Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

crockpot cabbage roll casserole in a white plate

4.94 from 15 votes

Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole

This Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Casserole is one of the best unstuffed cabbage casseroles. It's a set-it-and-forget-it dinner that is warm, hearty and captures all the food groups to make a complete meal

Prep Time10

Cook Time3

Total Time3 10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Middle Eastern

Diet: Low Lactose

Keyword: slow cooker unstuffed cabbage rolls

Servings:

Calories: 323kcal

Author: Kristina Tipps

Equipment

slow cooker

Ingredients

1 lb ground lamb or beef
1 tablespoon allspice
1 cup parboiled white rice uncooked
2.5 lbs cabbage or ½ large head of cabbage
2 cups water
3 cups plain tomato sauce
3 tablespoon pomegranate molasses
6 cloves garlic crushed
2 tablespoon dried mint
1 ½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

In a large skillet, combine the ground lamb or beef with the allspice. Mix well, then brown over medium heat for 3-4 minutes. Turn off heat and toss in the parboiled white rice. Stir to combine.
Cut the core out of the cabbage. Wash, dry and peel the leaves. Remove and discard any thick stems. Tear the cabbage leaves into 2-3 inch pieces.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the water, tomato sauce, pomegranate molasses, crushed garlic, dried mint leaves, salt and pepper. Stir well.
Layer the ingredients into a casserole in the crockpot. Add half of the cooked ground beef or lamb and rice mixture to the bottom of the crockpot, followed by half of of the cabbage leaves. Pour half of the sauce on top. Repeat with the remaining meat, cabbage and sauce. Push the cabbage down as much as possible to submerge in the sauce.
Set the slow cooker to low for 3-4 hours. At the 3 hour mark, check the cabbage to see if it's tender enough for your preference. If not, continue cooking for 30 to 60 minutes more.
When done, remove the casserole immediately to a serving dish or storage container to avoid overcooking the rice. Serve warm with pita bread and hummus.

Notes

Pomegranate molasses gives the sauce a subtly sweet taste. You can make it homemade or find it in the ethnic food section of grocery stores. If it isn't readily available near you, it can be found online.

Nutrition