If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the fuss of individually rolling each one, then the Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend. This hearty, savory dish layers seasoned ground meats, rice, and tender cabbage all slow-cooked in a rich tomato sauce, creating all the classic taste of cabbage rolls with a whole lot less effort. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or planning a family meal that everyone will adore, this recipe delivers layers of warmth and flavor that feel like a big, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the earthy cabbage to the savory blend of meats and herbs, these ingredients come together simply yet brilliantly for a comforting dish you’ll want to make again and again.
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides rich, savory depth as the main protein base.
- 1/2 pound ground pork: Adds juiciness and mild sweetness to balance the beef.
- 1 cup uncooked white rice: Absorbs flavors as it cooks, giving the dish heartiness.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Brings aromatic sweetness and complexity.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses warmth and a gentle kick to the meat mixture.
- 1 small head green cabbage (chopped): The star vegetable that softens beautifully over slow cooking.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or tomato sauce: Layers the casserole with tangy, robust flavor.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes (with juice): Adds texture and brightness to every bite.
- 1/2 cup beef broth: Keeps the casserole moist and enriches the saucy base.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors involved.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Gives a fragrant, herbal twist that complements the tomato sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a smoky depth for extra dimension.
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce: Brings a complex umami punch that rounds out the savory notes.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional): Melts on top for a luscious, creamy finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a bright, fresh pop when serving.
How to Make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef and ground pork together until nicely browned, breaking up the meat as you go. This step is crucial for developing rich flavor and ensuring no large clumps remain in your casserole. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from becoming greasy, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are softened and the garlic is fragrant. This savory mixture will be the flavorful heart of the casserole.
Step 2: Combine Meat with Rice and Seasonings
In a large bowl, mix your browned meat and sautéed aromatics with the uncooked white rice, salt, pepper, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce. This combination ensures that the rice absorbs the spice and meat juices during cooking, creating a cohesive filling reminiscent of classic cabbage rolls. The seasoning layer here makes all the difference, so don’t skip or skimp on these! Give it a good stir so every grain and morsel is evenly coated.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
Prepare your slow cooker by spreading a thin layer of tomato sauce evenly on the bottom to prevent sticking and add moisture. Next, layer half of the chopped cabbage over the sauce, followed by half of the meat and rice mixture. Pour half of the diced tomatoes and remaining marinara over this layer to keep everything juicy and flavorful. Repeat the layers once more with the remaining cabbage, meat mixture, and tomatoes with sauce on top. Finish by pouring the beef broth evenly over the entire crockpot to help everything cook to tender perfection.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow heat will gently soften the cabbage, fully cook the rice, and meld all the flavors beautifully. If you opt to include mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it over the casserole in the last 15 minutes of cooking so it melts to a gooey, golden topping. Finally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley to brighten the dish just before serving.
How to Serve Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice, adding a pop of green and a clean, herby bite. You can also consider a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness. Sometimes, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes brings a lovely subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Side Dishes
Since the Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is wonderfully filling and packed with protein and veggies, simple sides work best. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, crusty bread to soak up the sauce, or even roasted root vegetables complement the dish perfectly without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic family-style meal, dish the casserole into a large serving platter topped with parsley, allowing everyone to help themselves. Alternatively, serve portions in individual ramekins to make guests feel special and to control serving sizes effortlessly. A sprinkle of extra cheese or freshly cracked pepper on each plate adds a final delightful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This casserole tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to keep the cabbage tender and the sauce moist.
Freezing
The Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. After cooking and cooling completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags. It stays fresh for up to 3 months and can be thawed overnight in the fridge prior to reheating.
Reheating
Rewarm leftovers either in the microwave on medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If frozen, allow a full thaw first to ensure even reheating and retain the casserole’s wonderful texture.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a heartier texture and extra fiber. Just remember to increase the beef broth slightly and extend the cooking time to ensure the rice is fully tender.
Is it necessary to use both ground beef and ground pork?
Using both meats adds a lovely balance of flavor and moisture, but you can substitute with all beef or all pork if preferred. Just keep an eye on fat content to avoid a greasy casserole.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the meats for hearty lentils or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The cabbage and tomato base will still provide amazing comfort and flavor.
Do I have to use a crockpot for this recipe?
While slow cooking is ideal for melting flavors and tenderizing cabbage, you can bake the casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for an hour and a half, checking that the rice is cooked through.
What if I want the casserole less saucy?
You can reduce the amount of marinara sauce or diced tomatoes slightly, but keep enough liquid to ensure the rice cooks properly without drying out.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the way the Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe combines simple ingredients into a meal that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly modern. It’s a testament to how slow cooking can transform humble cabbage, rice, and meat into a dish bursting with comforting, layered flavor. I hope this recipe inspires your kitchen to embrace easy, wholesome meals that bring people together around the table. Give it a try — I promise it’ll become a favorite in your home just like it is in mine!
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Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Eastern European-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting, slow-cooked dish that captures the classic flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. Ground beef and pork are combined with rice, seasonings, and tomato sauce, layered with fresh cabbage, and simmered to tender perfection in a crockpot. It’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners and made even simpler with slow cooker convenience.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground pork
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
Grains and Liquids
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara or tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1/2 cup beef broth
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Meats: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and ground pork until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess fat to keep the casserole from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat and cook for another 2–3 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Mix Meat with Rice and Seasonings: Transfer the meat mixture to a large bowl and combine it with uncooked white rice, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, smoked paprika, and Worcestershire sauce, mixing thoroughly to evenly incorporate all flavors.
- Prepare the Crockpot Layers: Spread a thin layer of marinara or tomato sauce on the bottom of a 6-quart crockpot. Layer half of the chopped cabbage evenly over the sauce. Follow with half of the meat and rice mixture. Pour half of the diced tomatoes and remaining marinara sauce evenly over this layer.
- Repeat Layers and Add Broth: Add the remaining cabbage, then the rest of the meat mixture. Finish with the remaining diced tomatoes and marinara sauce. Pour the beef broth evenly over the entire layered casserole to keep it moist during cooking.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the cabbage and rice are tender and flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Cheese (Optional): If using mozzarella cheese, sprinkle it evenly over the top of the casserole during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Cover again to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and fresh flavor. Serve warm and enjoy this hearty, comforting casserole.
Notes
- This casserole freezes well and can be prepared a day ahead to enhance flavors even more.
- For a whole grain alternative, substitute brown rice, but increase the beef broth slightly and extend the cooking time to ensure the rice cooks through.
- Using a 6-quart crockpot is recommended for proper layering and cooking.
- Feel free to omit the mozzarella cheese to keep the dish dairy-free if desired.
