Description
Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Casserole is an easy slow cooker dinner made with ground beef, tender cabbage, rice, and rich tomato sauce. It delivers all the classic cabbage roll flavors without the extra work. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds lean ground beef or ground pork, or a mixture
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
15 ounces tomato sauce, divided
1 cup water
10.75 ounces condensed tomato soup, 1 can
28 ounces canned diced tomatoes with juices
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
¾ cup long grain white rice, uncooked
1 medium head cabbage, chopped
⅓ cup water
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, optional
Instructions
- Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or pork along with the diced onion, minced garlic, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook until the meat is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease to keep the casserole from becoming too oily.
- Next, stir in one cup of tomato sauce, one cup of water, half of the condensed tomato soup, and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Mix well to combine all the flavors. Add the uncooked rice and stir until everything is evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to heat through, then remove it from the stove.
- Prepare the cabbage by cutting it into four wedges and removing the tough core. Chop the cabbage into bite sized chunks, roughly three quarters inch by one and a half inches.
- In your slow cooker, create layers for maximum flavor. Start with half of the meat and rice mixture, then add half of the chopped cabbage. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat mixture and cabbage.
- In a small bowl, combine the remaining tomato soup, remaining tomato sauce, and one third cup water. Pour this evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the rice is tender and fully cooked. Once done, turn off the slow cooker. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top, cover again, and let it sit for about 10 minutes until the cheese melts beautifully.
Notes
Use lean meat to prevent excess grease.
Check rice at the 4 hour mark to avoid overcooking.
Brown rice may require additional cooking time and extra liquid.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American