Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole

If you love traditional cabbage rolls but want to skip the rolling, stuffing, and baking steps, Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole delivers the same comforting flavors with a fraction of the effort. This layered slow cooker version combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rice, and a rich tomato sauce into a hearty, family-friendly meal.

The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld gradually, resulting in tender cabbage and perfectly cooked rice without constant monitoring.

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Why This Recipe Works

• Eliminates the time-intensive rolling process
• Slow cooking softens cabbage naturally
• Rice cooks directly in the sauce for deeper flavor
• One-pot convenience with minimal cleanup

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Key Ingredient Spotlight

Cabbage is the structural base of this dish. As it slow-cooks, it becomes tender while absorbing the savory tomato-beef sauce.

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Ingredients (Serves 6–8)

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (undrained)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)

Optional topping:

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onion until browned.

Drain excess fat.

Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

This step builds flavor and prevents excess grease in the slow cooker.

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2. Layer Ingredients in Crockpot

Lightly grease the slow cooker.

Add half the chopped cabbage to the bottom.

Top with half the beef mixture.

Sprinkle half the uncooked rice over the meat.

Pour half the tomato sauce mixture over the top.

Repeat layers with remaining ingredients.

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3. Cook

Cover and cook:

• Low: 6–7 hours
• High: 3–4 hours

Rice should be tender and cabbage soft.

Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this reduces internal temperature.

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4. Optional Cheese Finish

If using cheese, sprinkle on top during the final 15 minutes and allow to melt.

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Texture & Flavor Profile

• Tender, soft cabbage
• Savory beef base
• Lightly sweet tomato sauce
• Fully cooked, fluffy rice
• Hearty and cohesive

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Professional Tips for Best Results

Use Long-Grain Rice

Short-grain rice may become overly soft.

Keep Rice Submerged

Ensure rice is covered by liquid to cook evenly.

Adjust Liquid if Needed

If mixture looks dry halfway through cooking, add ¼–½ cup warm broth.

Chop Cabbage Evenly

Uniform pieces cook more consistently.

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Variations

Ground Turkey Version

Substitute ground turkey for a lighter option.

Low-Carb Option

Replace rice with cauliflower rice (add during final 60 minutes).

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño.

Traditional Eastern European Style

Add a splash of vinegar and a bay leaf during cooking.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate up to 4 days
• Reheat gently with a splash of broth
• Freeze up to 2 months in airtight container

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Nutritional Snapshot (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 320–380
• Protein: 20–25g
• Carbohydrates: 30–35g
• Fat: 12–16g

Values vary by meat and portion size.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the beef browning step
2. Using too little liquid
3. Overcooking on high for extended time
4. Cutting cabbage too large

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Serving Suggestions

• With crusty bread
• Topped with sour cream
• Paired with a simple green salad
• As a make-ahead freezer meal

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Final Thoughts

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole delivers classic stuffed cabbage flavor with streamlined preparation. The slow cooker method ensures tenderness, flavor integration, and convenience—making it ideal for busy weeknights or batch cooking.

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