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Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole

A comforting and flavorful deconstructed cabbage roll dish made simple in the slow cooker. This hearty casserole combines tender cabbage, seasoned ground meat, and rice in a rich tomato sauce for a convenient twist on the traditional Eastern European favorite.

 

  • Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cabbage, chopped
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)

 

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked through, drain any excess fat from the pan and set the meat aside.
  2. Prepare the Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can become bitter.
  3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked meat, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the seasonings and liquids are evenly distributed.
  4. Layer in the Crockpot: Create layers in your slow cooker by first spreading half of the chopped cabbage evenly across the bottom. Follow this with half of the meat and rice mixture. Repeat the process with the remaining cabbage and then top with the rest of the meat mixture.
  5. Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The dish is ready when the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked through. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  6. Add Cheese (Optional): If you’d like to include cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the casserole during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Cover again and allow it to melt, creating a delicious cheesy topping.

 

Notes

  • For authentic Eastern European flavor, you can add a tablespoon of paprika to the meat mixture.
  • This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers for easy future meals.
  • For a healthier version, use brown rice instead of white rice (note that this may require additional cooking time).
  • You can substitute sauerkraut for some of the fresh cabbage for a tangier flavor profile.
  • Adding a dollop of sour cream when serving enhances the traditional flavors.

 

  • Author: bestfeed
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Slow cooking
  • Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Find it online: https://bestfeed.us/crockpot-cabbage-roll-casserole/