This crockpot cabbage roll casserole is a delightful twist on traditional cabbage rolls, offering all the flavors you love with the ease of a slow cooker. It's a hearty and comforting meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. Combining savory ground beef, fresh cabbage, and a blend of tomatoes and spices, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
For this recipe, you might need to check your pantry for a few specific items. Ensure you have lean ground beef, garlic, and onion. Additionally, you will need tomato sauce, tomato soup, and diced tomatoes. Fresh produce like a medium head cabbage might also require a trip to the supermarket.
Ingredients for Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
lean ground beef: Provides the protein and base for the casserole.
garlic: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor.
onion: Offers a savory taste and aromatic depth.
tomato sauce: Gives the dish a tangy and rich base.
water: Helps to cook the rice and blend flavors.
tomato soup: Adds a creamy texture and enhances the tomato flavor.
diced tomatoes: Provides texture and additional tomato flavor.
salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
paprika: Imparts a mild sweetness and color.
thyme: Adds a subtle, earthy flavor.
white rice: Absorbs flavors and adds a hearty texture.
medium head cabbage: Provides a crunchy texture and traditional flavor.
mozzarella cheese: Adds a creamy, melty topping.
One reader, Constantine Johnstone says:
This crockpot cabbage roll casserole recipe is a game-changer! The flavors meld beautifully, and the slow cooker makes it so convenient. The cheesy topping is the perfect finishing touch. Highly recommend!
Techniques Required for Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
How to brown beef: Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it is no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
How to chop an onion: Cut the onion in half, peel off the skin, and then dice it into small pieces.
How to mince garlic: Peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them with a knife.
How to core and chop cabbage: Cut the cabbage into wedges, remove the core, and then chop the wedges into chunks about ¾x1.5-inch in size.
How to layer ingredients in a slow cooker: Place half of the meat mixture in the bottom of the slow cooker, then add half of the chopped cabbage on top. Repeat the layers with the remaining meat mixture and cabbage.
How to combine liquids: Mix the remaining tomato soup, tomato sauce, and water together before pouring over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
How to cook in a slow cooker: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 4 to 6 hours, or until the rice is cooked.
How to melt cheese: Once the cooking is done, turn off the slow cooker, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, and let it sit for 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
How To Make Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
You’ll surely keep on wanting to have this delicious crockpot cabbage roll casserole for dinner as it’s flavorful and super easy to make.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbslean ground beef,or pork, or a mixture of the two
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 1onion,diced
- 15oztomato sauce,divided
- 1cupwater
- 10.5oztomato soup,condensed
- 28oztomatoes,canned, diced, with juices
- salt and pepper,to taste
- 1tsppaprika
- 1tspthyme
- ¾cupwhite rice,long grain, uncooked
- 1medium head cabbage
- ⅓cupwater
- 1½cupsmozzarella cheese,optional
Instructions
-
Brown the beef or pork, onion, garlic, and seasonings over medium heat until no pink remains. Drain.
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Add 1 cup of tomato sauce, 1 cup of water, ½ can of tomato soup, and diced tomatoes to the beef.
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Stir in the rice, and mix well until heated through. Remove from heat.
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Chop the cabbage into 4 wedges and remove the core. Chop into chunks, about ¾x1.5-inch.
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Layer ½ of the meat mixture and ½ of the cabbage in the slow cooker. Repeat layers. Place half the meat and then half the cabbage in the cooker.
-
Combine the remaining tomato soup, remaining tomato sauce, and ⅓ cup of water. Pour over top of the cabbage.
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Cook on Low 4 to 6 hours or just until rice is cooked. Once done, turn the slow cooker off, sprinkle cheese on top and let sit for 10 minutes to set and melt cheese.
Nutrition
- Calories: 519.63kcal
- Fat: 29.81g
- Saturated Fat: 14.21g
- Trans Fat: 1.00g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11.11g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.09g
- Carbohydrates: 34.41g
- Fiber: 5.84g
- Sugar: 10.82g
- Protein: 30.04g
- Cholesterol: 103.75mg
- Sodium: 1193.71mg
- Calcium: 377.83mg
- Potassium: 964.54mg
- Iron: 3.69mg
- Vitamin A: 169.89µg
- Vitamin C: 62.87mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
To ensure even cooking and a well-blended flavor, make sure to chop the cabbage into uniform chunks. This will help the cabbage cook at the same rate and absorb the flavors from the meat mixture and tomato sauce. Additionally, browning the ground beef with the onion and garlic before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the depth of flavor in the final dish.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Crockpot Casserole
Pre-cook the rice: Use pre-cooked rice to save time. It will blend seamlessly with the meat mixture and cook faster in the slow cooker.
Chop cabbage ahead: Chop the cabbage the night before and store it in the fridge. This will save you time during assembly.
Use pre-minced garlic: Opt for pre-minced garlic to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.
Batch cook meat: Brown extra ground beef and freeze it in portions. This way, you can skip this step next time you make the recipe.
Layer efficiently: Prepare all ingredients and layer them in the slow cooker assembly-line style to speed up the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
lean ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner option and has a similar texture and flavor profile.
garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove of garlic for a similar flavor.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder taste and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
tomato sauce - Substitute with crushed tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes provide a similar consistency and flavor.
water - Substitute with chicken broth: Chicken broth adds more depth of flavor compared to plain water.
tomato soup - Substitute with cream of tomato soup: Cream of tomato soup adds a richer texture and flavor.
tomatoes - Substitute with diced tomatoes: Diced tomatoes offer a similar texture and can be used in the same quantity.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds umami and can replace salt in a 1:1 ratio.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used in the same amount.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
thyme - Substitute with oregano: Oregano has a similar earthy flavor and can be used in a 1:1 ratio.
white rice - Substitute with brown rice: Brown rice is a whole grain and offers more fiber and nutrients.
cabbage - Substitute with kale: Kale has a similar texture and can be used in the same amount.
mozzarella cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese has a stronger flavor and melts well.
Best Way to Present Cabbage Roll Casserole
Serve smaller portion sizes: Present the cabbage roll casserole in elegant, individual-sized portions using small, shallow bowls or plates. This allows for a refined and controlled presentation.
Use decoration: Garnish each serving with a delicate sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness.
Layering technique: Ensure that the layers of cabbage and meat mixture are visible by using a clear glass dish or a ring mold. This showcases the intricate layers and adds visual appeal.
Cheese presentation: Instead of simply sprinkling the mozzarella cheese on top, create a thin, crispy cheese tuile by baking small mounds of cheese until golden and placing them delicately on top of each portion.
Sauce drizzle: Drizzle a small amount of the remaining tomato sauce around the plate in an artistic pattern to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of flavor.
Texture contrast: Add a crunchy element by topping the casserole with a few toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for an extra layer of texture.
Elegant plating: Use a large, white plate to create a clean canvas for the dish. Place the portion of cabbage roll casserole slightly off-center and leave ample negative space to draw attention to the food.
Microgreens: Add a small handful of microgreens on top of the casserole for a touch of sophistication and a hint of bitterness to balance the flavors.
Accompaniments: Serve with a side of lightly dressed mixed greens or a simple cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole.
Final touch: Finish with a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt flakes just before serving to enhance the flavors and add a touch of luxury.
Essential Tools for Making Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
Skillet: Used to brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic over medium heat until no pink remains.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the beef mixture and ensuring even cooking.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping the onion, garlic, and cabbage.
Chef's knife: Essential for chopping the onion, garlic, and cabbage into the desired sizes.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the tomato sauce, water, and rice accurately.
Can opener: Necessary for opening the cans of tomato sauce, tomato soup, and diced tomatoes.
Slow cooker: The main appliance used to cook the casserole slowly and evenly.
Mixing bowl: Useful for combining the remaining tomato soup, tomato sauce, and water before pouring over the cabbage.
Spatula: Helps in layering the meat mixture and cabbage in the slow cooker.
Grater: Used to grate the mozzarella cheese if it is not pre-shredded.
Measuring spoons: Needed to measure out the paprika and thyme accurately.
Colander: Useful for draining any excess fat from the browned beef mixture.
Ladle: Handy for serving the casserole once it is cooked and ready to eat.
How To Store and Freeze Leftover Cabbage Roll Casserole
- To store leftover crockpot cabbage roll casserole, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container or covering the slow cooker insert with plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Refrigerate the leftover casserole for up to 3-4 days. When ready to reheat, transfer the desired portion to a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through, or place the covered slow cooker insert back into the appliance and heat on low until hot.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the cabbage roll casserole. Allow the casserole to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator.
- To reheat frozen cabbage roll casserole, transfer the thawed casserole to a baking dish and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until hot.
- If you plan to freeze the casserole, it's best to slightly undercook the rice to prevent it from becoming mushy when thawed and reheated. The rice will finish cooking when you reheat the casserole.
- Consider portioning the casserole into individual servings before freezing for easier thawing and reheating. This way, you can enjoy a comforting meal without having to thaw and reheat the entire casserole.
How To Reheat Leftover Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
Reheat in the microwave: place a portion of the leftover cabbage roll casserole in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Stir the casserole halfway through the reheating process to ensure even heating and prevent cold spots.
Reheat in the oven: preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover casserole to an oven-safe dish, cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
Reheat on the stovetop: place the leftover casserole in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent the casserole from drying out. Stir occasionally and heat until the casserole is warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Reheat in the slow cooker: transfer the leftover casserole to the slow cooker, add a small amount of water or broth to maintain moisture, and heat on low for 1-2 hours or until heated through. This method is ideal for larger portions of leftover casserole.
Reheat in the air fryer: place a portion of the leftover casserole in the air fryer basket, set the temperature to 350°F (175°C), and heat for 3-5 minutes or until heated through. This method will also help to crisp up the top of the casserole slightly.
Random Fact About Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole
A fun fact about this crockpot cabbage roll casserole recipe is that it simplifies the traditional cabbage rolls by layering the ingredients in a slow cooker, eliminating the need to individually roll each cabbage leaf. This method saves time and effort while still delivering the same delicious flavors.
Is This Crockpot Casserole Economical for Home Cooking?
This crockpot cabbage roll casserole is highly cost-effective, utilizing affordable ingredients like cabbage, ground beef, and rice. The slow cooker method ensures minimal energy use. With a rating of 8/10, it balances nutrition and budget. The approximate cost for a household of 4 is around $15-$20 USD, making it an economical choice for hearty, home-cooked meals.
Is This Crockpot Casserole Healthy or Unhealthy?
The crockpot cabbage roll casserole recipe is a hearty and comforting dish, but it may not be the healthiest option due to some of its ingredients and preparation methods. Here's an analysis of the recipe:
- High in saturated fat: The recipe uses lean ground beef, which is a good choice, but the addition of cheese increases the saturated fat content.
- Refined carbohydrates: White rice is a refined carbohydrate that can cause blood sugar spikes and provide fewer nutrients compared to whole grain options.
- Sodium content: The recipe includes canned tomato products and added salt, which can contribute to a high sodium content.
- Vegetable content: The inclusion of cabbage is a positive aspect, as it provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce the saturated fat content
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of cheese used or opt for a low-fat cheese to decrease the saturated fat content
- Choose low-sodium tomato products and reduce the amount of added salt to control the sodium levels
- Increase the amount of cabbage or add other vegetables, such as carrots or bell peppers, to boost the fiber and nutrient content
- Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup and to reduce the need for added oils or fats during cooking
Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Crockpot Casserole
This crockpot cabbage roll casserole is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a family meal. The combination of lean ground beef, aromatic garlic, and onions creates a flavorful base. The use of tomato sauce, soup, and diced tomatoes ensures a rich, tangy sauce that complements the tender cabbage and rice. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, resulting in a satisfying, well-balanced casserole. The final touch of melted mozzarella cheese adds a creamy, indulgent finish. Overall, it's a convenient and delicious recipe that delivers on both taste and texture.
Enhance Your Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe:
This crockpot cabbage roll casserole recipe is a time-tested favorite, combining the hearty flavors of lean ground beef, garlic, and onion with the comforting taste of tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The slow cooker method ensures the cabbage and rice are perfectly tender, making it a convenient and delicious meal. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Trust this recipe for its ease, flavor, and the satisfaction it brings to the table.
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