slow cooker stuffed cabbage recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
slow cooker stuffed cabbage recipe
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
Table of Contents▼

The Best slow cooker stuffed cabbage recipe

I’ve been making slow cooker stuffed cabbage for years, and it’s still one of my family’s favorite meals. It’s a classic dish that originated in Eastern Europe, where cabbage was a staple ingredient. The first time I tried it was at a friend’s house, and I was hooked.

The combination of tender cabbage, flavorful rice, and savory ground meat is absolute perfection. My kids love it when I serve it with a side of crusty bread or over mashed potatoes. It’s also a great way to get them to eat more veggies, as they’re not even aware they’re eating cabbage.

Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own, adding some extra spices and herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor. Now, I’m excited to share my version with you. Slow cooker stuffed cabbage is a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner or a crowd-pleasing main course for a party, this recipe delivers. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker.

Just throw all the ingredients in, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do its thing. When you come home from work or school, you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage

Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage

4.7 from 1998 votes

A comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef and rice stuffed into cabbage leaves, slow-cooked to perfection with a savory tomato sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time30 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 30 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 370 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Stuffing

1 lb ground beef
1 cup uncooked rice
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

For the Cabbage

1 large head of cabbage
1 cup water

For the Sauce

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
½ cup tomato paste
½ cup water
2 tbsp white vinegar
1 tbsp sugar
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the cabbage in the large pot, and cover it with water.
2Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
3Cook for 5 minutes, until the outer leaves are soft and can be easily removed.
4Remove the pot from heat and set it aside.
5In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, salt, and black pepper.
6Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
7This will be the stuffing for the cabbage leaves.
8Carefully remove the outer leaves from the cabbage, one at a time.
9Place each leaf on a flat surface and cut out the thick center vein.
10This will make it easier to roll the leaves around the stuffing.
11Place a generous amount of the beef and rice mixture at the base of each cabbage leaf.
12Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then tightly roll it up into a neat cylinder.
13Place the stuffed cabbage rolls seam-side down in the slow cooker.
14In a separate bowl, mix together the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, white vinegar, sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
15Pour the sauce over the stuffed cabbage rolls in the slow cooker, ensuring they are evenly coated.
16Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the rice is cooked through.
17The cabbage rolls should be easily pierced with a fork, and the rice should be fluffy and tender.
18Once done, carefully remove the stuffed cabbage rolls from the slow cooker and place them on a serving platter.
19Spoon the sauce from the slow cooker over the top of the cabbage rolls.
20Serve immediately while hot.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Large bowl
Spatula
Large pot
Knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 370 kcal🧈Total Fat: 15g💛Saturated Fat: 6g❤️Cholesterol: 75mg🧂Sodium: 800mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 20g

📝Notes

Tips: You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option. Add a layer of sliced onions and carrots at the bottom of the slow cooker for added flavor and nutrients.

Watch Video Of How Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage Works

Slow cooker stuffed cabbage is one of those recipes that never fails to impress – whether you’re serving it at home or taking it to a potluck dinner party.

My family loves how versatile this dish is; we enjoy it as is, but also like adding some extra toppings like diced onions or chopped fresh herbs.

And don’t even get me started on leftovers – they reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven for an easy meal prep solution.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Stuffed Cabbage

Q: What type of cabbage should I use?

A: You can use either green or white cabbage for this recipe. Green cabbage will give you a slightly firmer texture, while white cabbage will be slightly sweeter. Either way, make sure to remove any tough stems or outer leaves before chopping it up.

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before assembling and cooking the dish. Just keep in mind that the cabbage may release some liquid during cooking, so adjust accordingly.

Q: How do I prevent the cabbage from becoming too mushy?

A: To avoid overcooking the cabbage, make sure to check on it every 30 minutes or so during the last few hours of cooking. If it starts to look too soft, simply cover the slow cooker with foil or transfer it to a baking sheet and roast in the oven until crispy.

Q: Can I substitute beef for ground pork?

A: Absolutely! Beef works beautifully in this recipe and adds a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy rice and savory spices.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice and seasonings.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

Similar Posts