Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage Rolls
If you love classic stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t love the extra work, this Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage Rolls recipe is the cozy, family-friendly dinner you need. Simply combine ground beef, rice, cabbage, and tomato sauce in the crockpot and let it slowly simmer into a rich, hearty meal your family will request again and again.
This easy crockpot stuffed cabbage recipe delivers all the traditional Eastern European flavor without standing over the stove.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Beef and Cabbage Recipe
True comfort food Warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying
Budget-friendly dinner Stretches ground beef with rice and cabbage
Hands-off cooking Let the slow cooker do the work
Family-approved meal Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
Great for meal prep Tastes even better the next day
If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker ground beef recipe that feeds a crowd without breaking the budget, this one checks every box.
Ingredients
Serves: 6
1½ pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
1 cup cooked white rice (or ½ cup parboiled rice)
1 small green cabbage, leaves separated
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 large egg
⅓ cup plain breadcrumbs
¼ cup fresh parsley
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
1½ teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons tomato paste
½ cup beef broth
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Directions
1. Prep the Cabbage
Boil cabbage leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and pat dry.
2. Make the Beef Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
Ground beef
Cooked rice
Onion and garlic
Egg and breadcrumbs
Parsley and spices
Worcestershire sauce
Mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the filling tender.
3. Prepare the Tomato Sauce
Stir together diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, and brown sugar. This flavorful tomato mixture keeps the cabbage rolls moist and tender while slow cooking.
4. Assemble in the Slow Cooker
Spread ⅓ of the sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling to each cabbage leaf.
Fold and roll tightly.
Place seam-side down in the slow cooker.
Repeat and layer if needed.
Pour remaining sauce over the top.
5. Slow Cook to Perfection
LOW: 6–7 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
The cabbage becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender while the beef and rice soak up the rich tomato flavor.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Crockpot Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Creamy mashed potatoes
Buttery egg noodles
Crusty bread or rye
Simple cucumber salad
A spoonful of sour cream and fresh dill
Health & Budget Benefits of This Recipe
High-Protein Meal: Ground beef and egg provide satisfying protein.
Fiber-Rich: Cabbage adds natural fiber and nutrients.
Affordable Ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and freezing.
Customizable: Easily adjust with turkey or gluten-free swaps.
This easy slow cooker cabbage roll recipe proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Easy Variations
Swap half the beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
Add shredded carrots for natural sweetness.
Make it gluten-free by skipping breadcrumbs.
