Slow cooker cabbage rolls is a tasty recipe that cooks with minimal effort…thanks to the Crock-Pot! Tailor this easy ground meat and cabbage recipe to your liking by making this as healthy as you want. Use your preferred ground meat and type of rice. This fuss-free way to enjoy a classic dish is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal. Instructions to make cabbage rolls in the Instant Pot are also included.
Ingredients For Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
- Cabbage
- Ground Beef
- Rice (cauliflower, brown, or white)
- Diced Tomatoes
- Onion
- Garlic
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, parsley
How To Make Cabbage Rolls In The Crock-Pot
Prepare The Cabbage Rolls
- Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the cabbage leaves and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside the cabbage leaves so they cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper.
- Take your prepared cabbage leaf. Fill each leaf with approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Roll up each leaf like a burrito. Repeat until all of the meat mixture is gone.
- Spoon a thin layer of the diced tomatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the cabbage rolls, seam-side down.
- Poured the rest of the diced tomatoes on top.
- Cook HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-6
- Place a trivet rack in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water.
- Place half of the prepared cabbage rolls on the rack. Cover the rolls with about half of the diced tomatoes. Add the remaining rolls and top with the rest of the sauce.
- Close & lock lid. Cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. When cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes then quick release any remaining pressure.
FAQs & Tips
What are cabbage rolls?
Cabbage rolls are a classic dish where cabbage leaves are stuffed with a ground meat & rice filling, then cooked in a tomato sauce. This healthy spin on traditional cabbage rolls substitutes the rice for cauliflower rice, making it low-carb, paleo, and Whole30 compatible.
Do you have to use ground beef?
Nope. Ground turkey, ground chicken, and even ground sausage are great substitutes for beef in this recipe
How do you serve slow cooker cabbage rolls?
I usually eat cabbage rolls as-is, as a complete meal. You can also pair cabbage rolls with a simple side.
Can you make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare slow cooker cabbage rolls ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator or freezer.
How do you store leftovers?
Store leftover slow cooker cabbage rolls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
What size slow cooker did you use?
I used a large 6-quart slow cooker or Instant Pot for this recipe.
Cabbage Recipes
-
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
-
Southern Fried Cabbage and Potatoes
-
Corned Beef & Cabbage Soup
-
Cabbage and Sausage
-
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
Slow cooker cabbage rolls is a tasty recipe that cooks with minimal effort…thanks to the Crock-Pot! Tailor this easy ground meat and cabbage recipe to your liking by making this as healthy as you want. Use your preferred ground meat and type of rice. This fuss-free way to enjoy a classic dish is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal. Instructions to make cabbage rolls in the Instant Pot are also included.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium head of cabbage
- 1 1/2 cups rice (uncooked cauliflower or cooked white or brown rice)
- 24 ounces diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoons dried parsley
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or more)
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup water (for Instant Pot only)
Instructions
Prepare The Cabbage Rolls
- Bring a large pan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the cabbage leaves and cook for 2 to 4 minutes or until softened. Drain and set aside the cabbage leaves so they cool.
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, rice, onion, garlic, parsley, salt, pepper.
- Take your prepared cabbage leaf. Fill each leaf with approximately 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture. Roll up each leaf like a burrito. Repeat until all of the meat mixture is gone.
- Spoon a thin layer of the diced tomatoes in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the cabbage rolls, seam-side down.
- Poured the rest of the diced tomatoes on top.
- Cook HIGH 2-3 hours or LOW 4-6
- Place a trivet rack in the bottom of the Instant Pot. Pour in 1 cup of water.
- Place half of the prepared cabbage rolls on the rack. Cover the rolls with about half of the diced tomatoes. Add the remaining rolls and top with the rest of the sauce.
- Close & lock lid. Cook on high pressure for 18 minutes. When cooking time is complete, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes then quick release any remaining pressure.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 cabbage rolls
- Calories: 153
- Sugar: 7.2 g
- Sodium: 275.3 mg
- Fat: 2.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 13.9 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 19.5 g
- Cholesterol: 45.2 mg
You can also freeze these for later use! This made 12 cabbage rolls for me. Looking for a similar low-carb recipe? Check out my Slow Cooker Low-Carb Stuffed Peppers (Paleo/Whole30).
Looking for an Italian seasoning? Use this:
Love this recipe and want to see more? Check out my new cookbook!
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104 thoughts on “Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls”
Can these be rolled and frozen before cooking? I like to prep a bunch of slow-cooker meals in my freezer each month and these look tasty!
Whoops, just saw the note on the page that says they can be frozen for later use! 😉 I need to read more carefully before commenting. I’m excited to try these, thank you for sharing!
Tried them but they came out really watery. Since it was the first time I just went with it. But I think next time I’ll add some cornstarch to the liquid to try to make a heavier sauce. Any suggestions?
This is a Paleo recipe. Cornstarch is not Paleo.
Maybe try arrowroot or something else Paleo approved for thickening.
Can I cook it on low overnight? Will it be over cooked?
Sorry, I don’t suggest cooking this overnight. It will definitely overcook.
Question: If I don’t have a microwave, is there another way to soften the cabbage leaves so that they can be rolled? I was thinking to put them in a kettle of water at a rolling boil for just a minute or two?
Yup you nailed it. The good old fashioned boiling works perfectly. Enjoy!
Several of my friends core their cabbage and freeze it for 1-3 days to break down the cell walls. Then they completely thawed it in the refrigerator for a day. I never tried it.
I core and simmer the head and pull off a couple leaves every 4-5 minutes and lay them open on an inverted bowl to cool. It is also necessary to pare off the center vein so it rolls better and lays flat.
I can’t have tomatoes, but this sounds really good. Do you have a suggestion for a tomatoe substitute?
I know this is late, but check out recipes for no-mato sauce online. You could use that and it would work great. I would recommend making a batch of no-mato sauce in advance (it freezes well)
1.You can make white sauce not too thick add spices you like.
2. Use a good broth and spices, this will be better as far as carbs are concerned.
can you use diced cabbage and put it all in crockpot for soup
Absolutely! Here’s my unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe – https://fitslowcookerqueen.com/slow-cooker-unstuffed-cabbage-rolls-lowcarb-paleo-whole30/
I didn’t know about Kool cabbage, so I used regular and had a bit of a fail with the microwave method, Rolled some, layered the rest and can’t wait to dig in tonight. Thanks for sharing; we just ” finished” our first ever round of Whole30, and I don’t think we will ever go back to our old methods of cooking ( which we thought were fairly healthy.)
Oh my gosh, Kate, same with this family. I did Whole30 on my own and am slowing changing my family over to paleo. I thought we were eating healthy. We ate real food most of the time, but lots of beans and cheese. What a difference.
Crazy how eliminating a few things from your diet can make such a huge difference, huh? Enoy!
How do I order the cookbook
THANK YOU for the support. You can order my cookbook here – http://bit.ly/EasyAndHealthySlowCooker
Amazing recipe! Loved the microwave tip. Thank you!
Just finished prepping these the recipe sounded intriguing just starting out on Paleo diet hope it works for me
My cabbage leafs didn’t get very soft but after reading the post I probably had to many at 1time.. hope they still turn out .! Thanks for sharing the recipe
It should still be fine. Let me know how it turns out!
I made so much we won’t be able of eat it all. Is it ok to freeze the left overs?bwa
Absolutely. You can even reheat them from frozen in the slow cooker if you want. To do so – add some diced tomatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the frozen cabbage rolls on top and then cover with some more diced tomatoes. Cook LOW 3-5 hours. Enjoy!
When microwaving the cabbage, how many at a time or only one? Apologies, if that’s a silly question!
Not a silly question at all:-) I did about 5 at a time. Let me know how they turn out!
Do you surround the cabbage leaves with paper towels or just place them in the MW uncovered? Also, do you remove the tough core piece before or after you MW, or at all?
I put 1 wet paper towel down then placed the cabbage leaves on top, uncovered. Yes, I did remove the tough piece first. Enjoy!
can you do fresh but the night before? and leave them in the fridg until noon or better to freeze if done in advance?
Absolutely you can make it the night before fresh. Enjoy!
Do you freeze them raw? Or cook them all and then freeze the extras? Excited to have a meal now and a meal later!
Freeze them uncooked. I assemble the rolls ahead of time like instructed, without the sauce. Then lay them all flat in a large plastic baggie. Then I place the baggie, flat in the freezer. To cook from frozen in the slow cooker – add half of the diced tomatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the frozen cabbage rolls on top and then cover with the remaining diced tomatoes. Cook LOW 3-5 hours. Enjoy!
Just finished putting them in slow cooker. I’m disabled so this is too labor intense for me. Have you ever layered cabbage leaves & meat rather than make rolls? Thx much!
You def. Can! ? it’s called lazy cabbage rolls. Layer up and enjoy!
Can you cook these the day before? How are they reheated?
Sure. You can reheat them in the microwave, or cover and back on 350 for 20-30 min. To cook from frozen in the slow cooker – add half of the diced tomatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the frozen cabbage rolls on top and then cover with the remaining diced tomatoes. Cook LOW 3-5 hours. Enjoy!
Do you brown the meat?
Nope, the meat goes in raw.
What side dishes would you make with this?
My go-to is mashed cauliflower (or mashed sweet potatoes, depending on your diet) and green beans.
Can these be made in the oven just as easily? Or is crockpot best?
I always think crockpot is best:-) But yes, you can cook them in the oven as well. Same ingredients but cover with aluminum foil, bake at 350 for 75 minutes.
I love cabbage rolls and I’m ready to try with cauliflowe rice. What a great idea. Just my two cents here: if you don’t want to deal with the cabbage leaves that sometimes break easily, try it with collard greens. Just take the core off and you can wrap them in triangles instead. It works great, too.
Probably silly question, but the entire crockpot doesn’t have to be full for them to cook properly? If I make 12 but only cook about 4 or 5, they will be fine?
Not silly at all:-) You sure can they’ll be fine!
How many carbs in one cabbage roll, please???
If you make this exactly as-is, approx 2-3 per roll. #steelernation
Will you please tell us about defrost and cook instructions? Crock pot? Oven? How long and at what temperature? Just made these and am excited that I have another meal to pull out of the freezer! Thanks!
Sure! They cook frozen, I prefer in the crock-pot of course:-) Add half of the diced tomatoes to the bottom of the slow cooker. Place the frozen cabbage rolls on top and then cover with the remaining diced tomatoes. Cook LOW 3-5 hours. Enjoy!
Thanks very much!
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. I’m starting a new Whole 30 today and have been looking for some new recipes to try out….and I’ve never had cabbage rolls. I’m making these today!
You’re welcome! I think I’m going to restart whole30 in September:-) Enjoy the recipe!
I made this last night. It’s soooo good. Thanks again!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed the recipe!! You’re welcome xoxo
I’m going to try this today – is there a nutrition info page I’m missing?
I’m looking into finding the right nutritional plugin for this page. In the meantime, Yummly provides one here: https://www.yummly.com/#recipe/Crock-Pot-Cabbage-Rolls-1920418
Thinking of making these soon!! What would be a good side dish??
I usually eat it with mashed cauliflower or mashed sweet potatoes (depending on my diet at the time). I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Where can i find cauliflower rice?
Trader Joe’s!! Or buy a head of cauliflower and use a box grater! Good luck!!
GREEN GIANT RICED CAULIFLOWER, IT IS IN THE FROZEN FOOD AREA ?
I grew up on these! My grandma would spread sauerkraut on top, then diced tomatoes, then bake for like 3 hours. So yummy!!
I don’t generally freeze prepared food. This recipes makes too much for the two of us. Do I freeze them raw or cooked and should it be all together or wrap them individually? Also, I assume you don’t freeze with the sauce. Also, is one a normal serving size? This looks so good. I can hardly wait to try it!
I am so sorry for the delay! I freeze them uncooked. I assemble the rolls ahead of time like instructed, without the sauce. Then lay them all flat in a large plastic baggie. Then I place the baggie, flat in the freezer.
I have all the ingredients ready to make the cabbage rolls and have printed the recipe but the recipe instructions don’t say how to prepare the ‘Sauce’. Is the sauce just the can of diced tomatoes, or is there more to it?
It’s just the diced tomatoes. I’ll update the recipe so it’s more clear. Enjoy!
Any substitutes for no tomatoes? (AIP complaint here)
Apologies for the delay. Artichokes are a great substitute for tomatoes.
*kool cabbage, not Kopp.. damn auto correct! Haha
Haha I knew what you meant:-) I hope it’s not too late! If microwaving the Trader Joe’s head doesn’t soften the cabbage enough that it will fold without breaking then you might need to boil or steam it but definitely try nuking it for a few seconds first. Enjoy!
If using regular cabbage how long should I boil it before filling and putting in crockpot?
Blanch the cabbage in boiling water for approx 5 minutes then run the leaves under cool water.
Thanks!
Hello! Making this tonight! If we’re not using Kopp cabbage, and just s regular head from
Trader Joe’s, how should I prepare the cabbage before rolling!
Thank you!
Steph
In the recipe, you say to use “sauce”, but there’s no instructions for making any sauce… are you referring to the diced tomatoes?
It’s the diced tomatoes. You’re the second person to ask about that so I will update the recipe to make it more clear. Thanks!
That looks really good. I love cabbage, especially in soups 😉
Thank you! Me too. I’m making corned beef and cabbage soup tomorrow:-)
Carb count listed anywhere? I have a type 1 son and always looking for carbs to know insulin amounts 🙂
Made as-is with the potatoes, it’s approx 29g per serving. xoShannon
Wow what an interesting receipe, I love letteuce wraps. I think this is something I will give a try. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy the recipe.
I recently tried this recipe and iI have a few non-cabbage eaters in my household and they loved it! Thanks for sharing this recipe. We will definetly make it again sometime!
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback! I’m SO happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe. xo
Oh how fun. I think so we are all in cabbage roll mood, I just posted a veg recipe the other day. I think I need to try yours pretty soon, love the way you seasoned your cabbage rolls.
I just pinned your recipe. I’m always looking for vegetarian alternatives. I love that you used a combo of broccoli, carrots & potatoes!
Hands down one of my favorite things to eat in the world. My mom used to make this when I was a kid and now I have shared this recipe with friends around the globe.
YES!! Me too! Childhood comfort food:-)
That looks really tasty! I’ve never tried cabbage before, I think I’ll have to after seeing this!
Thank you! I hope you give cabbage a try, I think you might like it.
This looks amazing. I never thought of using cabbage to roll up meat. Definitely will have to try it.
Thank you! I hope you enjoy the recipe!
What do you do about the grease from the hamburger? Even 93% meat still makes grease.
93 is lean. While yes it makes grease, it definitely will not be enough to make the cabbage rolls greasy per say. Especially when mixed in with raw cauliflower. Enjoy!
That looks great! We love cabbage at our house. I have made a lot of things with cabbage but not rolls. Will try it out soon. Thanks for the recipe!
You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy it.
Looks tasty, not a meat eater but I could modify for vegan! ????
You could substitute lentils for ground beef:-)
Excellent recipe, I am Hungarian we pretty much invented Cabbage Roles – Töltött Káposzta. It’s a traditional wedding and holiday food. You have to make huge batches and freeze it because it keeps so very well. Thanks so much for reminding me of my comfort food – I’m totally going to cook it this weekend.
If you have a traditional Hungarian version to pass my way I would love it!
So what’s the sauce made of?
It’s the diced tomatoes from the recipe.
ah, comfort food! Loved the microwave idea for cabbage prep. The one I used was to freeze it first.
Healthy comfort food, can’t beat that! I used to have to freeze mine first as well. Never again! Microwaving was so much easier:-)