Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage: Never Watery!

Craving the comforting flavors of classic unstuffed cabbage but dreading a soggy, watery mess? You’re not alone! Many home cooks struggle to achieve that perfect, rich, and hearty consistency. But fear not! This slow cooker unstuffed cabbage recipe is a game-changer. It’s packed with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a luscious tomato sauce, all simmered to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. Best of all, it’s guaranteed to be never watery, thanks to a simple yet crucial trick.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage

This isn’t just another unstuffed cabbage recipe; it’s a guaranteed success! Here’s why you’ll be making this again and again:

• Incredibly Easy: Dump, stir, and let the slow cooker do its magic. Minimal hands-on time required.
• Never Watery: Say goodbye to thin, flavorless sauce. The secret is in the browning and draining!
• Packed with Flavor: The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a deeply satisfying dish.
• Comfort Food Classic: All the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have on hand.

Gathering Your Ingredients for Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk ingredients! This slow cooker unstuffed cabbage is all about maximizing flavor and texture. We start with a base of ground beef and then build layers of complementary ingredients to make something truly special. The key is to use quality ingredients and prepare them properly.

Save For Later!

Here’s what you’ll need to create this heartwarming dish:

• Ground Beef: 2 pounds of ground beef form the hearty base of this dish. I prefer using ground beef with an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. The extra fat adds flavor and richness to the final product. Don’t be afraid of the fat, we’ll be draining it off later!
• Onion: One large onion, diced, provides a foundational savory flavor. Yellow or white onions work perfectly.
• Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced, add a pungent aroma and delightful bite. Freshly minced garlic is always best for optimal flavor.
• Green Cabbage: One small head of green cabbage, cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces, is the star of the show! Green cabbage offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that complements the other ingredients.
• Crushed Tomatoes: One 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes creates the base of the sauce. Crushed tomatoes offer a smooth, rich texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: One 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes adds texture and a bit of brightness to the sauce.
• Beef Broth: One cup of beef broth provides moisture and enhances the savory flavor. You can use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
• Worcestershire Sauce: One tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce (optional) adds a depth of umami flavor. It’s a secret ingredient that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
• Dried Parsley: One teaspoon of dried parsley adds a touch of herbaceousness.
• Paprika: One teaspoon of paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful color.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. These essential seasonings enhance all the other flavors in the dish.

Crafting Your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage: Step-by-Step

Ready to create a delicious and comforting meal? Don’t be intimidated by the word “unstuffed.” This recipe is incredibly straightforward and requires minimal effort. The magic happens in the slow cooker, where all the flavors meld together to create a hearty and satisfying dish. The most important thing is to follow the key steps to prevent a watery sauce!

1. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as it cooks. This step is crucial for developing a rich, savory flavor in the dish. Use a sturdy spatula to break up the beef into small pieces. This also helps ensure even cooking.
2. Sauté the Onion: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Sautéing the onion releases its natural sweetness and enhances its flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent the onion from burning.
3. Add the Garlic: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The fragrant aroma is your cue that it’s ready!
4. Drain Off Excess Grease: This is the SECRET to preventing a watery sauce! Thoroughly drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Use a fine-mesh sieve or carefully pour off the grease while holding back the beef and onion mixture with a spatula. This step is non-negotiable!
5. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is ideal for this recipe.
6. Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the chopped cabbage, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce (if using), dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
7. Combine: Stir everything together to combine. Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed in the slow cooker.
8. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are melded. The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the cabbage for tenderness after the minimum cooking time.
9. Season to Perfection: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or other spices to your liking.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Every Time

Want to ensure your slow cooker unstuffed cabbage is a resounding success? Here are a few extra tips and tricks:

• Don’t Skip the Browning: Browning the ground beef is essential for developing a deep, rich flavor. It also helps to render out some of the fat, further preventing a watery sauce.
• Cabbage Prep: Chop the cabbage into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Larger pieces may take longer to cook and result in an uneven texture.
• Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients. If using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to reduce the recipe accordingly.
• Stirring is Optional: While not necessary, stirring the unstuffed cabbage halfway through the cooking time can help ensure even distribution of flavors.
• Add a Touch of Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup to the slow cooker.
• Spice it Up: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the slow cooker. For another hearty and spicy slow cooker recipe, try our Smoked Paprika Sunset Chicken Chili.
• Storage: Leftover unstuffed cabbage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

What to Serve With Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage

This hearty slow cooker unstuffed cabbage is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the rich tomato sauce. For extra flavor, try our Creamy Herb Mashed Potatoes.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with a side of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty dish.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful side.

Your Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Questions Answered (FAQ)

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef. However, keep in mind that ground turkey is generally leaner than ground beef, so you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet when browning the turkey to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, you could also try using ground chicken.

Can I add other vegetables to the unstuffed cabbage?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or celery to the slow cooker. Add them along with the cabbage and other ingredients. If you want more cabbage-based recipes, you might enjoy our recipe for Ultimate Braised Cabbage Rolls in Tomato Sauce.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. Brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer over low heat for about 1-1.5 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors are melded. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze leftover unstuffed cabbage?

Yes, leftover unstuffed cabbage freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Enjoy Your Homemade Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for slow cooker unstuffed cabbage that’s guaranteed to be never watery! This recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling. It’s an easy, budget-friendly, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and heartwarming dish. Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Also, feel free to share this recipe with your friends and family on social media. Happy cooking!