Why make this recipe
Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is a fantastic dish that combines the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with the ease of a slow cooker. It is perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a hearty meal without a lot of fuss. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The combination of cabbage, meat, rice, and tomatoes makes it a filling and satisfying option. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite spices or ingredients.
How to make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
- 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)
Directions
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, rice, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- In a crockpot, layer half of the chopped cabbage, then add half of the meat mixture. Repeat layers with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through.
- Serve hot.
How to serve Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is best served hot. You can dish it out into bowls and enjoy it on its own, or you could pair it with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce. It’s also great topped with extra cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for added flavor.
How to store Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
To store leftover casserole, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can refrigerate it for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Ensure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Tips to make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
- For added flavor, you can sauté the onions and garlic before mixing them with the other ingredients.
- If you like a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or diced peppers to the meat mixture.
- Feel free to swap out the ground beef or turkey for sausage or a plant-based option to cater to your preferences.
Variation
You can customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini, to increase the nutritional value. For a low-carb version, substitute the rice with cauliflower rice.
FAQs
Can I make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pop it in the crockpot the next day when you’re ready to cook.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking the rice.
Can I use cooked rice instead of uncooked?
Yes, you can use cooked rice. However, you’ll need to reduce the cooking time since the rice is already done. Adding it towards the last hour of cooking is a good idea.
Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A hearty and nutritious casserole that combines the classic flavors of cabbage rolls made easy in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 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
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef or turkey, rice, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- In a crockpot, layer half of the chopped cabbage, then add half of the meat mixture. Repeat layers with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture.
- If using, sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender and the meat is cooked through.
- Serve hot.
Notes
For added flavor, sauté the onions and garlic before mixing them with the other ingredients. Customize with added vegetables or meat options to suit your preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
