This comforting cabbage dish is a crowd-pleaser that combines hearty ingredients in one slow cooker pot, creating a warm, satisfying meal your guests will love.
With the combination of ground beef (or turkey for a lighter twist), cabbage, vegetables, and savory seasonings, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends and family.
The slow cooking method allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, offering a rich, flavorful dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
-1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter version)
-1 small onion, diced
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
-2 carrots, sliced
-3 cups beef broth
-28 oz can diced tomatoes
-15 oz can tomato sauce
-1/2 cup uncooked long grain white rice
-2 tbsp brown sugar
-1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
-1 tsp paprika
-1 tsp dried thyme
-1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Start by browning the ground beef (or turkey) in a skillet over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for a few minutes until softened, then transfer them to the slow cooker as well.
Add the chopped cabbage, sliced carrots, beef broth, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine evenly.
Add the uncooked rice to the slow cooker, followed by the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce.
paprika, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and stir to mix the ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours, or until the cabbage and carrots are tender, and the rice is cooked through.
If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours, though cooking on low is recommended for the best flavor.
Once the cooking time is up, remove the bay leaf and give the dish a good stir. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can let it cook uncovered for a little longer to reduce the liquid.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy a flavorful, hearty meal that’s sure to satisfy.
Tips For a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or even lean ground chicken. This will still give the dish great flavor but reduce the overall fat content.
Feel free to add extra vegetables such as celery, bell peppers, or zucchini to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken or vegetable broth can be used as an alternative without compromising the dish too much.
For a little extra kick, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when seasoning the dish.
If you want a richer taste, try using beef stock instead of beef broth. It will provide a more intense flavor to the dish.
For a slightly smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or toss in a few dashes of liquid smoke. This will elevate the overall depth of the dish.
To save time, you can prepare the ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to start cooking.
This can make it even more convenient when you’re ready to throw it all in the slow cooker.
Conclusion This slow cooker cabbage dish is a delicious, hearty, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a staple in your cooking routine.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or feeding a group of guests, this dish will impress everyone with its savory flavors and comforting warmth.