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There are many regions in the world that can grow cabbage, and just about everyone has developed a recipe for stuffing that cabbage with local meats, spices, and other ingredients. This is probably why stuffed cabbage is one of the ultimate comfort foods.

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It’s family-friendly, budget conscious, and can be personalized and adjusted in so many different ways. Cabbage rolls are a healthy appetizer that can be turned into a full meal when you use this easy and delicious crockpot unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe.

This version of unstuffed cabbage rolls, based on a traditional Czech recipe my Grandmother passed down, has been converted into slow cooker form to fit the busy American family‘s needs. This dish is sure to make it into your meal rotation and also makes delicious leftovers.

But the biggest benefit of this recipe is that it doesn’t take much effort to put together. You will just need to brown the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot. That is the most effort you will need to make this dinner recipe.

You can use this recipe as a busy weeknight dinner recipe or even as a party recipe because it will make enough for a crowd. Think of it like one of the most versatile dinner recipes that fits into time of year and for any occasion.

Crockpot Casserole Recipes

Casserole recipes make for amazing crockpot recipes. They usually don’t require much prep, simply toss the ingredients into your crockpot and let it cook. Cabbage rolls lend themselves perfectly to a casserole. The original recipe is nothing more than a delicious meat mixture wrapped in cabbage.

But that is why this recipe is perfect! You can take the ingredients that would normally be wrapped in cabbage and make it just a part of a casserole mixture. Of course, we shouldn’t be surprised because crackpots excel at making easy dinner recipes.

Crockpot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Ingredients

There are many things that come together to make the best cabbage rolls, and the same can be said for unstuffed cabbage rolls. If you’ve never tried cabbage rolls, you’re in for a treat. While in roll form, this recipe would make great appetizers, but in unstuffed form, these crockpot unstuffed cabbage rolls make a great side dish or even a main dish if you so choose.

Ground beef is at the center, with scraps of cabbage mixed in, and pork adds even more flavor along with tomatoes, beef broth, and more. The end result is a dish that packs a punch of flavor that everyone can enjoy.

You can spice things up by adding spicier seasonings like chili powder for more heat in every bite. However, you won’t want to venture too far into customizations because we still want the base flavor to be present.

Crockpot Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Directions

Rinse rice well and set aside.

Combine the spice mix spices in a small bowl or measuring cup.

Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet and brown the pork, beef, and onion together.

Once browned, add the beef broth and rice. Mix well over medium heat. Cover and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, tomato sauce, spice mix, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk all ingredients together. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Spray the bottom and sides of your Crockpot with oil spray to prevent sticking.

Then, begin layering the ingredients.

Line the bottom with 2 of the cabbage wedges, breaking them apart to cover the bottom of the dish.

Add ½ of the beef/pork/onion/rice mixture.

Add the bay leaf and ½ of the sauce. I like to put the bay leaf near the side of the dish so I can retrieve it easily after cooking.

Make the 2nd layer the same way.

Top the entire dish with the remaining sauce. I like to push the cabbage and meat layers a little away from the sides of the dish to let some of the sauce soak through.

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours.

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