Easy Crockpot Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Hearty crockpot cabbage rolls are the kind of satisfying dinner we all crave on cold winter days! With a rice-and-meat filling and flavorful tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to be a family favorite.

Easy Crockpot Cabbage Roll Recipe

Cold winter days call for seriously satisfying recipes. We love chicken and noodles when the weather gets chilly, and creamy potato soup is always a winner too. However, if you’re looking for something a little more rustic, you can’t beat these crockpot cabbage rolls.

Stuffed cabbage rolls are a classic comfort food made with ground beef and rice wrapped in cabbage leaves, then slow cooked to perfection. They may be one of the most versatile dishes out there—you can make them as simple or complex as you’d like. (Don’t worry, my recipe is super easy, as are these other cheap crockpot meals.)

Cabbage rolls are one of those recipes that sounds a little meh on paper, but once you’ve had them, you know what the fuss is about. They’re savory, but a tiny bit sweet from the cabbage and sauce, super filling, and oh-so-flavorful. And because they cook in a crockpot, you don’t have to worry about them getting dry or overcooked!

Cooking cabbage rolls in a crockpot is also a great way to enjoy them without spending all afternoon in the kitchen. You can prepare everything ahead of time and let the slow cooker do its magic, so you have more time to relax. (Or fold laundry. Because let’s be real, we’re probably going to be folding laundry.)

Ingredients

To print: see recipe card below.

• 12-14 large cabbage leaves – You’ll want a nice, large cabbage; you’ll have leftovers, which you can use to make coleslaw or soup! The best type of cabbage for cabbage rolls is green cabbage, as it has a mild flavor and will hold up better during cooking. You can also use Savoy cabbage if desired, but it’s more likely to tear.
• Nonstick cooking spray

For the Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork sausage – Using pork sausage in the filling adds a lot of flavor, without a lot of work!
• 1/2 cup onion – Yellow or white both work.
• 1/2 cup bell pepper
• 1 egg – Here’s the best way to crack an egg!
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup cooked rice – Plan a stir fry the night before and make extra rice for this recipe, or use our Instant Pot white rice.
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

For the Sauce:

• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Light brown sugar is best here.
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Variations

• Make a spicier filling by adding red pepper flakes or hot paprika to taste.
• For a meatless recipe, substitute cooked lentils for the ground beef and sausage. Or, use a combination of plant-based ground beef and Italian sausage.
• You can use ground meat like chicken, turkey, or even sausage instead of ground beef.
• Swap in cooked brown rice for healthier crockpot cabbage rolls.
• Add a few crushed garlic cloves to the filling if you love garlicky flavor.

Directions for How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Rolls

1. Cook the cabbage: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cabbage leaves, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until they’re soft. Drain well. If you don’t blanch the cabbage leaves before assembling, the cabbage can be tough—especially the thicker stem part in the middle. That’s why it’s a good idea to take the time to blanch the leaves first!
2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, use your hands to mix the filling ingredients until combined.
3. Make the sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients.
4. Roll the leaves: Lay a cabbage leaf on a clean work surface. Spoon about ¼ cup of filling along one edge. Roll up the leaf, tucking in the sides as you go like a burrito. Repeat with the remaining leaves and filling.
5. Assemble: Coat the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick spray, then arrange the rolls along the bottom with the cabbage rolls seam down. (Stack a few of the rolls seam-side down if needed!) Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls, spreading it as evenly as possible.
6. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for four to five hours, or on low for seven to eight hours.
7. Serve: Set the slow cooker stuffed cabbage rolls aside until they’re cool enough to handle. Then, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Slow cooker cabbage rolls are delicious as-is, but there are plenty of ways to make them an even heartier dinner. Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes for a comforting meal. Or, try serving your cabbage rolls with toppings. Sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled feta, or crispy crumbled bacon are great options for extra flavor!

Did you make these Crockpot Cabbage Rolls? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

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