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Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls

A cozy, heartwarming dinner that combines tender cabbage, savory meat, and rich tomato sauce, all effortlessly prepared in your slow cooker.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 7 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 1 medium head green cabbage Tender and perfectly cooked.
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey Provides lasting satisfaction.
  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa Adds a lovely texture; cauliflower rice can be used for low-carb.
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Juicy and flavorful.
  • 2 cups tomato sauce For that rich, comforting flavor.
  • 1 medium onion, diced Enhances the overall depth of flavor.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds an irresistible aroma and taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning A blend that dances on your palate.
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Carefully remove the core from the cabbage head. Place it in boiling water for 5 minutes to soften the leaves, then remove it and let it cool.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat with the diced onion and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the meat is fully browned.
Assembly
  1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked meat with rice and half the diced tomatoes.
  2. Begin by adding a layer of the tomato sauce at the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, layer half of the cabbage leaves, followed by the meat mixture, more diced tomatoes, and repeat until everything is in the pot. Finish with the remaining tomato sauce on top.
Cooking
  1. Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours. You’ll know it’s done when your kitchen starts to smell divine!
Serving
  1. Gently stir before serving, allowing everything to meld beautifully.

Notes

This dish is fantastic for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm up in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.