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Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls Recipe

Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls Recipe

These slow cooker cabbage rolls are juicy, saucy, and comforting—perfect for an easy, hands-off family dinner.
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Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients
 

Main Ingredients

  • 2.25 lb green cabbage cored, leaves separated
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup yellow onion finely chopped
  • 2 tsp garlic minced
  • 1.25 lb ground beef
  • 0.75 lb ground pork
  • 1.25 cup cooked white rice cooled
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1.5 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 2 cup tomato sauce
  • 1.5 cup crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 0.5 cup beef broth low sodium
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions

Preparation Steps

  • Boil a large pot of water. Blanch cabbage leaves 2–3 minutes until flexible. Drain and cool. Trim thick ribs.
  • Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
  • Combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, half the onion mixture, parsley, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix gently.
  • Whisk tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, brown sugar, Worcestershire, vinegar, and remaining onions in a bowl.
  • Spread 1 cup of the sauce in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Spoon about 1/3 cup filling onto a cabbage leaf. Fold sides over and roll snugly. Repeat with remaining leaves and filling.
  • Arrange rolls seam-side down in the cooker. Pour remaining sauce over the top to cover evenly.
  • Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours (or on High for 3–4 hours) until the meat is cooked through and tender.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Spoon extra sauce over each roll and garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

Variation: Swap the pork for ground turkey and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a lighter, smoky twist. For a little heat, stir 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper into the sauce.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or freeze for 2–3 months. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or sauce.
This recipe is an original creation inspired by classic Crock Pot Cabbage Rolls Recipe flavors. All ingredient ratios and instructions are independently developed.