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Crockpot Cabbage Rolls

These Crockpot Cabbage Rolls are a hearty, effortless meal made with tender cabbage leaves filled with a savory ground meat and rice blend, perfect for busy days.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cabbage and Filling Ingredients
  • 1 large head cabbage Use about 10-12 large leaves.
  • 1 pound ground beef (or turkey) Substitute with turkey or plant-based option if preferred.
  • 1 cup cooked rice Great use for leftover rice.
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 15 ounces tomato sauce Spread a layer on the bottom of the crockpot.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning Or any other herbs you have handy.
  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes Optional for extra flavor.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Carefully peel the leaves off the cabbage. Submerge the whole cabbage in boiling water for a minute to soften the leaves.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
Rolling
  1. Take a cabbage leaf, place a couple of tablespoons of the meat mixture at the base, and roll it up like a burrito. Fold in the sides. Repeat until all filling is used.
Layering and Cooking
  1. Spread a little tomato sauce at the bottom of your crockpot, layer cabbage rolls seam side down, then pour the remaining sauce on top. Add optional diced tomatoes if desired.
  2. Cover and cook on low for about 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

Notes

If your sauce looks a bit lumpy while cooking, don’t panic. You can also swap cabbage for bell peppers or zucchini for picky eaters. This dish is perfect for meal prep; leftovers can be frozen.