When it comes to homey food, Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker cabbage rolls hit the spot every time!
You’ll be drawn to how easy this recipe is, blending ground beef, rice, and rich tomato sauce to create a classic homestyle meal.
Cook the cabbage just enough so the leaves are pliable yet firm enough to hold the savory filling.
Layer the rolls in a slow cooker to let them soak up all those delicious flavors while you go about your day.
The result is fork-tender cabbage rolls that are sure to steal the dinner show!
How to Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
- 15 oz. Crushed Tomatoes
- 8 oz. Tomato Sauce
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Red Chili Flakes
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 clove Garlic (grated)
- Large Cabbage Head
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 Onion (chopped)
- 1/2 cup Cooked Rice
- 1 tbsp Parsley (chopped)
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Prepare the sauce by combining crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, red chili flakes, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and grated garlic in a large bowl.
Mix well and set aside.
Step 2:
Soften the cabbage leaves by boiling in a large pot of salted water for 2-4 minutes until flexible.
Remove and drain them on a towel.
Step 3:
In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, cooked rice, parsley, egg, and black pepper.
Mix this filling until everything is blended together.
Step 4:
Take a cabbage leaf, place about 1/2 cup of filling at the leaf’s center, and fold in the sides.
Roll up the leaf and secure it seam-side down.
Step 5:
Layer the cabbage rolls in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Choosing the Cabbage:
You should select a large cabbage head that’s firm and heavy to hold enough filling properly.
Preparing the Leaves:
Consider cutting out the leaves’ thick veins to make rolling easier and increase flexibility.
Adjusting Spice Levels:
Feel free to add more or less chili flakes according to your preference for spiciness.
Rice Alternatives:
If you want a different texture, you could try using quinoa instead of rice in the filling.
Cooking Time Flexibility:
If you need more time, you can cook the rolls on high heat for 4 hours instead of low heat.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
You can’t go wrong with creamy mashed potatoes next to your cabbage rolls.
The rich, buttery flavors complement the savory rolls without overpowering them.
For an extra touch, add a hint of garlic to your potatoes and watch everyone’s faces light up!
Crusty Bread
There’s something special about soaking up that delicious tomato sauce with some crusty bread.
I love a warm, rustic loaf that gives you that satisfying chew.
Serve a freshly baked baguette or Italian bread, and your meal is sure to be a hit.
Green Beans Almondine
If you’re looking for a fresh contrast to the warm, hearty rolls, try green beans almondine.
The vibrant crunch of green beans paired with the nutty almonds creates a lovely texture.
This dish adds a pop of color to your plate and pairs beautifully with cabbage rolls.
Spicy Sriracha Roasted Cauliflower
Spicy sriracha roasted cauliflower can bring a surprising kick to your table.
The heat from the sriracha and the caramelized edges of the cauliflower make this dish interesting and flavorful.
It’s a bold choice, but it really does work!
Apple Walnut Salad
For a refreshing contrast, consider an apple walnut salad.
The sweetness of the apples, the crunch of the walnuts, and the tangy dressing are a fun way to balance the rich flavor of the cabbage rolls.
This salad is not only delicious but adds a beautiful, colorful element to your meal.
Variations and Substitutions
Adjusting the Protein
You can switch up the protein by using ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
Don’t shy away from trying ground pork or even a mix of different meats for a unique taste.
Sauce Modifications
Consider adding Italian seasoning to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor in your dish!
Spicy lovers might enjoy sprinkling in some red pepper flakes to give it a kick.
Rice Alternatives
For a healthier twist, replace white rice with brown rice or quinoa to increase the fiber content.
If you’re short on time, cook the rice partially before adding it to the filling so it cooks faster.
Vegetable Add-ins
Feel free to include chopped mushrooms or diced bell peppers in the filling for additional flavor and nutrition.
For an aromatic touch, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the mix.
Dairy-Free Options
If you’re avoiding dairy, omit the egg in the mixture or use a flax egg instead.
Use a dairy-free tomato sauce to keep the recipe completely free of animal products.
How to Store Leftover Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
Use Airtight Containers
You should always store leftover cabbage rolls in airtight containers to maintain their flavor and texture.
This will prevent them from drying out and keep them fresh for several days.
Refrigerate Promptly
Place your rolls in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to avoid bacterial growth.
They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
I suggest labeling your containers with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing Tips
If you want to store them longer, freezing is a great option!
Wrap each roll in plastic wrap or foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
You can keep them frozen for up to three months without affecting their delicious taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Cabbage
If you cook the cabbage leaves too long, they might become too soft, tearing easily when you try to roll them.
Always aim for 2-4 minutes in boiling water to keep them just firm enough.
Skipping the Sauce at the Bottom
Layering sauce at the bottom of your slow cooker is key to preventing the rolls from sticking and drying out.
So, make sure you cover the base well before adding the first roll.
Not Enough Filling
Filling each cabbage leaf with less than a half cup might lead to loose rolls without enough flavor.
Be generous with your filling but avoid overstuffing to maintain a perfect roll.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
- 15 oz. Crushed Tomatoes
- 8 oz. Tomato Sauce
- 3/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Red Chili Flakes
- 1 tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 clove Garlic grated
- Large Cabbage Head
- 1 lb. Ground Beef
- 1 Onion chopped
- 1/2 cup Cooked Rice
- 1 tbsp Parsley chopped
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by combining crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, salt, red chili flakes, brown sugar, red wine vinegar, and grated garlic in a large bowl.
- Mix well and set aside.
- Soften the cabbage leaves by boiling in a large pot of salted water for 2-4 minutes until flexible.
- Remove and drain them on a towel.
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, chopped onion, cooked rice, parsley, egg, and black pepper.
- Mix this filling until everything is blended together.
- Take a cabbage leaf, place about 1/2 cup of filling at the leaf's center, and fold in the sides.
- Roll up the leaf and secure it seam-side down.
- Layer the cabbage rolls in a slow cooker and pour the sauce over them.
- Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.