Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

I’ve always loved traditional cabbage rolls.

The problem? I don’t love making them.

All that blanching, stuffing, rolling, and arranging takes more time and effort than I’m usually willing to invest, especially on a busy weeknight.

That’s why I love this Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole.

Sometimes called “lazy cabbage rolls” or “unstuffed cabbage rolls,” it delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls with a fraction of the work. Ground beef, cabbage, rice, onion, and tomato sauce simmer together in the slow cooker until tender and delicious.

It’s simple comfort food at its best—hearty, satisfying, budget-friendly, and perfect for busy days.

If you’re looking for an easy cabbage roll recipe without all the rolling and stuffing, this one is hard to beat.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

• All the flavor of traditional cabbage rolls
• No rolling or stuffing required
• Easy slow cooker meal
• Budget-friendly ingredients
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Great for meal prep
• Freezer friendly
• High in protein and satisfying

Ingredients & Substitution

Lean ground beef – I usually use 90% to 93% lean ground beef. Lean ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground pork can be substituted if that’s what you have on hand.

Onion – Adds classic savory flavor. Yellow, white, or sweet onions all work well. To save time, use frozen diced onions.

Coleslaw mix – My favorite shortcut for making this recipe easy. It contains shredded cabbage (and usually carrots) and eliminates the need to chop an entire head of cabbage. You can substitute about 8 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, Savoy cabbage, or a combination of green and red cabbage.

Converted rice – I like converted rice (such as Uncle Ben’s) because it holds its texture well during slow cooking. Brown rice can be substituted, though it may require a little additional cooking time. Instant rice is not recommended since it can become mushy.

Water – Helps cook the rice and soften the cabbage. Beef broth or chicken broth can be substituted for additional flavor.

Paprika – Adds mild warmth and color. Smoked paprika is a delicious substitute if you enjoy a subtle smoky flavor.

Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste.

Italian-style tomato sauce – Provides the classic tomato flavor associated with traditional cabbage rolls. Plain tomato sauce works just as well. You can also use crushed tomatoes, tomato puree, or even a jar of marinara sauce for a slightly different flavor.

Optional Flavor Boosters

While the recipe is delicious as written, you can easily add:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 to 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 bay leaf
• A pinch of red pepper flakes

For a more traditional sweet-and-sour cabbage roll flavor, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons brown sugar.

How Many Calories and WW Points?

According to my calculations, each serving has about 191 calories and 2 WW Points.

To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.)
4 PointsPlus (Old plan)

How to Make Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

Step 1: Brown the beef

In a large skillet (affiliate link), cook the ground beef and onion over medium heat until the beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Transfer to the slow cooker

Add the cooked beef mixture to a lightly greased slow cooker.

Step 3: Add remaining ingredients

Stir in the coleslaw mix, uncooked rice, water, tomato sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Don’t worry if the slow cooker seems very full—the cabbage cooks down significantly as it cooks.

Step 4: Slow cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, or until the cabbage is tender and the rice is fully cooked.

Step 5: Serve

Give everything a good stir and serve hot.

Recipe Notes

Using bagged coleslaw mix is my favorite shortcut for this recipe. It eliminates most of the prep work and makes this casserole incredibly easy.

If you prefer, you can substitute about 8 cups thinly sliced cabbage.

I usually make this with lean ground beef, but lean ground turkey works equally well.

For extra flavor, try adding:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• Smoked paprika instead of regular paprika
• Garlic powder
• Dried parsley
• A bay leaf during cooking

Many traditional cabbage roll recipes include a touch of sweetness. If you enjoy that flavor profile, stir in a teaspoon or two of brown sugar.

What to Serve with Cabbage Roll Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs nicely with:

• Simple green salad
• Steamed green beans
• Roasted carrots
• Cucumber salad
• Crusty bread
• Rye bread
• Dill pickles

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

This casserole also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Leftovers make an excellent lunch and often taste even better the next day.

If you’ve made this Easy Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Source: Betty Crocker The 300 Calorie Cookbook (affiliate link): 300 tasty meals for eating healthy everyday from Betty Crocker Books.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh cabbage instead of coleslaw mix in these unstuffed cabbage rolls?

Absolutely. Thinly slice about one medium head of cabbage.

Can I make this with ground turkey?

Yes. Ground turkey is an excellent substitute for the beef.

Can I freeze cabbage roll casserole?

Yes. Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Why is my casserole watery?

The cabbage releases moisture while cooking. Let the casserole sit uncovered for a few minutes before serving to thicken.

Can I cook this on HIGH?

Yes. Cook on HIGH for approximately 2½ to 3½ hours, checking for doneness.

More Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food Recipes You’ll Love

• Turkey and Wild Rice Casserole
• Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Casserole
• Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole
• Slow Cooker Hamburger Stew