Crock Pot Beef Cabbage Rolls

This Crock Pot Beef Cabbage Rolls recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish, which includes ground beef and green cabbage. It’s the ultimate comfort food recipe, ready in about 8 hours and 15 minutes.

Crock Pot Beef Cabbage Rolls Ingredients

For the Rolls

• 1 head green cabbage, outer leaves removed
• 1 pound ground beef, lean
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1/2 medium Vidalia onion, chopped
• 1 cup white rice, cooked
• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, gluten free
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce

• 28 ounces diced tomatoes (1 big can)
• 28 ounces crushed tomatoes (1 big can)
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, gluten free
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How To Make Crock Pot Beef Cabbage Rolls

1. Boil the cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Remove the core from the bottom of the cabbage and lower it carefully into the water. As each leaf loosens, use tongs to remove it and set aside in a strainer.
2. Mix the filling: In a medium bowl, combine beef, pork, rice, onion, egg, Worcestershire sauce, parsley, and spices. Mix until well combined.
3. Prepare the sauce: In the same pot, combine diced and crushed tomatoes, parsley, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining sauce spices. Stir well. Spoon some of the sauce into the bottom of the crockpot.
4. Fill the cabbage leaves: Place a cabbage leaf on a board, trim the thick stem in a V shape, and add 3-4 tablespoons of meat mixture to the center.
5. Roll the cabbage: Fold sides inward and roll tightly. Place seam-side down in the crockpot. Repeat to form a bottom layer.
6. Layer and sauce: Cover with more sauce and repeat layers until all leaves and filling are used. Pour remaining sauce on top.
7. Cook the rolls: Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 7-8 hours, until fully cooked.

Recipe Tips

• How to soften cabbage leaves easily: Boil the whole head and peel leaves off as they loosen to avoid tearing.
• Can I use just ground beef? Yes, you can use 2 pounds of ground beef if you prefer not to mix with pork.
• How to prevent cabbage rolls from unrolling: Always place them seam-side down in the slow cooker to keep them intact.
• What kind of rice works best? Use fully cooked long-grain white rice for best texture.
• Can I prepare this ahead of time? Yes, assemble the rolls and refrigerate overnight before cooking.

What To Serve With Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls

These rolls pair well with simple, hearty sides:

• Mashed potatoes
• Crusty bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted carrots or green beans
• Side salad with vinaigrette
• Applesauce or sauerkraut for a traditional touch

How To Store Beef Cabbage Rolls

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze: Freeze in a sealed container for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Beef Cabbage Rolls Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 514 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 39g
• Protein: 36g
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 135mg
• Sodium: 982mg
• Fiber: 9g
• Sugar: 18g
• Vitamin C: 88mg
• Iron: 7mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I use red cabbage instead of green?
Green cabbage is preferred for its pliable leaves, but red cabbage can work if softened well.

How do I reheat cabbage rolls without drying them out?
Reheat covered in the oven or microwave with some extra sauce to keep them moist.

Can I make these low-carb?
Yes, substitute cooked cauliflower rice for the white rice.

Why are my cabbage rolls tough?
Undercooked cabbage or using leaves that are too small or thick can cause toughness. Boil longer and choose large, tender leaves.

Do I need to brown the meat first?
No, the meat cooks fully in the slow cooker, so no pre-browning is necessary.

Try More Recipes:

• Crock Pot Beef Caribbean Pot Roast
• Crock Pot Beef French Dip
• Crock Pot Beef Enchiladas