If you’ve never been a fan of cabbage, these Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls might just change your mind! This dish has converted many skeptics into cabbage lovers, thanks to its tender, flavorful filling wrapped in soft cabbage leaves and slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce.
With a savory mixture of ground turkey or beef, rice, onion soup mix, and Parmesan cheese, these cabbage rolls are comfort food at its finest. And the best part? The slow cooker does all the work for you, making this recipe effortless yet incredibly delicious.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy family meals, these Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 1 Head of Cabbage
- 3 Cups Tomato Juice
- 1 8oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 egg
- 1/2 C. uncooked brown or white rice
- 1 envelope Onion soup mix
- 1 lb. Ground Turkey or Extra Lean Ground Beef
- 1/3 cup Parmesan Cheese
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 ) Peel 8-12 big Leaves off the Cabbage head and place in a microwave-safe dish. Cover in about an inch of water and microwave on high for 2 min.
2 ) In a mixing bowl combine tomato sauce, egg, turkey or beef, rice, onion soup, and cheese, and mix with fingers until well combined.
3 ) Grease your crockpot with some Pam cooking spray.
4 ) Carefully place a ball of the meat mixture into the middle of each cabbage leaf and roll up into a ball, and place on the bottom of your crockpot seam side down. Do this until all your meat mixture is gone.
5 ) After you have all your cabbage rolls in the crockpot, pour the 3 cups of Tomato Juice on top.
6 ) Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
- Boil the Cabbage for Easy Rolling – Softening the leaves in hot water makes them easier to fold.
- Use a Mix of Ground Meats – Combining turkey and beef adds extra flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overstuff the Rolls – Keeping the filling light and even helps the rolls cook properly.
- Layer with Extra Sauce – This ensures every roll stays moist and flavorful.
- Cook on LOW for the Best Texture – Slow cooking on LOW for 6-7 hours makes the cabbage tender and delicious.
(FAQ) About Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
1. Do I need to cook the rice before adding it?
- No! The uncooked rice will absorb the juices and cook perfectly inside the rolls.
2. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey or beef?
- Yes! Ground chicken is a lean alternative and still packs plenty of flavor.
3. Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble them a day ahead and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, adding extra tomato sauce if needed.
5. Can I freeze cabbage rolls?
- Yes! Freeze before or after cooking for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
6. How do I keep the rolls from falling apart?
- Tuck the sides of the cabbage leaves in before rolling tightly, and place them seam-side down in the slow cooker.
7. Can I use canned tomatoes instead of tomato juice?
- Yes! Crushed or diced tomatoes work well—just blend them for a smoother sauce.
8. What can I serve with cabbage rolls?
- Pair with mashed potatoes, crusty bread, or a side salad for a complete meal.
9. Can I add extra vegetables to the filling?
- Yes! Finely diced carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini add extra nutrition and texture.
10. Can I cook these on HIGH instead of LOW?
- Yes! Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, but LOW is recommended for the best results.
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The rice cooks while in the crockpot?
Can we use turkey?