread or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approximate)
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients and preparation.
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