Savory Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole
Experience the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls in a convenient, hearty casserole form! This savory dish features lean ground turkey or beef layered with fresh cabbage, vibrant vegetables, and rich tomatoes—minus the hassle of rolling individual cabbage leaves. With no rice included, this recipe allows the natural flavors of the ingredients to shine, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground turkey or extra lean ground beef
1 - 1 1/2 lb (raw, crumbled)
chopped onions
2 cups (fresh)
chopped green pepper
1/2 cup (fresh)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
thyme
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
green cabbage
1 small head (coarsely chopped)
diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can (undrained)
sugar
1/2 teaspoon (to sweeten sauce)
tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can (additional cans can be added for more sauce)
Instructions
1
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
Crumble the raw ground turkey or extra lean ground beef and spread it evenly along the bottom of the slow cooker.
3
Layer the chopped onions, green peppers, crushed garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, and coarsely chopped cabbage over the meat.
4
Pour the undrained diced tomatoes over the layered ingredients, ensuring even distribution.
5
In a separate bowl, mix the sugar into the tomato sauce. Pour this mixture over the entire casserole. If you prefer a saucier dish, add an additional 8-15 oz can of tomato sauce.
6
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours or on high for approximately 4 hours, until the meat is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
7
Once cooking is complete, remove the lid and gently stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients before serving.
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
20g
Carbs
33g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole?
It is a hearty, rice-free version of traditional cabbage rolls made by layering ingredients in a slow cooker rather than rolling them.
Does this cabbage roll casserole contain rice?
No, this recipe does not include rice, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables and meat to be the main focus.
How long does it take to cook on the low setting?
It takes approximately 8 hours to cook on the low setting until the meat is cooked and vegetables are tender.
What is the cooking time for the high setting?
On the high setting, the casserole should be ready in approximately 4 hours.
What type of meat is recommended for this recipe?
You can use 1 to 1.5 pounds of either lean ground turkey or extra lean ground beef.
Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?
No, the instructions specify to crumble the raw ground turkey or beef and spread it evenly along the bottom.
How should I prepare the cabbage?
You should use one small head of green cabbage and coarsely chop it before layering.
Can I make this dish saucier?
Yes, if you prefer a saucier dish, you can add an additional 8-15 oz can of tomato sauce.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes chopped onions, chopped green peppers, and a small head of green cabbage.
How many calories are in a serving of this casserole?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
Is this cabbage roll casserole considered healthy?
Yes, it is labeled as healthy because it uses lean proteins and fresh vegetables without added fillers like rice.
What is the protein content per serving?
This dish provides a high protein count of 33g per serving.
What seasonings are used in this dish?
The seasoning mix consists of crushed garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
Why is sugar added to the recipe?
A small amount of sugar is mixed into the tomato sauce to help balance the acidity and sweeten the sauce slightly.
Should I drain the diced tomatoes?
No, you should pour the 15 oz can of diced tomatoes over the ingredients undrained.
How do I prevent the food from sticking to the slow cooker?
Before adding ingredients, spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
What are the fat and carbohydrate counts?
The dish contains 12.5g of fat and 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use different types of cabbage?
The recipe specifies green cabbage, but you could experiment with other varieties like savoy cabbage.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is a convenient one-dish meal that combines protein and vegetables in one pot.
What should I do after the cooking time is finished?
Once cooking is complete, remove the lid and gently stir the mixture to combine all the layered ingredients before serving.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on your canned tomato products to be sure.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 3 crushed garlic cloves.
Can I add rice if I want to?
While this specific recipe is rice-free, you could stir in cooked rice at the end of the cooking process if desired.
What makes this easier than traditional cabbage rolls?
It eliminates the time-consuming step of blanching and rolling individual cabbage leaves.
Can I prepare this for a family gathering?
Yes, its hearty nature and easy slow cooker preparation make it perfect for families or groups.
How much onion is used in the dish?
The recipe requires 2 cups of fresh chopped onions.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The finished casserole has tender vegetables and crumbled meat in a savory tomato-based sauce.
Can I use dried garlic instead of fresh?
Fresh crushed garlic is recommended for the best flavor, but garlic powder could be used in a pinch.
How much green pepper is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh chopped green pepper.
Is there any thyme in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme for seasoning.