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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

This recipe is my go-to when I’m craving a comforting and familiar meal. The cabbage becomes incredibly tender, the ground beef infuses the sauce with rich flavor, and the rice cooks perfectly within the slow cooker. Best of all, it requires minimal attention once it’s started, making it ideal for those hectic days.

• Total Time: Approximately 7 hours
• Perfect For: Busy weeknights, meal preparation
• Key Ingredients: Cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes, rice
• Servings: 6
• Skill Level: Easy
• Storage: Refrigerator and freezer-friendly

If you’re a fan of comforting slow cooker dinners, you might also enjoy our Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken.

Made with Love,

What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

• Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a savory richness and depth of flavor to the sauce. Opting for Italian sausage introduces another level of seasoning that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Green cabbage: Softens beautifully during the long cooking process, absorbing the delicious tomato broth. This creates the signature tender texture of cabbage rolls.
• Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: Form the classic tangy and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce that’s essential for any good cabbage roll recipe. Using both diced tomatoes and tomato sauce provides a depth of texture and flavor.
• White rice: Cooks directly in the slow cooker, thickening the casserole and adding a satisfying carbohydrate element. The rice soaks up the flavors of the sauce, becoming wonderfully infused and tender. For best results, use long-grain white rice.

For another delicious one-pot chicken dinner, try our Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken & Vegetables.

Full Ingredients List

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3½ cups beef broth
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup uncooked white rice

The printable recipe card below contains the complete ingredient list with precise measurements – perfect for saving or printing for later reference.

Swaps & Substitutions

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe! Here are a few easy substitutions you can try:

• Meat: For a bolder flavor, use Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also use a combination of both! For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken.
• Rice: While white rice is recommended for its quicker cooking time and texture, you can use brown rice. However, be aware that brown rice will require a longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly. You may also need to add extra broth to prevent the casserole from drying out.
• Broth: Vegetable broth can be used in place of beef broth for a lighter flavor. Chicken broth is also a good substitute.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or celery.

Estimated Cost

This recipe is not only delicious but also budget-friendly!

• Estimated total cost: $12–14
• Servings: 6
• Estimated cost per serving: About $2–3

These estimates are based on average US grocery prices and can vary depending on your location, store, and seasonal pricing. This casserole easily feeds a family and provides plenty of leftovers.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

Browning the beef and onions before adding to the slow cooker.

All ingredients combined in the slow cooker.

Adding rice to finish cooking the casserole.

A warm and hearty slow cooker cabbage roll casserole.

The complete step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below!

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole Variations

• Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Stir in a handful of chopped fresh parsley before serving for a burst of freshness and brightness.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

If you’re craving more warm and comforting meals, you might also like our Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup – another perfect option for chilly evenings.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Cabbage Roll Casserole

Here are a few pro tips to ensure your slow cooker cabbage roll casserole is a success:

• Evenly Sized Cabbage: Chop the cabbage into evenly sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly throughout the casserole.
• Submerged Rice: Stir gently when adding the rice to ensure it stays submerged in the liquid. This helps it cook properly and prevents it from becoming hard or crunchy.
• Browning the Beef: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker is crucial for developing rich flavor and preventing the casserole from becoming greasy.
• Late Rice Addition: Adding the rice near the end of the cooking process prevents it from overcooking and becoming mushy.
• Don’t overcook: While slow cookers are great, overcooking can lead to mushy cabbage. Keep an eye on it, especially towards the end of the cooking time.

Recipe FAQs – Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe reheats beautifully and maintains its texture. In fact, some people think it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together.

Do I need to brown the beef first?

Yes, browning the beef is highly recommended. It adds a significant depth of flavor and also helps to remove excess grease, preventing the casserole from becoming oily.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Absolutely! This casserole freezes very well once it has cooled completely. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

Will the rice cook through?

Yes, the rice will cook through perfectly as long as it is added during the final hour of cooking and there is sufficient liquid in the slow cooker.

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your meal:

• Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Sour Cream: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy and tangy contrast to the savory casserole.
• Green Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a light and refreshing side dish.
• Mashed Potatoes: Serve over mashed potatoes for extra heartiness.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftover cabbage roll casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooled casserole in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. For individual servings, freeze in smaller portions.
• Reheat: Reheat the casserole on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out. Frozen casserole should be thawed completely in the fridge before reheating.

Looking for another make-ahead slow cooker dinner option? Try our Slow Cooker Butter Chicken!

How to Use the Leftovers

Leftover cabbage roll casserole is incredibly versatile! Here are a few ideas for enjoying it:

• Packed Lunch: Pack it for lunches with a side of bread or crackers.
• Served Over Rice: Reheat and serve over extra rice for a heartier meal.
• Loosened with Broth: If the casserole seems a little thick the next day, add a little broth or water to loosen it up.

More Great Slow Cooker Dinners

If you enjoyed this Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole, here are a few more slow cooker recipes you might love:

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe Card

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3½ cups beef broth
• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup uncooked white rice

Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain and discard excess grease.
2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
4. Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
6. Stir in the uncooked white rice. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 additional hour, or until the rice is tender.
7. Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.