If you love the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but want an easier, hands-off way to enjoy them, then this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine all the goodness of savory ground meat, tender cabbage, perfectly cooked rice, and rich tomato sauce coming together in one cozy, bubbling casserole cooked low and slow in your crockpot. It’s a hearty, satisfying dish that fills your home with irresistible aromas and satisfies big appetites without the fuss of rolling individual cabbage leaves. Trust me, this recipe hits all the right notes for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients ready for this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is delightfully simple, and each one plays a crucial role in crafting those warm, hearty flavors and delightful textures. From the fresh cabbage lending a tender crunch to the herbs bringing aromatic depth, every element works together beautifully.
- 1 large head of cabbage: Provides the tender yet slightly crisp base that’s key to the casserole’s identity.
- 1 pound ground beef or turkey: Adds savory richness and protein, choose turkey for a leaner version.
- 1 cup uncooked rice: Cooks alongside everything else, absorbing all those amazing flavors.
- 1 onion, chopped: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Elevates the dish with authentic aromatic warmth.
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Provides a bright, tangy tomato base essential for that classic taste.
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce: Adds extra smoothness and richness to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Delivers a subtle umami punch that deepens the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Offers a hint of earthiness and Mediterranean charm.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, aromatic herbal note.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the dish’s flavors.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (optional): Melts atop the casserole for a luscious, gooey finish if you’re feeling indulgent.
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and browning your ground beef or turkey until it’s fully cooked and beautifully caramelized. This step creates a flavor-packed base for your casserole. Once done, drain the excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy, then set the meat aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This layering of flavors is what makes homemade casseroles so comforting and crave-worthy.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
Grab a large bowl and mix together the browned meat, sautéed onion and garlic, uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, and season generously with salt and pepper. Make sure everything is evenly combined; this mixture is bursting with flavor that will soak into the cabbage as it cooks.
Step 4: Layer in the Crockpot
Begin by layering half of your chopped cabbage at the bottom of the crockpot. Next, spoon half of the meat and tomato mixture over the cabbage layer. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture to build a comforting, layered casserole.
Step 5: Cook Low and Slow
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If short on time, the high setting for 3 to 4 hours works as well. The slow cooking ensures the cabbage becomes tender, the rice cooks through perfectly, and the flavors marry into a harmonious, hearty dish.
Step 6: Add Cheese (Optional)
If you want to take the comfort factor up a notch, sprinkle shredded cheese over the casserole during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow the cheese to melt gorgeously on top, adding a creamy, savory layer that’s irresistible.
How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill adds a bright, fresh note that cuts through the richness of the casserole perfectly. A dollop of sour cream on top can bring a cool creaminess that complements the warm, tangy flavors.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite hearty on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted root vegetables balances the meal nicely. Crusty bread is also fantastic for soaking up any extra tomato sauce left on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Bring some fun to dinner by serving individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins straight from the crockpot to the table. Layering some extra cheese on top and broiling briefly adds a golden crust for a restaurant-style finish at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve its texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm leftovers gently in the microwave or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If frozen, allow enough time to thaw before reheating to keep the cabbage tender and the rice perfectly cooked.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage work wonderfully. You can also try a mix of meats to customize the flavor to your liking.
Do I need to pre-cook the rice before adding it to the crockpot?
Nope! The uncooked rice cooks slowly right alongside the other ingredients, soaking up all those rich tomato and meat flavors perfectly.
Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
Browning the meat adds a depth of flavor and improves the texture, but if you’re in a hurry, you can skip that step—just be aware the flavor might be a bit milder.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Definitely! Substitute the meat with your favorite plant-based protein or lentils and use vegetable broth or additional tomato sauce. You might want to add some mushrooms for umami.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftovers taste great simply reheated, but I love spooning them over mashed potatoes or alongside some fresh steamed veggies for a quick, satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe enough if you’re craving all the cozy, comforting goodness of homemade cabbage rolls without the tedious rolling. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that delivers big on taste and makes family dinners feel extra special. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming a regular in your dinner rotation!
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Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes (low) or 3 hours 20 minutes to 4 hours 20 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole offers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Combining ground beef or turkey, hearty rice, and a tangy tomato sauce seasoned with herbs, this layered casserole is slow-cooked to tender perfection, making it a simple and satisfying meal perfect for busy days.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set aside to prevent a greasy casserole and enhance flavor.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Combine Mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked meat, sautéed onion and garlic, uncooked rice, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Layer the Casserole: Spread half of the chopped cabbage evenly in the bottom of the crockpot. Spoon half of the meat and tomato mixture over the cabbage. Repeat the layering with the remaining cabbage and meat mixture.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Cook until cabbage is tender and rice is fully cooked to ensure a cohesive and flavorful dish.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top during the last 30 minutes of cooking, allowing it to melt and add a creamy, savory finish to the casserole.
Notes
- For a healthier option, use ground turkey instead of beef.
- Make sure to drain excess fat after browning meat to prevent a greasy casserole.
- If you prefer, use brown rice but increase the cooking time accordingly to ensure rice is cooked through.
- Add more herbs or spices like paprika or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
