Are you craving a hearty, delicious meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the rich, savory aroma of perfectly seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and a robust tomato sauce that will have your family rushing to the dinner table. This easy-to-prepare dish transforms traditional cabbage rolls into a hassle-free casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage by removing the core and carefully separating the leaves. Roughly chop the leaves into large chunks, setting aside any whole leaves for potential garnishing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Layer the bottom of the slow cooker with a portion of the chopped cabbage leaves, creating a base for the casserole.
- Spread half of the meat and rice mixture evenly over the cabbage layer, ensuring consistent coverage.
- Pour half of the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes over the meat layer, distributing evenly.
- Repeat the layering process with remaining cabbage, meat mixture, and tomato products, creating a complete casserole stack.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and beef to become tender.
- After cooking time is complete, check internal temperature of meat to ensure it reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or additional black pepper.
Tips
- Choose fresh, crisp cabbage for the best texture and flavor. Remove any wilted or damaged outer leaves before preparing.
- For extra flavor, consider browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This will enhance the meat's depth and richness.
- Use long-grain rice that's already cooked to ensure the right moisture and texture in your casserole.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon of tomato paste or sprinkle some cornstarch mixed with water in the last hour of cooking.
- Don't skip the resting time after cooking - it allows the casserole to set and makes serving much easier.
- This recipe freezes beautifully! Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months for a quick future meal.
- For a low-carb version, replace rice with cauliflower rice or simply omit.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 65mg
