Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole – Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food Recipe

Introduction

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish inspired by traditional stuffed cabbage rolls—but without all the time-consuming rolling and stuffing. This “lazy” version delivers the same classic flavors of tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, rice, and rich tomato sauce, all slow-cooked together in one pot until perfectly tender and flavorful.

Traditional cabbage rolls are delicious, but they can take hours to prepare. That’s where this crockpot version shines. Instead of individually wrapping each roll, all the ingredients are layered and simmered together in the slow cooker. The result is a cozy, homestyle meal that tastes just as good—if not better—with a fraction of the effort.

This recipe is ideal for busy families, meal prep, or anyone who loves old-fashioned comfort food. The slow cooker allows the flavors to blend beautifully, creating a thick, savory sauce and melt-in-your-mouth texture. It’s filling, budget-friendly, and made with simple pantry ingredients.

Whether you grew up eating cabbage rolls or you’re trying them for the first time, this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is a must-have recipe that brings warmth and nostalgia to your table.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 medium head green cabbage, chopped

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup uncooked long-grain rice

2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained

1 cup beef broth

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)

Optional garnish: fresh parsley

Preparation
Step 1:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.

Step 2:

Add diced onion and garlic to the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3:

Place chopped cabbage in the bottom of the crockpot. Spread it evenly to form the first layer.

Step 4:

Top the cabbage with the cooked beef mixture, uncooked rice, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Stir gently to combine.

Step 5:

Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours, until cabbage is tender and rice is fully cooked. Stir before serving.

Variations

Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice

Cheesy Style: Top with shredded mozzarella before serving

Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce

Vegetarian Option: Use lentils instead of beef

Extra Hearty: Add diced potatoes or carrots

Cooking Note

If your sauce seems too thick near the end of cooking, stir in ½ cup warm broth or water. If it’s too thin, cook uncovered for the last 20–30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with crusty bread or dinner rolls

Pair with mashed potatoes

Add a side garden salad

Serve with buttered noodles

Enjoy with pickles or coleslaw

Tips

Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces for easier eating

Use lean beef to reduce grease

Stir halfway through cooking if possible

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving

Let casserole rest 10 minutes for thicker texture

Prep Time:

20 minutes

Cooking Time:

7–8 hours (LOW)

Total Time:

8 hours 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

Calories: 510

Protein: 34g

Sodium: 790mg

FAQs

Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes. Reduce broth by half and stir in cooked rice during the last hour.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Cool completely and freeze for up to 2 months.

What cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is best, but Savoy cabbage also works well.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. It tastes even better the next day.

Why is my rice still hard?
Make sure there is enough liquid and cook longer if needed.

Conclusion

Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect blend of tradition, convenience, and comfort. With tender cabbage, savory beef, fluffy rice, and rich tomato sauce, this slow cooker meal delivers all the flavors of classic cabbage rolls without the hard work. Easy, filling, and deeply satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again for cozy family dinners and stress-free meals.

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