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Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole is a meal I make when I want the delicious cabbage rolls without turning dinner into a project. I usually start it earlier in the day and then by the time we are ready to eat, it is hearty, warm, and easy to serve. It is a dependable dinner that everyone at the table always loves!
👉 If I am planning a week of slow cooker dinners, I also include my Slow Cooker High-Protein Chicken & Veggies.
This slow cooker cabbage roll casserole is made with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and rice cooked together until tender. It gives you the classic cabbage roll flavors without stuffing or rolling. Everything cooks slowly in one pot, making it an easy dinner for busy days. This recipe works well for meal prep and reheats nicely for leftovers.
Table of Contents
- Step-by-Step Recipe Video
- What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Full Ingredients List
- Swaps & Substitutions
- About What This Costs
- How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Tips and Tricks
- Recipe FAQs – Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- How I Use the Leftovers
- More Great Slow Cooker Dinners
- Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step-by-Step Recipe Video
Why you’ll love this recipe…
I choose this recipe when I am craving something that feels familiar and steady. The cabbage softens, the beef cooks into the sauce, and the rice finishes right in the slow cooker. It is a meal that does not need much attention once it gets started, which makes it easy to fit into a busy day.
⏰ Total Time: About 7 hours
🍂 Perfect For: Busy weekdays, meal prep
🛒 Key Ingredients: Cabbage, ground beef, tomatoes
🍽️ Servings: 6
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Refrigerator and freezer friendly
👉 If you like cozy slow cooker dinners like this, you might love my Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken.
Made With Love,
What You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds richness and body to the sauce as it cooks.
- Green cabbage: Softens down and absorbs the tomato broth as it cooks.
- Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce: Create the classic cabbage roll style sauce.
- White rice: Finishes cooking in the slow cooker and thickens the casserole.
👉 For another one-pot chicken dinner, try my Slow Cooker Sticky Honey Chicken & Vegetables.
Full Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3½ cups beef broth
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.
Swaps & Substitutions
- Use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for extra seasoning.
- Brown rice can be used, but it may need extra cook time.
- Vegetable broth works if you prefer a lighter flavor.
About What This Costs
Estimated total cost: $12–14
Servings: 6
Estimated cost per serving: About $2–3
This estimate is based on average US grocery prices and may vary depending on location, store, and seasonal pricing.
It feeds a group comfortably and stretches well for leftovers.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
Step 1: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain and discard excess grease.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
Step 6: Stir in the uncooked white rice. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 additional hour, or until the rice is tender.
Step 7: Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
🔒 The step-by-step instructions are also available in the printable recipe card below — don’t forget to save it for later!
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole Variations
- Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving for brightness.
👉 If you enjoy warm, comforting meals, Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup is another good option for cold nights.
My Pro TipS
Tips and Tricks
- Chop the cabbage into evenly sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
- Stir gently when adding the rice so it stays submerged.
- Browning the beef first keeps the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Adding the rice near the end prevents it from overcooking.
Recipe FAQs – Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
Yes, this recipe reheats very well and keeps its texture.
Yes, browning adds flavor and removes excess grease.
Yes, it freezes well once fully cooled.
Yes, as long as it is added during the final cooking hour.
👉 For another freezer-friendly dinner, my Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken works well.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with bread or dinner rolls.
- Add a dollop of sour cream on top if you like.
- Pair with a simple green salad.
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
👉 Slow Cooker Butter Chicken is another good make-ahead dinner option.
How I Use the Leftovers
- Pack it for lunches with a side of bread.
- Reheat and serve over extra rice.
- Add a little broth to loosen it up the next day.
More Great Slow Cooker Dinners
Soups + Stews
Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup
Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
Slow Cooker
Slow Cooker Cranberry Chicken
If you make this, tag me @julia.pacheco.cooking on Instagram. I love seeing your dinners.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 medium green cabbage, chopped
- 3 carrots, chopped
- 3½ cups beef broth
- 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup uncooked white rice
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion together until the beef is browned and the onion is softened. Drain and discard excess grease.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, until the cabbage is tender.
- Stir in the uncooked white rice. Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 additional hour, or until the rice is tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Video
Notes
- This dish thickens as it cools and reheats well.
- Italian sausage adds extra flavor if you prefer a richer version.
- Freeze leftovers in individual portions for easy meals later.
- Serve with bread or rolls for a complete dinner.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Made this today and it turned out great!! Next time I think I would add more rice, 1-1.5 cups instead of just 0.5.
Is this recipe in your cook books?
Fantastic! Cooked on the stove and it worked perfectly. This will be a staple in my home 🥰