Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is one of those recipes I’m genuinely grateful for, and I’m so thankful you’re here to share it with me. If you love comfort food that feels like a warm hug but don’t love spending hours in the kitchen, this one’s for you. Right after I tested it the first time, I knew it was going straight into our regular dinner rotation. It’s cozy, hearty, and wonderfully simple, yet tastes like you put in way more effort than you actually did.
Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole: An Easy Comfort Food Favorite
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole takes everything you love about classic cabbage rolls and turns it into a no-fuss, slow-cooker miracle. No rolling, no blanching cabbage leaves, and absolutely no stress. Just layers of savory goodness simmering away while your house fills with the most incredible aroma.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons this recipe has my heart, but here are a few big ones:
- It’s incredibly easy—perfect for busy weekdays
- No rolling individual cabbage leaves
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Feeds a crowd and reheats beautifully
- Comfort food at its finest without being heavy
Anything but boring!!
What Does Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Taste Like?
Imagine tender cabbage, juicy ground meat, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich tomato sauce that’s been slow-cooked into absolute perfection. The flavors meld together in the crockpot, creating a dish that’s savory, slightly sweet, and deeply satisfying. The cabbage softens just enough to melt into the sauce, while the beef and rice give it that classic, hearty cabbage roll feel.
Benefits of This Recipe
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole isn’t just delicious—it’s practical too.
- Hands-off cooking: Let the crockpot do the work
- Nutritious: Packed with veggies and protein
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love it
- Great for meal prep: Tastes even better the next day
Ingredients for Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy casserole:
- 1½ pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups beef broth
Tools You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy here, which is part of the charm:
- Slow cooker (6-quart works best)
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
Ingredient Additions and Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully flexible:
- Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage
- Rice: Brown rice works, but add extra cooking time and liquid
- Low-carb option: Use cauliflower rice (add it during the last hour)
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika
- Cheese lovers: Sprinkle mozzarella or cheddar on top before serving
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Step by Step
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the diced onion until fully cooked. Drain excess grease, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Add tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Layer the Crockpot
Lightly grease your slow cooker. Add half of the chopped cabbage to the bottom, followed by half of the meat mixture, half of the uncooked rice, and some tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Repeat the layers.
Step 4: Add Liquid
Pour the beef broth evenly over the top. Gently press down with a spoon so everything is submerged.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is perfectly soft.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Give everything a gentle stir before serving. The smell alone will have everyone hovering in the kitchen!
What to Serve with Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
This dish is filling on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted carrots or green beans
- A dollop of sour cream on top
Tips for the Best Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking
- Don’t skip browning the meat—it adds so much flavor
- Resist lifting the lid too often; heat loss affects cook time
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth
General Recipe Information
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is ideal for make-ahead meals, potlucks, and cozy family dinners. It’s one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
Can I make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble everything the night before, refrigerate the crockpot insert, and start cooking the next day.
Does the rice cook fully in the crockpot?
Yes, as long as there’s enough liquid and cook time. Make sure the rice is fully submerged.
Can I use pre-cooked rice?
You can, but add it during the last hour to avoid mushy rice.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s hearty, flavorful, and wonderfully easy, making it perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. If you love recipes that feel like home, this one belongs on your table.