Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls are a classic comfort food made easier with the convenience of a crockpot. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory meat and rice filling, then gently simmered for hours in a rich tomato sauce until perfectly soft and flavorful. This slow-cooked version allows the flavors to blend beautifully while freeing you from standing over the stove.

Ideal for busy days, family dinners, or make-ahead meals, these cabbage rolls are filling, comforting, and even better the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off slow cooker method
Tender cabbage without boiling a large pot
Rich, well-seasoned tomato sauce
Perfect for meal prep and freezing
Comfort food that feeds a crowd

Ingredients

Cabbage Rolls

1 large green cabbage
1½ lbs ground beef (or beef/pork mix)
1 cup cooked white rice
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano

Tomato Sauce

2 cups tomato sauce
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
Large bowl
Sharp knife
Cutting board
Tongs

Prep Time

Active prep: 30 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 hours
Total time: ~7–8 hours

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cabbage

Remove the core from the cabbage using a sharp knife. Place the whole head in the microwave with a little water and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning once, until leaves are soft and pliable.
Alternatively, steam or boil briefly until leaves loosen.

Carefully peel off 10–12 large leaves and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, combine ground meat, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix gently until just combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Rolls

Place about ⅓ cup of filling near the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly from the stem end to form a neat roll.

Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, stir together tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, brown sugar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Layer in the Slow Cooker

Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the slow cooker.
Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Spoon sauce over the top, then repeat layers if needed.

Step 6: Cook

Cover and cook on:

LOW for 7–8 hours, or
HIGH for 4–5 hours

Cabbage should be very tender and filling fully cooked.

Serving Suggestions

Serve cabbage rolls hot with:

Mashed potatoes
Crusty bread or rolls
Sour cream on the side
A simple green salad

They also pair well with roasted vegetables or buttered noodles.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

Choose large, flexible cabbage leaves
Don’t overfill rolls—this helps them hold together
Use cooked rice to prevent excess moisture
Place rolls seam-side down to keep them closed
Let rest 10 minutes before serving for best texture

Variations

Stuffed Cabbage Soup Style: Chop cabbage and layer everything loosely
Turkey Cabbage Rolls: Use ground turkey for a lighter option
Sweet-Style Rolls: Add more brown sugar or a splash of ketchup
European Style: Add caraway seeds and replace sugar with honey

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
Freeze cooked cabbage rolls for up to 3 months
Reheat gently on the stove or microwave

A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

These Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls deliver all the flavor of the traditional dish with far less effort. Slow cooking allows the cabbage to become tender and the sauce to soak deeply into each roll, creating a hearty, satisfying meal that tastes like it simmered all day—because it did.

Perfect for cozy dinners, Sunday meals, or make-ahead comfort food, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: ~7–8 hours
Servings: 6–8