Introduction

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting, hearty, and incredibly easy slow-cooker meal inspired by traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. This recipe delivers all the classic flavors you love—tender cabbage, savory ground meat, tomato sauce, rice, and warm spices—without the time-consuming process of rolling individual cabbage leaves.

Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy family dinners, this crockpot version allows the flavors to slowly meld together while you go about your day. It is a highly popular recipe for food blogs because it combines comfort food appeal, convenience, and budget-friendly ingredients.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn how to make the best Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole, along with tips, variations, storage instructions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

What Is Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole?

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is a slow-cooked dish that captures the essence of classic cabbage rolls in a simplified, layered format. Instead of stuffing cabbage leaves, all ingredients are chopped, layered, or mixed and cooked together in a slow cooker until tender and flavorful.

The result is a rich, satisfying casserole-style meal with minimal prep and maximum comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the flavor of cabbage rolls with no rolling required

One-pot, hands-off cooking
Budget-friendly and filling
Perfect for meal prep and leftovers

Family-friendly comfort food

Ingredients Overview

Main Ingredients

Green cabbage
Ground beef or ground turkey

Onion
Garlic
Uncooked rice

Tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers

Paprika
Italian seasoning

Salt and black pepper
Worcestershire sauce

Optional Add-Ins

Bell peppers

Diced tomatoes
Tomato paste for richness
Fresh parsley for garnish

Lean ground meat works best to prevent excess grease.

How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

In a skillet, brown the ground meat with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Layer cabbage, meat mixture, rice, and tomato sauce in the crockpot.

Step 4: Add Liquid and Seasoning

Pour in water or broth, then season with spices and Worcestershire sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low until cabbage is tender and rice is fully cooked.

Step 6: Stir and Serve

Stir gently before serving and garnish if desired.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole

Chop cabbage evenly for consistent texture
Use uncooked rice so it absorbs flavor
Avoid overfilling the crockpot

Stir once halfway through cooking if possible

Popular Variations

Low-Carb Version

Replace rice with cauliflower rice.

Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Casserole

Use lentils or plant-based ground instead of meat.

Stuffed Pepper Style

Add bell peppers and extra seasoning.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole pairs well with:

Crusty bread or dinner rolls
Simple green salad
Mashed potatoes

Steamed vegetables

It works well as a complete meal on its own.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to cook the cabbage first?

No. The cabbage softens perfectly in the slow cooker.

Can I use cooked rice?

Yes, but add it during the final hour to prevent mushiness.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.

Can I use red cabbage?

Green cabbage is recommended for best texture and flavor.

Why This Recipe Performs Well Online

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole targets high-intent keywords related to slow cooker meals, comfort food, and easy family dinners. Its nostalgic flavor profile and simplified method make it appealing to a wide audience.

It is especially popular during fall and winter but remains evergreen year-round.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect solution for anyone who loves traditional cabbage rolls but wants an easier, more convenient approach. With minimal prep and rich, comforting flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

Whether you’re feeding a family or building a high-performing comfort-food content library, this dish is a reliable and satisfying choice.

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (85/15)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or parboiled for faster cook)
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1½ tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or ½ tsp caraway seeds for authenticity

Instructions

Brown beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no pink remains. Drain excess fat.
Layer in slow cooker: In a 6-quart crockpot, combine cooked beef, chopped cabbage, uncooked rice, onion, and garlic.

Sauce: In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, paprika, thyme, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire (if using). Pour evenly over cabbage mixture.
Cook: Cover and cook on LOW 6–7 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until cabbage is tender and rice is fully cooked.
→ If using regular white rice, check at 5 hours on LOW to avoid mushiness. Parboiled rice holds up better.
Stir gently before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning—cabbage absorbs salt, so you may need more!