Crockpot Cabbage Roll Casserole

A cozy, hearty slow cooker dinner with all the classic flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls — but way easier! Tender cabbage, seasoned beef, rice, and rich tomato sauce cook together into the perfect comfort food meal.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cabbage, chopped
• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup uncooked rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the meat
   In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey with the diced onion until browned. Drain excess grease if needed. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
2. Layer the casserole
   Spray the crockpot with nonstick spray. Add half the chopped cabbage to the bottom. Top with half the rice, then half the meat mixture.
3. Add the sauce
   In a bowl, mix tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Build the layers
   Pour some sauce over the meat layer. Repeat the layers with remaining cabbage, rice, meat, and sauce.
5. Cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and rice is fully cooked.
6. Add cheese (optional)
   Sprinkle cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes of cooking and let it melt before serving.

Tips

• Use brown rice for extra texture, but add a little extra broth and cooking time.
• Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Serve with crusty bread or a dollop of sour cream.

Enjoy this easy slow cooker comfort meal!