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Home » Recipes » Main Dish Recipes

Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

Published: Sep 3, 2021 · Modified: Oct 15, 2021 by Colleen 40 Comments

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Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls take a classic comfort dish and make it even better. You get to come home to a delicious, nutritious dinner without having to cook. These stuffed cabbage rolls are hearty and filling and always a hit!

Stuffed Cabbage Rolls on a white plate with a fork.

Jump to:
  • About Cabbage Rolls
  • Classic Cabbage Rolls
  • Here's What you Need to Make This Recipe
  • How To Make It, Step by Step
  • Tip: How To Soften The Cabbage Leaves
  • Recipe Tips
  • Can You Freeze Cabbage Rolls?
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Recipe
  • Comments

About Cabbage Rolls

Homey, humble cabbage rolls are one of those classic, big batch dishes. Big batch because, well, cabbages are big.

Stuffed cabbage dishes are featured in the cuisines of many cultures, but in particular Eastern Europe.

The cabbage rolls that most Canadians are familiar with are of Ukrainian origin. They're usually a filling of ground meat and rice, rolled up in cabbage leaves. Then you top them with tomato sauce and bake. Ukrainian cabbage rolls are a delicious staple in many generations of Canadian homes.

Two cabbage rolls on a plate, one being cut in half with a fork.

Classic Cabbage Rolls

Stuffed cabbage recipes vary greatly, and many Moms and Grandmas have their own cherished cabbage roll recipe versions. Some recipes use bacon, ground pork, or turkey. Some versions have different vegetables and sauces.

This recipe is as basic as you can get, but it's still delicious. You can roll these up on a Sunday, and on Monday morning, plug in the slow cooker for a hearty and satisfying dinner when you get home.

Here's What you Need to Make This Recipe

You don't need a lot of ingredients to make slow cooker cabbage rolls! Here they are:

For the Rolls:

  • Cabbage, of course. You can use regular green cabbage, savoy cabbage, napa, or even red cabbage. Learn about the differences: 4 Types of Cabbages.
  • Ground beef or pork, or a mixture of both. Because you won't be able to drain the fat from this recipe, lean ground meats are the ideal choice.
  • Rice. Long white rice such as basmati is traditional, but you can use brown rice, barley, or really any grain if you want to experiment.
  • Egg: a beaten egg helps to bind the meat without overworking it.
  • Onion: I'm using a medium onion, which is about one cup diced.
  • Garlic: Buying jars of fresh pre-minced garlic is a huge time-saver and just as good as fresh.
  • Herbs: I used dried oregano and thyme for this recipe. If you want to substitute fresh herbs for the dried ones, use one tablespoon fresh for every teaspoon of dried herbs.
The ingredients to make the cabbage rolls.

For the Sauce:

  • Tomato Juice: Many recipes use canned tomato soup, but I prefer to limit the amount of sodium, sugar and other ingredients. Tomato juice also has a brighter, fresher flavour.
  • Tomato paste: Tomato paste thickens the sauce and adds body and flavour
  • Worcestershire sauce: I use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, but if gluten isn't an issue, use your favourite brand. Just don't leave it out.
  • Brown sugar: Even though I do like to limit the sugar, a touch of sugar balances the acidity of the tomato sauce.
Ingredients to make the sauce.

How To Make It, Step by Step

  1. Combine the filling ingredients in a bowl
  2. Mix well
  3. Spoon filling into the center of each cabbage leaf
  4. Roll the leaves around the filling
Steps1 through 4 of making this recipe.
  1. Fold the ends inside before wrapping the cabbage rolls completely.
  2. Mix together the sauce ingredients and add a layer of sauce, along with any extra cabbage, to the slow cooker.
  3. Place cabbage rolls, seam side down in a single layer.
  4. Cover the rolls with the remaining sauce.
Steps 5 through 8 of making this recipe.

Tip: How To Soften The Cabbage Leaves

In order to make cabbage rolls, the cabbage leaves must be softened. It may seem daunting, but there are three easy ways to do it.

1.Freeze

If you simply freeze the whole cabbage, then allow it to thaw, the leaves will be perfectly softened. This is because of moisture released during thawing. This method is fuss-free. However, it requires planning for freezing and thawing time. If you know you will make cabbage rolls this week, put your cabbage in the freezer as soon as you bring it home from the store or market.

2.Blanche

Blanching the cabbage in boiling water is the traditional method. It's also the most tedious and can be hazardous. You'll need a large pot to boil the cabbage. Use tongs to remove the outer leaves as they soften, which means tending the pot while each layer of leaves softens. There is a risk of getting splashed with boiling water, so make sure those tongs are long ones. Keep a colander suspended over a bowl, next to the stove.

You can also peel the leaves from the cabbage before blanching them. This is less tedious and less messy, but more time-consuming. If you do it this way, blanche the leaves in batches for three minutes.

3.Microwave

Using the microwave eliminates the tedium and does a good job of softening the cabbage leaves. For this method, you are basically steaming the cabbage. Place the cabbage in a large bowl with a few inches of water. Microwave on high for ten minutes. Turn, using forks or tongs, then microwave for another ten minutes. Once the cabbage is cool enough to handle, the leaves will be soft and easy to remove.

Recipe Tips

  • If your slow cooker is not large enough to cook the cabbage rolls in a single layer, use cabbage leaves to separate the layers.
  • You don't need to remove the core from the cabbage before microwaving. However, if you do remove the core, it will speed up the microwave time. You will need a sharp knife and a stable surface.
  • If you love cabbage and have extra, you can wrap the filling in two leaves for each roll, making a double layer of cabbage.

Can You Freeze Cabbage Rolls?

Cabbage rolls are perfect for the freezer, but you should freeze them uncooked because they won't hold their shape or texture if you freeze them after cooking. To freeze them, after filling the rolls, place them on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet in a single layer. Place in the freezer for about an hour or until they are firm. Then pack the rolls in freezer bags or air-tight freezer-safe containers.

When you want to cook them, defrost them in the fridge, prepare your sauce, and cook as per the instructions.

A couple of things to keep in mind if you want to freeze uncooked slow cooker cabbage rolls:

  1. If the ground meat you are using was previously frozen, it can't be frozen again after thawing, so only freeze the cabbage rolls if you are using fresh, not previously frozen meat.
  2. Don't use the freezer method to soften the cabbage if you plan to freeze the rolls.
A top down view of two cabbage rolls on a plate.

Recipe FAQs

Why are my cabbage rolls tough?

The rolls can be tough if the cabbage leaves didn't get softened enough before cooking, or if the rolls didn't get cooked long enough. When pre-softening the cabbage leaves, they should be pliable enough to roll around the filling, but not limp.

How long do cabbage rolls last in the fridge?

You can keep your cooked cabbage rolls in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls on a white plate.

Serving Suggestions

We like these slow cooker cabbage rolls as a meal by themselves, but you can also serve them with side dishes, like Mashed Potatoes, or Sautéed Green Beans. And you can never go wrong with a salad. These are perfect: Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad or Classic Potato Salad. And it's always great to have something to mop up that yummy sauce. We like Soda Bread.

Cabbage works really well in the slow cooker! You might also want to try Slow Cooker Red Cabbage & Apples, or Slow Cooker Corned Beef and Cabbage.

Did you make this recipe? Please leave a rating in the comments below and let us know how it turned out. Did you make any changes? We would love for you to share and your feedback is important!

Recipe

A plate of food on a table

Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

These Cabbage Rolls, stuffed with lean ground beef and rice, and topped with tomato sauce, are easy and delicious in the slow cooker.
4.72 from 21 votes
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: European
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 7 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 270kcal
Author: Colleen Milne

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  • 1 cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef or pork (or a combination)
  • 1 onion diced
  • 1 cup uncooked rice
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 large egg beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 4 cups tomato juice
  • 6 oz tomato paste 1 can
  • 2 tablespoon gluten-free Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 tablespoon brown sugar
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Remove the tough outer layer of leaves from the cabbage
  • Put the cabbage core side down in a large microwave-safe bowl and add ½ cup of water
  • Microwave on high for 10 minutes
  • Carefully turn the cabbage and microwave for a further 10 minutes
  • When the cabbage is cool enough to handle, cut around the base to loosen leaves, peeling them off the head.
  • When you have 16 softened cabbage leaves of roughly the same size, set them aside while you make the filling.
  • In a bowl, combine egg, ground beef, rice, garlic, onion, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • In another bowl, combine tomato juice, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar.
  • Cover the bottom of the slow cooker with any excess cabbage leaves
  • Pour ½ of the sauce over the leaves in the slow cooker
  • To make the rolls, put a ¼ cup of filling down the center of each cabbage leaf.
  • Fold up the sides and then roll the leaves, placing each roll seam side down in the slow cooker, until you have one layer.
  • Cover with the remaining tomato sauce mixture.
  • Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
  • Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours

Notes

Make ahead: You can make the cabbage rolls the day before, keep them in the fridge overnight and transfer them to the slow cooker in the morning.
Leftovers: These cabbage rolls will keep in the fridge for 2-3 days and can be reheated in the microwave
Of course, the cooking time here is passive because we're slow cooking, but all slow cookers are different, so cooking time can vary depending on your cooker.
Use the rest of your cabbage in soups or stews, and you can save the cabbage cooking water for soup, too.
This recipe is gluten free if you use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce

Nutrition

Serving: 2g | Calories: 270kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 18g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 582mg | Potassium: 979mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 1012IU | Vitamin C: 70mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 4mg
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle

    May 07, 2021 at 9:36 am

    These cabbage rolls remind me of my friend's grandma's version -- so good and comforting! Delicious!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 07, 2021 at 10:37 am

      I know exactly what you mean, Michelle! I'm glad you liked them!

      Reply
  2. Emily Flint

    May 07, 2021 at 9:35 am

    I never thought to make cabbage rolls in the slow cooker, how smart! These turned out perfect and my family loved them so they are definitely in the rotation now!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      May 07, 2021 at 10:36 am

      I'm so happy that your family loved them, Emily! Thanks so much for letting me know!

      Reply
  3. irene hyer

    January 02, 2021 at 5:50 am

    I have made these half a dozen times they are so delicious!!! The only thing I have changed is I use whatever organic ingredients I can find! I am an organic girl. Still comes out delish!!!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      January 02, 2021 at 7:39 am

      Hi Irene! I'm so happy to hear this because these are a favourite at my house. And I always use organic when I can, too! Thanks so much for dropping a note, & Happy New Year!

      Reply
  4. Suzanne Tessier

    November 30, 2020 at 3:36 pm

    Hi,
    I Have never added brown sugar to my cabbage rolls.
    Does it make the cabbage rolls taste sweet?

    Reply
    • Colleen

      November 30, 2020 at 6:20 pm

      Hi Suzanne! The addition of brown sugar will mellow out the taste of the tomato sauce so that cabbage can shine. Leave it out if that makes you more comfortable! Cheers.

      Reply
  5. Jenny

    December 21, 2019 at 5:37 pm

    Hi! Any variations like if I would like to cook this in the oven instead? Also, I’m a vegetarian so I was planning on using beyond meat ‘hamburger’ instead. (Not the crumbles but the stuff that looks like a pound of hamburger). Thanks in advance!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      December 21, 2019 at 5:51 pm

      Hi Jenny! Yes cook them in the oven @ 350 for 1.5 - 2 hours. Beyond meat will work fine. I would love to hear how they turn out for you. (I'll use your experience for my recipe notes) Thanks so much and good luck with your cabbage rolls,

      Reply
  6. Maria Rose

    November 22, 2017 at 4:53 am

    That is an amazing recipe. After reading that blog loving Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      November 22, 2017 at 6:27 am

      Thanks Maria! So glad you enjoyed the recipe, and thanks so much for letting me know!

      Reply
  7. Holly Botner

    October 20, 2017 at 5:09 pm

    I love cabbage rolls and these look great! My nickname is Halishka which is cabbage roll in Yiddish.

    Reply
    • Colleen

      October 20, 2017 at 5:40 pm

      Holly that is the cutest nickname! It was lovely to meet you tonight, thanks for commenting.

      Reply
  8. Elizabeth

    September 25, 2017 at 8:46 am

    I am absolutely loving the sound of these! It's been a very long time since I've had cabbage rolls - I suddenly have a craving.....!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 25, 2017 at 9:28 am

      Hi Elizabeth, It was a long time since I had cabbage rolls, too. A craving convinced me that I needed to make them. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Sandi

    September 25, 2017 at 8:41 am

    Those look just like my grandmother's...amazing!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 25, 2017 at 9:26 am

      Thanks Sandi! My grandmother's too 🙂

      Reply
    • Kristy

      December 30, 2019 at 7:42 am

      I really want to try this recipe but I do have a question do you cook the beef first or leave raw and mix the rice and other ingredients in?

      Reply
      • Colleen

        December 30, 2019 at 7:54 am

        Hi Kristy, no, you don't have to pre cook the ground beef, just mix it raw with the other ingredients, as the slow cooker will do the cooking for you. Enjoy!

  10. Sam | Ahead of Thyme

    September 24, 2017 at 11:18 am

    I love slow cooker dishes, it makes life so easy!! These cabbage rolls look delicious!!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 24, 2017 at 11:40 am

      I'm with you on that, Sam, the slow cooker is the best invention ever. Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  11. Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry

    September 24, 2017 at 3:04 am

    I love how the slow cooker makes dishes even more tasty. This looks similar to polish cuisine

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 24, 2017 at 7:57 am

      Bintu, the slow cooker is a gem in the kitchen, isn't it? Thanks for stopping by!

      Reply
  12. Andrea @ The Petite Cook

    September 23, 2017 at 1:32 am

    I've heard of cabbage rolls before but never actually tried. They look scrumptious! I really like the filling, they look very similar to Italian cannelloni 🙂

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 23, 2017 at 8:07 am

      Hi Andrea! Cabbage rolls are a common comfort food in Canada. Once you try them, you'll know why. They are so good! 🙂

      Reply
  13. Isabelle @ Crumb

    September 15, 2017 at 9:58 am

    I am a total sucker for cabbage rolls, though I have yet to try making them at home. Bookmarking this to make once the weather gets cooler and I start craving these sorts of saucy, stick-to-your ribs meals!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 15, 2017 at 10:37 am

      Hi Isabelle! I used to be put off by the amount of work to make cabbage rolls, but this recipe makes it pretty easy. 🙂

      Reply
  14. Karen Ahmed

    September 13, 2017 at 9:05 am

    I used to hate Cabbage rolls, I don't know why! The concept of meat wrapped in a leaf is classic brilliance. Awesome post!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 13, 2017 at 9:45 am

      Thanks Karen. I never get tired of cabbage rolls. 🙂

      Reply
  15. Denise from Urb'n'Spice

    September 13, 2017 at 8:22 am

    I saw your post for Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls on Instagram and the first thing I thought was "I must make this!" It is such a comfort food to me. I am looking forward to trying your version. Thank you for the inspiration, Colleen!

    Reply
    • Colleen

      September 13, 2017 at 8:25 am

      Hi Denise, I'm with you on that! Cabbage Rolls are a true comfort food. I love making this easy version, and it's great to bring out the slow cooker once again. 🙂

      Reply
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