Slow Cooker Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Brown one pound of ground beef with two minced garlic cloves and one small diced onion in a large skillet. Drain any excess grease.
- Add one small head of chopped cabbage, 2 1/2 cups of water, 1 cup of uncooked Minute rice, 1 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons of garlic salt, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of sugar, a 28-ounce can of tomato sauce, and a 14.5-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes with their juice to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cooked ground beef mixture until fully combined.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the rice and cabbage are tender.
- If the mixture is too thick, add a little more water, beef broth, or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Top each serving with shredded cheese, if desired, and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
- Some folks prefer to wait until the end to add the rice. We like the rice super soft but I know some folks want it more firm. If that’s the case, you can add it during the last hour or so of cooking.
- Regular long grain rice can be used. Cut down the amount of rice to 3/4 cup. Just make sure to rinse the rice well until the water runs clear before adding it to the slow cooker. This will help remove some of the starch so that the soup doesn’t turn out gummy. It’s not necessary to rinse the Minute Rice.
When Your Wednesday Night Needs a Hug
You know that feeling. It’s 5:30 PM, the light’s already gone, and you’re staring into the fridge like it’s going to magically produce dinner. I’m not going to lie, I’ve been there more times than I’d care to admit. That’s exactly why this cabbage casserole in crockpot became my winter lifeline. It’s the kind of meal my grandma Evelyn would’ve pulled from her garage freezer with a Sharpie label that just said “EAT.” No fuss, all comfort.
Here’s the thing about a good cabbage casserole in crockpot. It’s not fancy. It won’t win any plating awards. But on a cold January night in Minneapolis, when you walk in from scraping your windshield, the smell of tomatoes and savory beef filling your kitchen? That’s better than fancy. It’s a warm hug in a bowl. And the best part? You literally dump it in and walk away. Future you will thank you, I promise.
Why This cabbage casserole in crockpot Works
Real talk. The magic of this cabbage casserole in crockpot isn’t in any single ingredient. It’s in the layering. You’re building flavors slowly, letting the cabbage soften without turning to mush, and the rice absorbs all that amazing tomatoey juice. It’s a one-pot wonder that feels like you spent hours, but your crockpot did all the heavy lifting. The tomato sauce is key; discover our guide to the best tomato sauce for cabbage rolls to elevate any cabbage dish.
I think this works because it solves the busy parent’s biggest pain point: decision fatigue. Dinner’s already halfway done before you even leave for work. You just come home to it. That said, the technique matters. Putting the cabbage on top of the meat mixture? That’s the secret to preventing a soggy mess. It steams perfectly while the beef and tomatoes bubble away underneath.
Your Game Plan for Success
Let’s break this down. First, the cabbage. Core it and chop it into 1-2 inch pieces. Don’t get too precious about it. Bigger pieces hold up better in the slow cooker. That’s a tip I learned the hard way after making cabbage soup instead of a casserole. In my experience, anyway.
Now, the layering for your cabbage casserole in crockpot. This is where you win. Brown your beef with the onions and garlic right in a skillet. Drain the fat if you want, but I usually leave a little for flavor. Then, in your crockpot, you’ll mix that with the tomatoes, sauce, water, and all the seasonings. The rice goes in last, stirred through. Then, and this is critical, you pile all that chopped cabbage right on top. Don’t mix it in. Just let it sit there like a fluffy green hat.
The Low and Slow Magic
You can cook this cabbage roll slow cooker casserole on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7. I usually go low, because it gives the flavors more time to get to know each other. The cabbage will wilt down into the sauce beautifully. About 30 minutes before it’s done, give everything a gentle stir to combine. You’ll see the rice is tender and the cabbage is perfectly soft but still has a tiny bit of bite. That’s when you know it’s ready.
Tips for the Best cabbage casserole in crockpot
I’ve made this lazy golumpki slow cooker dish more times than I can count. Here’s what I’ve learned.
Preparation is Key
Don’t completely drain the sauerkraut if you’re using it. Leaving about a quarter cup of that liquid adds a fantastic tangy flavor that cuts through the richness. And core your cabbage properly. It makes chopping so much easier and gets rid of the tough bits.
Smart Cooking Choices
Rice is optional, but cooking it separately ensures it’s fully cooked and lets you control the amount. If you’re adding it directly, use Minute rice so it doesn’t get gummy. You’ll need at least a 6-quart slow cooker for this recipe. If you’re doubling it for a crowd, just use a larger crock pot. Totally doable.
Making it Your Own
You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to lighten it up. Fair enough. I’ve done it when I’m trying to be healthier. The flavor’s different, but still good. You can top your bowl with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar if desired. It melts into the hot casserole and is honestly kind of genius. If you love the combination of cabbage and cheese, our baked cabbage with cheese recipe is a must-try.
Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is a fantastic template. Don’t have Minute rice? Use cooked brown rice added at the end. Want more veggies? Throw in some sliced carrots or bell peppers with the onions. The beauty of a crockpot cabbage roll casserole is its flexibility. For a simple cabbage and carrot side dish, check out our recipe for sautéed cabbage and carrots.
Dietary Tweaks
For a gluten-free version, just double-check your tomato sauce and diced tomatoes don’t have any sneaky additives. They usually don’t. To make it dairy-free, skip the cheese topping or use a nutritional yeast sprinkle. It still tastes amazing.
Flavor Adventures
Try smoked paprika instead of regular for a deeper, almost bacony flavor. Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a smoky kick. A splash of Worcestershire sauce in with the beef adds umami depth. I’m a little obsessed with that variation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ve all been there. Here’s how to sidestep the pitfalls with your crockpot stuffed cabbage casserole.
❌ Mistake: Dumping everything in and stirring it all together at the start.
✅ Solution: Layer the cabbage on top. This lets it steam gently instead of boiling into mush at the bottom. It’s the single best tip for texture.
❌ Mistake: Using regular long-grain rice instead of instant/Minute rice.
✅ Solution: Stick with Minute rice or parboiled rice. They’re designed to absorb liquid reliably in a slow, moist environment without turning to glue.
❌ Mistake: Peeking too often! Lifting the lid lets out heat and steam, adding significant cooking time.
✅ Solution: Trust the process. Set it and forget it for at least the first few hours. Your cabbage casserole in crockpot needs that steady, enclosed heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Store and Serve Your Masterpiece
This cabbage casserole in crockpot is a meal prep dream. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and in the freezer for a solid 3 months. Label it with masking tape like my grandma. “Cabbage casserole, Jan, 350 for 20 min.”
To reheat, just microwave a portion until it’s steaming hot. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight first. Sometimes I’ll reheat it in a covered skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. Serve it as is, or with that cheese topping we talked about. Dinner’s handled.
Go Forth and Be Comforted
When you serve this cabbage casserole in crockpot, your family will gather in the kitchen asking what smells so good. That’s the win. It’s warm, it’s hearty, and it makes your Wednesday night feel easy. You’ve got a new favorite in your rotation. Give it a try this week, and let me know how it goes. You’ve totally got this.
How do you make cabbage casserole in a crockpot without it getting soggy?
Layer the chopped cabbage on top of the meat and sauce mixture. Don’t stir it in until the last 30 minutes. This lets it steam and soften perfectly without stewing in the liquid at the bottom. It’s a game-changer for texture.
What’s the best way to layer ingredients for a crockpot cabbage roll casserole?
Meat and sauce mixture first, then rice stirred in, then all the cabbage piled on top. That order protects the cabbage and ensures the rice cooks evenly in the flavorful liquid. It reheats like a dream this way, too.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this slow cooker stuffed cabbage casserole?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works great. The flavor will be milder, so you might want to add an extra pinch of garlic salt or paprika. It’s a fantastic way to lighten up this comfort food classic.
How long can I keep leftovers of this lazy golumpki slow cooker dish in the refrigerator?
Leftover cabbage casserole in crockpot keeps beautifully for up to 4 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually meld and get better. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before you fridge it.
What are some easy side dishes to serve with cabbage roll slow cooker casserole?
Keep it simple. A crusty loaf of sourdough to soak up the sauce, or a bright, crunchy apple slaw to cut the richness. Sometimes we just have it with a dollop of sour cream and call it a complete meal.
