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    Home » Recipes » Main Courses

    Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

    Published: Jul 16, 2022 · Modified: Aug 9, 2024 by Karin and Ken · This post may contain affiliate links. 22 Comments

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    My mom made cabbage rolls and they were so much work! Now I make this lazy slow cooker cabbage roll casserole! This one-pot meal takes less effort but delivers the same great taste with lots of bacon flavor!

    Bowl of slow cooker cabbage roll casserole on the table.

    I make these crockpot unstuffed cabbage rolls whenever I am feeling nostalgic and thinking about my childhood. 

    When I was 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 suggested making it into a lazy cabbage roll casserole instead! Now, instead of making individual cabbage rolls, I make this recipe whenever the craving strikes!

    I still can't believe how easy this crockpot cabbage casserole is to make! All it takes is a little prep and then the slow cooker does the rest.

    If you love using your slow cooker for hands-free cooking, you need to check out this ham and rice casserole or this delightful chicken tator tot casserole.

    To any of these one-pot meals, add a simple salad or crusty garlic bread or homemade cornbread and you're good to go!

    Why You Will Love This Recipe

    • Make your entire dinner in one pot.
    • Prepare a dinner that tastes exactly like a cabbage roll without all of the work! 
    • Cabbage casserole with ground beef works great with just about any ground meat. Choose from ground turkey to chicken, pork, beef, sausage, or a combination of any two.

    Ingredients in Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

    Don't be intimidated by the list of ingredients in this easy to make lazy man's cabbage rolls. The prep at the start takes only about 15 minutes and then slowly cooks throughout the day.

    Ingredients to make slow cooker cabbage casserole.
    • Cabbage: Green cabbage works best in this recipe. Purple cabbage bleeds its color out turning the dish a vibrant red or purple color that isn't super appealing.
    • Bacon: Gives delicious smoky, meaty flavor to the unstuffed cabbage rolls.
    • Onion and garlic: The foundation of the flavors in this dish.
    • Ground meat: Use ground beef, pork, chicken, turkey, or sausage.
    • Long grain rice: Long grain rice cooks up fluffier than other varieties of rice.
    • Diced tomatoes: Using canned tomatoes saves some time to the prep.
    • Broth: Boosts the flavor in the dish.
    • Hot pepper sauce: Just a dash to add a little extra zing.

    How to Make Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

    Here are the step-by-step photos and instructions for making this easy one-pot dish for dinner. For the complete instructions, check the recipe card further down on the page.

    Cabbage in the bottom of the slow cooker.
    Bacon cooked in a skillet.
    1. To start, prepare your slow cooker with a light coating of cooking spray. Sprinkle three cups of chopped cabbage on the bottom of your slow cooker spreading it out evenly.
    2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it to drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Set bacon aside for a bit.
    Onions and garlic in a skillet with the meat.
    Meat and veggies added to the slow cooker.
    Tomatoes with liquid in a glass container.
    1. Partially wipe the skillet you used to cook the bacon with a paper towel so only a few tablespoons of bacon grease remain inside the skillet. Add onion, ground meat, garlic, and pepper. Cook until the onions are tender and the ground meat is evenly browned and no longer pink. 
    2. Drain in a colander in the sink to remove as much grease as possible and add on top of the cabbage in your slow cooker.
    3. In a good-sized bowl combine the diced tomatoes with liquid, broth, and hot pepper sauce.
    Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
    Bacon on top of the rice.
    1. Add the rice to the slow cooker on top of the meat mixture.
    2. Then sprinkle the crisp bacon on top of the rice.
    Remaining cabbage added.
    Tomatoes added to the slow cooker.
    1. Sprinkle the remaining cabbage on top of the bacon.
    2. Pour the tomato mixture as evenly as possible all over the top of the casserole. Do not stir it at all.
    Cabbage roll casserole finished cooking in the slow cooker.
    1. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for about 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5. Stir before serving!  Enjoy!

    Substitutions

    Don't have the correct ingredients on hand? Or want to change something up? Here are some helpful tips for you to change this crockpot unstuffed cabbage rolls.

    • Bacon: You can swap the bacon for diced ham, Canadian bacon or go fancy with a bit of pancetta. All will add a bit of meaty, smoky flavor to this lazy cabbage rolls recipe.
    • Broth: In a pinch you can use water but I do find the broth adds a bit more flavor than water alone.
    • Canned tomatoes: Swap out the canned tomatoes for 4 fresh, peeled Roma tomatoes instead. Add an additional one-half cup of broth or water.
    Close up of lazy cabbage roll casserole served up in a bowl.

    Variations

    Want to personalize this slow cooker cabbage roll casserole? Here are some of my tried and true tips for changing up this recipe.

    • Vegetarian: Cut the ground meat and bacon. Add some veggie meat crumbles instead and a bit of liquid smoke to imitate the flavor of the bacon.
    • Spicy: Add in some crushed red pepper just before serving to give it a bit more zing.

    If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy our Roasted Red Cabbage Steaks or cabbage and kielbasa recipe. Or if you're feeling up for it, try out our Lazy Lasagna recipe.

    Storage

    • Refrigerator: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
    • Freezer: To make leftovers last longer you can store them in the freezer for up to three months. If making a big batch for meal prep, separate it out into individual servings to freeze for an easy meal in the future.
    • Reheat: If frozen, thaw out in the refrigerator overnight and then heat on the stove for 5-10 minutes over medium heat until heated through.

    What To Serve With Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

    This casserole is a hit on the flavor charts but there's still something missing. That would be an ultimate side dish or two. The list that we've created for you is something out of this world good when it comes to amazing tasting options! Go ahead, take a looksie and you'll know that I'm right!

    Tips

    • Drain the cooked meat well after browning it in the skillet.
    • Use green cabbage. Purple cabbage will bleed out into the pot and result in an unappetizing color.
    • Don't stir the ingredients before cooking. Everything will cook perfectly in the crockpot similar to a layered casserole.
    • Cook the veggies and ground beef in the bacon grease before adding to the crockpot. This adds even more flavor to the dish and the browned beef is less greasy than raw.
    Bowl of lazy cabbage roll casserole slow cooker on the table with a fork.

    FAQ

    Do you have questions about Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this cabbage roll casserole.

    Can I make this recipe on the stove top?

    Yes, I recommend following the same instructions as listed below for the slow cooker. Instead of layering all the ingredients in the slow cooker, layer them in dutch oven. Then cook on top of the stove on medium-low heat for one hour or in the oven at 350° F for one hour. It's ready when the cabbage has wilted and everything is heated all the way through.

    What is the best type of cabbage for cabbage rolls?

    Green works the best for its neutral color. Avoid purple cabbage or napa cabbage which isn't sturdy enough when cooked to hold all the ingredients together. When making unstuffed cabbage rolls just about any type of cabbage works except for the purple.

    More Beef Slow Cooker Recipes

    If you specifically want more ground beef slow cooker reicpes try this cheesy taco beef hash!

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      Cuban Ropa Viejo (Slow Cooker)
    • Slow Cooker Beef, Beer and Onion Stew
      Slow Cooker Beef, Beer and Onion Stew
    • Slow Cooker Beef Tacos

    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

    YouTube video
    Slow cooker cabbage roll casserole in a bowl on the table.

    Lazy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

    Karin and Ken
    My mom made cabbage rolls and they were so much work! Now I make this lazy slow cooker cabbage roll casserole! This one-pot meal takes less effort but delivers the same great taste with lots of bacon flavor!
    5 from 6 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 minutes mins
    8 hours hrs
    Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 420 kcal

    Equipment

    • large slow cooker

    Ingredients
      

    • 6 cups cabbage coarsely chopped
    • 8 slices bacon chopped
    • 2c cups onion chopped
    • 1 pound ground beef turkey, pork, chicken or sausage, or a combination of 2
    • 2 tablespoons garlic minced
    • 1 teaspoon pepper
    • 1 ½ cups long grain rice
    • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with liquid
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce more or less to taste
    • cooking spray
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions
     

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • Cover and cook on low for about 8 to 9 hours or on high for 4 to 5. Stir before serving!  Enjoy!

    Notes

    • Drain the cooked meat well after browning it in the skillet.
    • Use green cabbage. Purple cabbage will bleed out into the pot and result in an unappetizing color.
    • Don't stir the ingredients before cooking. Everything will cook perfectly in the crockpot similar to a layered casserole.
    • Cook the veggies and ground beef in the bacon grease before adding to the crockpot. This adds even more flavor to the dish and the browned beef is less greasy than raw.
     
    Hmm...what do you want to serve with your casserole? Not a hard question to answer when you take a look at the list of side dishes I've created for you. I'm sure you'll find something there that will make your tastebuds dance the dance of a thousand dances!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 18gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 401mgPotassium: 471mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 240IUVitamin C: 31mgCalcium: 73mgIron: 2mg
    Keyword crockpot unstuffed cabbage rolls, lazy mans cabbage rolls, slow cooker lazy cabbage rolls, unstuffed cabbage rolls with rice
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    Comments

    1. Laura B Simpson says

      September 30, 2023 at 2:17 pm

      Has anyone made this with cauliflower rice?

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        October 01, 2023 at 10:48 am

        I have never tried it and will definitely try it myself! I will add it near end of cook time so it doesn’t become mushy. I bet it will taste great! Thank you for the suggestion! If you try it I’d love to hear what you think. All the best. Karin

    2. Kathy says

      July 17, 2023 at 12:06 pm

      5 stars
      I was looking for a recipe for cabbage roll casserole that wasn't so tomato heavy, and found it in this one. We had about 3 pounds of shredded cabbage left over from an event and this was the perfect way to use some of it up. I think I could have added more and it would have been great. I'll be using this recipe again and again.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        July 17, 2023 at 12:28 pm

        So glad to hear you enjoyed it! You made my day. I love this dinner too. Take care and all the best. Karin

      • Leslie says

        August 14, 2023 at 8:50 pm

        5 stars
        Hi all. This recipe is amazing. Here is what I added just because:
        1. Added some herbs: dill, cilantro and parsley to the mix plus at the table.
        2. I used only 2 rashers of bacon.
        3. To 1 lb. of ground beef I added two links of Italian sausage.
        4. I topped the dish with 2 cans of Campbell tomato soup mixed with 1/2 can of water.
        5. I used basmati rice.
        6. I served it with buttered, broiled Naan bread.
        Bon appetite!

        You won’t be disappointed

      • Karin and Ken says

        August 15, 2023 at 5:28 am

        Thank you for your kind words and suggestions! I’m going to try that myself! All the best. Karin

    3. Karen says

      July 10, 2023 at 12:32 pm

      If I double this will it fit in a 6 qt slowcooker without boiling over

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        July 10, 2023 at 1:54 pm

        I wouldn’t do it. I’m sorry I don’t believe it will fit. I wish I had better news. All the best. Karin

    4. Gail Schwichtenberg says

      April 06, 2023 at 3:46 pm

      Can you use chicken broth instead of vegetable?

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        July 10, 2023 at 1:55 pm

        Definitely! Both will work and work well. Enjoy! All the best. Karin

    5. John says

      November 28, 2022 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      I don't normally like Cabbage Rolls but my wife saw the recipe and decided to make it. When I tried it I was in such shock because it was that good. We all loved it. This recipe just went in our regular rotation. Thank you Karin and Ken.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        December 15, 2022 at 6:55 am

        I’m so glad you love this recipe as much as we do! Thank you for taking the time to let me know you made my day. All the best. Karin

    6. Laurie Chartrand says

      August 22, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      Do you use cooked or uncooked rice added to the mixture

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        August 22, 2021 at 3:53 pm

        Uncooked rice! Enjoy every bite! Take care and enjoy your day! Karin

    7. Laurie Chartrand says

      August 22, 2021 at 4:49 am

      Do you add cooked or uncooked rice.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        August 22, 2021 at 12:45 pm

        Uncooked! This casserole is a long time favorite! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do! All the best. Karin

    8. Sheri Almond says

      January 06, 2020 at 8:09 pm

      5 stars
      Really deelish! I used turkey bacon & it was tasty.
      My mom also makes cabbage rolls but this is just as tasty & is a comfort food.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        January 06, 2020 at 8:28 pm

        Thank you for taking the time to let me know that you enjoyed it! It always makes my day! Sounds silly but it always does! Turkey bacon is a great idea and I’m glad you mentioned that. I’m making this on Friday for a family gathering and will try it myself. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! Take care and all the best. Karin

    9. G Laauwe says

      November 15, 2019 at 9:36 pm

      5 stars
      This is the best recipe but I added a jar of sweet German Kraut My grandmother's rolls had a vinegar flavor and this does the trick.Thanks for making an old favorite new again.A cool weather favorite

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        November 15, 2019 at 9:50 pm

        As always you are most welcome! Some sauerkraut sounds wonderful! What a nice change that might be. I’m going to try that myself! I have been making some of these recipes for so long that change can be a great thing. I am truly grateful for the suggestion. Again thank you for taking the time to comment! Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! Take care and all the best. Karin

    10. Anonymous says

      August 03, 2019 at 5:39 pm

      5 stars
      It's really good plan on having it again real soon.

      Reply
      • Karin and Ken says

        August 03, 2019 at 5:48 pm

        So happy to hear you enjoyed it! You truly made my day! Thank you for taking the time to let me know. I am grateful. Hopefully you find some other recipes on this site that you enjoy just as much! Take care and all the best. Karin

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    Welcome!

    We are the kitchen divas: Karin and my partner in life, Ken.

    We have been attached at the heart and hip since the first day we met, and we love to create new dishes to keep things interesting. Variety is definitely the spice of life!

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