If you're looking for a hearty, comforting dish that will warm your home and delight your taste buds, look no further than this Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Casserole! This American classic combines tender cabbage leaves with a savory filling of ground beef, rice, and spices, all smothered in rich tomato sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires minimal prep time and lets your slow cooker do all the work. Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of a delicious meal that has been simmering all day—your family will be begging for seconds! Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup rice
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage by removing the core and carefully separating the leaves. Rinse the leaves thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, uncooked rice, chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Roughly chop some of the cabbage leaves to create a base layer in the bottom of the slow cooker, which will prevent sticking and add extra flavor.
- Take individual cabbage leaves and place a small portion of the meat mixture in the center of each leaf. Roll the leaf tightly, tucking in the sides to create a compact bundle.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the slow cooker, creating layers as needed.
- Pour the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce evenly over the cabbage rolls, ensuring all rolls are covered with sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cabbage rolls to become tender.
- After cooking, let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle and make serving easier.
- Serve hot, spooning extra sauce over the cabbage rolls. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Choose the Right Cabbage: Look for a medium head of cabbage that feels firm and heavy. Savoy cabbage is also a great option for its tender leaves and sweet flavor.
- Prep Ahead: If you're short on time, you can prepare the meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just roll the cabbage leaves and assemble the casserole in the slow cooker the next day.
- Layering is Key: When placing the cabbage rolls in the slow cooker, make sure to layer them seam-side down to prevent them from unraveling during cooking.
- Customize Your Filling: Feel free to add your favorite spices or vegetables to the meat mixture. Chopped bell peppers or even a bit of grated cheese can elevate the flavor profile.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, allow the casserole to rest for about 10-15 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream on top of each serving can add a burst of freshness and richness that complements the dish perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg