All the cozy, comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—without the rolling! This easy slow cooker casserole layers seasoned ground beef, chopped cabbage, rice, and a rich tomato-Worcestershire sauce for a hearty, one-pot meal that simmers low and slow until tender, savory, and deeply satisfying. With minimal prep and no assembly required, it’s comfort food perfected for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This isn’t just another casserole—it’s a shortcut to nostalgia. Inspired by Amish farmhouse cooking and classic Eastern European stuffed cabbage, this version ditches the tedious rolling and lets the slow cooker do the work. The result? Juicy beef, soft cabbage, fluffy rice, and a tangy-sweet tomato sauce that everyone will love—even the picky eaters.
- Weeknight dinners with zero stress
- Meal prep and freezer-friendly batches
- Fans of stuffed cabbage, shepherd’s pie, or meat-and-potatoes meals
- Cold-weather comfort on a spoon
Ingredients
For the Meat & Veggies
- 1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (~1 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (~6 cups)
For the Sauce & Seasoning
- 1 (15 oz / 425g) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz / 410g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup (240ml) beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
For the Rice Base
- 1 cup (185g) uncooked white rice (not instant; jasmine or long-grain works well)
- Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (last 30 mins)
- Drained kidney beans or black beans (for extra fiber)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
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