🥬 Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
All the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without all the rolling! This slow-cooker version is hearty, saucy, and perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
1 large head cabbage, chopped
1 lb (450 g) ground beef or turkey
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp salt, or to taste
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, optional
½ cup beef or chicken broth, if needed
Instructions
Brown the meat: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.
Add aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the onion begins to soften.
Layer the cabbage: Place about half of the chopped cabbage in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the filling: Spread the browned meat and onion mixture over the cabbage. Sprinkle the uncooked rice evenly over the top.
Add the sauce: Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce over everything. Add Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
Add remaining cabbage: Place the remaining chopped cabbage on top. Don’t worry if the slow cooker looks very full—the cabbage will shrink considerably as it cooks.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Stir gently once or twice during cooking if possible.
Check the rice: The casserole is ready when the cabbage is tender, the meat is fully cooked, and the rice is tender. If it seems dry during cooking, stir in up to ½ cup broth.
Add cheese: About 15 minutes before serving, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Cover and allow it to melt.
Rest and serve: Turn off the slow cooker and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving.
🍅 Helpful Tips
Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Brown rice generally needs more liquid and a longer cooking time.
For a sweeter cabbage-roll flavor, add 1–2 teaspoons brown sugar to the tomato sauce.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley makes a great finishing touch.
Serve with crusty bread, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad.
Serves: 6–8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5–7 hours on LOW
Total time: About 5½–7½ hours
