Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls Recipe – Comfort Food Made Easy
Cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food loved in many cultures—from Eastern European to Middle Eastern cuisine. Traditionally, they can be a bit labor-intensive to prepare, but using a slow cooker makes this dish hands-off, flavorful, and utterly tender.
This recipe features ground meat, rice, and aromatic seasonings wrapped in soft cabbage leaves, all simmered in a rich tomato sauce until melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It’s the perfect meal for busy weekdays, family dinners, or meal prep for the week.
Ingredients
For the cabbage rolls:
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1 large head of cabbage
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
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1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 large egg
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp dried oregano or thyme
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the sauce:
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1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
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1 can (15 oz / 425 g) diced tomatoes
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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½ cup water or beef broth
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1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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1 tsp Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (optional, for depth)
Optional garnish:
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Fresh parsley
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Sour cream
Equipment Needed
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Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
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Large pot for blanching cabbage
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Mixing bowl
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Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
1. Prepare the cabbage
Remove the core of the cabbage and carefully separate the leaves. You’ll need about 12–14 large leaves. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and let cool slightly.
Trim any thick stem parts so the leaves can roll easily without tearing.
2. Make the filling
In a mixing bowl, combine:
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Ground meat
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Cooked rice
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Onion and garlic
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Egg
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Salt, pepper, paprika, oregano
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Fresh parsley
Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing, which can make the filling dense.
3. Assemble the cabbage rolls
Lay a cabbage leaf flat and place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base of the leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly, tucking in the edges. Repeat until all the filling is used.
If some leaves are small or torn, overlap them or use extra leaves to cover the filling.
4. Prepare the sauce
In a separate bowl, combine:
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Tomato sauce
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Diced tomatoes
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Tomato paste
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Water or broth
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Brown sugar, salt, pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce
Mix well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Layer the slow cooker
Spread a few cabbage leaves on the bottom of the slow cooker to prevent sticking. Place the rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Pour half of the tomato sauce over the rolls. Add another layer of cabbage rolls if needed and top with the remaining sauce.
Press gently to make sure the rolls are covered in sauce.
6. Cook the cabbage rolls
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. The cabbage will be tender, and the filling fully cooked.
Tip: Avoid stirring too much during cooking, as the rolls can break apart.
7. Serve
Use a slotted spoon to transfer rolls to plates. Spoon some sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with a dollop of sour cream, if desired.
These rolls pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a simple green salad.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
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Blanching is key: Softening the cabbage leaves prevents tearing while rolling and ensures tender rolls.
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Use a mix of meats: Half beef, half pork adds flavor and juiciness, but pure beef or turkey works too.
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Make ahead: You can prepare the rolls a day in advance, refrigerate, and cook the next day—flavors develop beautifully.
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Freezing option: Fully cooked rolls freeze well. Layer in a container with sauce, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
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Adjust acidity: Add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of cream to the tomato sauce if it’s too tangy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker cabbage roll recipe turns a traditionally labor-intensive dish into a stress-free meal. The slow cooking method ensures:
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Tender, melt-in-your-mouth cabbage
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Juicy, flavorful meat filling
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A rich, well-blended tomato sauce
It’s a family-friendly recipe that can easily be doubled for large gatherings. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls are a comfort food classic made effortless. With minimal prep, a slow cooker does the heavy lifting, resulting in tender cabbage, perfectly cooked filling, and rich tomato sauce. Serve them for a cozy weeknight dinner, a weekend family meal, or freeze portions for later.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, hosting a dinner, or simply craving hearty comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy. The combination of tender cabbage, savory filling, and flavorful tomato sauce makes every bite a little slice of home-cooked heaven.