Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

My mom made cabbage rolls and hey were so much work! Now I make this Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole! Less effort, same great taste and bacon!

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I make this Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole whenever I am feeling nostalgic and thinking about my childhood.  When we were young my mother used to make a big batch of cabbage rolls and store a bunch in the freezer and I loved them.  What I didn’t love was how much work they were.

A few years ago I was complaining about it to a friend and she said have I got a solution for you, this Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole recipe you will find below.  Now, instead of making cabbage rolls I make this recipe when the craving strikes me!

I still can’t believe how easy this casserole is to make as I don’t mind doing all of the preparation at the beginning of any recipe.  I prefer it to doing all of the work right before I eat!

Making this Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole means you have your entire dinner in one pot which is always the best way to go, whenever possible.  I always find easier is always better and I know you agree, after all, who wouldn’t?

I love that after some preparation you end up with a dinner that tastes exactly like a cabbage roll, again without all of the work!  This casserole recipe is definitely worth a try no matter which ground meat you choose to use. I have used everything from ground turkey to chicken, pork, beef or sausage or a combination of two and all work beautifully in this recipe!

I hope you consider giving this recipe a try!  It is definitely worth the effort  at the beginning of this recipe.  Once dinner is ready all you have to do is scoop and serve!  I sometimes serve this dish with some bread but more often than not a nice side salad!

Ingredients in Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

• cabbage
• bacon
• onion
• ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey or sausage (any combination)
• garlic
• pepper
• long grain rice
• diced tomatoes
• broth
• hot pepper sauce
• cooking spray

How to make Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

Prepare your slow cooker with a light coating of cooking spray. Sprinkle 3 cups of your chopped cabbage all across the bottom of your slow cooker.

In a large skillet, over medium to medium high heat, cook bacon until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove bacon and place on a paper towel lined plate. You are not finished with this pan, do not clean it yet.  Set bacon aside. 

Next, half wipe out your skillet with paper towel so only a few tablespoons of bacon grease remain inside your skillet. Add onion, ground meat, garlic and pepper. Cook until ground meat is cooked and no longer pink.  Onions should be tender. Drain in a colander in the sink to remove as much grease as possible. Dump your meat mixture on top of the cabbage in your slow cooker.

Now sprinkle your rice on top of the meat mixture. Then sprinkle your crisp bacon on top of the rice. Sprinkle remaining cabbage on top of the bacon.

In a good sized bowl combine your can of not drained diced tomatoes, broth and hot pepper sauce. Pour as evenly as possible all over the top of the casserole. Do not stir it at all. Just cover and cook on low for about 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5. Stir before serving!  Enjoy!

Other Cabbage Recipes to Try

Old Fashioned Cabbage Kielbasa and Bacon

Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Stew

I am a huge slow cooker fan and this recipe is near the top of my favorites list.  This casserole is so good we decided to make a video for you to see.  Take a moment to have a look below!

Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole Video