Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls Grandmas Comfort Made Easy
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction
Ever get that craving for something seriously comforting? I know I do! Today we're diving headfirst into making slow cooker cabbage rolls , also known as Golabki .
They’re just the ticket if you ask me. Think tender cabbage, flavourful meat, and a delicious tangy sauce all simmered together.
Golabki Recipe Slow Cooker: Comfort Food Simplified
These slow cooker cabbage rolls are basically a simplified version of my grandma’s recipe. She used to spend ages rolling them, bless her heart.
Now, don't get me wrong, stuffed cabbage in crock pot is an art form, but with the slow cooker, it’s way easier to get that authentic taste without slaving away all day.
From Poland With Love (and a Slow Cooker)
Polish cabbage rolls crockpot , or Golabki , have a rich history in Eastern European cuisine. They are traditionally served during holidays and family gatherings.
Making this in your crockpot lazy cabbage rolls will just make it easier. This version is super easy and takes about 30 minutes of prep time.
Then it simmers away for 6- 8 hours in your slow cooker. This recipe yields about 6 servings. Enough for a proper family dinner, or loads of leftovers bonus.
Healthier Comfort Food? Yes, Please!
Honestly, you'd be surprised. While it's total comfort food, these slow cooker cabbage rolls are packed with nutrients. Cabbage is a great source of Vitamin C and fiber, plus you're getting a good dose of protein from the meat.
These are perfect for a chilly autumn evening, a Sunday dinner, or frankly, any time you fancy a bit of heartwarming goodness.
The main benefit is that it tastes amazing and feeds your soul. It's a hug in a bowl, you know? What makes these so special is that they're so easy and taste just like Grandma's, but without all the fuss.
So, grab your ground beef cabbage rolls slow cooker ingredients, and let's get started. You won't regret it.
Ingredients & Equipment for Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls: Let's Get Started!
Right, let's talk ingredients. Honestly, making slow cooker cabbage rolls is easier than you think! We are recreating here our version of unstuffed cabbage rolls crockpot .
These are simple ingredients, nothing too fancy.
Main Ingredients for Killer Cabbage Rolls
Here's the lowdown, quantities are important but you can always taste along the way, alright?
Cabbage Rolls:
- One large green cabbage (about 3 lbs / 1.4 kg ). Look for a firm head, no bruises.
- 1 tbsp olive oil ( 15 ml ). Basic stuff.
- One medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup / 150g ). White or yellow will do!
- Two cloves garlic, minced. The fresher, the better.
- 1 lb ground beef ( 450g ). Or a mix with pork. high-quality is your aim!
- 1/2 cup uncooked long grain rice ( 100g ). Basmati or similar.
- One large egg, lightly beaten. Free range if you can.
- 1 tsp dried thyme ( 5ml ).
- 1 tsp dried marjoram ( 5ml ).
- 1/2 tsp salt ( 2.5 ml ).
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ( 1.25 ml ).
The Magic Sauce:
- One can (28 oz / 800g ) crushed tomatoes. Look for good quality.
- One can (15 oz / 425g ) tomato sauce. Standard stuff here.
- 1/2 cup beef broth ( 120 ml ). This adds depth.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar ( 15 ml ). Just a touch.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar ( 15 ml ). Adds a nice tang.
- 1 tsp paprika ( 5 ml ). Adds color and flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder ( 2.5 ml ).
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Seasoning Secrets: The Flavour Boost
For these stuffed cabbage in crock pot , thyme and marjoram are key. You know? It’s that aroma, that takes you back to Grandma's kitchen.
Don't be shy! A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a sneaky kick. If you can’t find marjoram, use oregano.
It’s not the same, but it’ll do in a pinch.
Equipment: Keep it Simple!
Alright, so all you really need is:
- A large stockpot or Dutch oven. For blanching that cabbage!
- A slow cooker (at least 6-quart). Essential for those super tender cabbage rolls! We want to have easy cabbage rolls slow cooker .
- A large bowl. Mixing things.
- A small saucepan. Making the sauce.
Don't have a fancy stockpot? A big pasta pot will do the trick. No slow cooker? You are missing on ground beef cabbage rolls slow cooker , the best Polish cabbage rolls crockpot recipe ever.
It's worth the investment; trust me.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls: Grandma's Comfort, Made Easy
These slow cooker cabbage rolls , or Golabki recipe slow cooker , are total comfort food. My Polish grandma's recipe? Nailed it.
Cabbage leaves hug a savory mix. Ground meat, rice, and spices. All slow cooked in a tomato sauce. Simple and so good.
Honestly, it’s like a warm hug!
Prep Like a Pro for Effortless Cabbage Rolls
First, essential mise en place . Get everything ready. Chop the onion, mince the garlic. Have your spices measured out. This saves time later.
For time saving organization, prep the filling ahead. Mix the meat, rice, and spices. You can even roll the unstuffed cabbage rolls a day before. Store them in the fridge. Boom!
Remember safety: Handle raw meat carefully. Wash your hands often. No one wants dodgy tummy!
step-by-step to Slow Cooker Cabbage Roll Heaven
- Prep the Cabbage: Core the cabbage. Gently remove the outer leaves. Blanch in boiling water. Boil until pliable. Set aside to cool.
- Make the Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onion and garlic until softened. Combine with ground meat, rice, egg, thyme, marjoram, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well.
- Assemble the Rolls: Place a cabbage leaf on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of filling onto the leaf. Fold in the sides, roll tightly. Like a burrito!
- Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, paprika, and garlic powder. Simmer for 10 minutes .
- Slow Cook: Pour a thin layer of sauce into the slow cooker . Arrange cabbage rolls, seam side down. Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls. Make sure they are mostly submerged.
- Cook: Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours. Ensure meat reaches 165 degrees F . The cabbage should be very tender.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls
Don't overcook the cabbage. Blanching just until pliable is key. The unstuffed cabbage rolls crockpot will thank you for it!
Avoid common mistakes: Packing the easy cabbage rolls slow cooker tightly is important. Also, do not forget to taste your cabbage roll sauce recipe before the slow cooking!.
If you wanna make these crockpot lazy cabbage rolls ahead, assemble them and store them in the fridge. Then, just pop them into the slow cooker. It's a game changer!
Recipe Notes
Let's talk shop about these amazing Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls , shall we? My grandma used to make a version of these.
Honestly, the aroma alone is enough to transport you back to childhood! Let me share a few tips and tricks I've picked up over the years.
Serving Like a Pro
Wanna impress? Serve these beauties on a bed of fluffy mashed potatoes. A dollop of sour cream adds a lovely tang.
A sprinkle of fresh parsley just makes it look extra fancy. Don't forget a side of crusty bread! It's essential for soaking up all that yummy sauce.
For drinks, a crisp lager or even a glass of dry red wine pairs perfectly.
Storing Leftovers - A Pro Tip
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Refrigerate your Crockpot Lazy Cabbage Rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 days . Honestly, they taste even BETTER the next day! I've tried freezing them too.
It totally works! Just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave. If reheating in a saucepan, add a splash of beef broth to avoid drying.
Switching It Up: Variations
Fancy a change? Try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. For a veggie version, use lentils instead! My vegetarian mates are always chuffed when I make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Crockpot with lentils.
Want some heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes gives them a nice kick. Swapping in different veggies is always a fun adventure too!.
The Healthy Stuff: Nutrition Basics
Each serving of these easy cabbage rolls slow cooker is roughly between 350 to 450 calories. It boasts a good amount of protein.
Think between 25 to 35 grams. You also get some fiber. A rough estimate between 5 to 7 grams per serving.
Cabbage itself is packed with vitamins, so you are getting a nutritional boost.
So there you have it! Now go forth and create some Golabki recipe slow cooker magic. Don't be afraid to experiment and make them your own.
The most important thing is to enjoy the process, and eat delicious food!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my slow cooker cabbage rolls from falling apart?
Nobody wants a cabbage roll explosion! To prevent your cabbage rolls from unraveling in the slow cooker, make sure you blanch the cabbage leaves until they're pliable but not completely cooked through. This ensures they're easy to roll tightly.
Also, packing the rolls snugly in the slow cooker, seam side down, helps them keep their shape.
Can I make slow cooker cabbage rolls ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making these ahead of time is a great shout. You can assemble the cabbage rolls, place them in the slow cooker with the sauce, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time to account for the rolls starting from cold.
Consider it your meal prep sorted, innit?
What's the best way to store leftover cabbage rolls?
Leftover cabbage rolls are just the ticket for a quick lunch! Let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They actually taste even better the next day as the flavors meld.
You can also freeze them for longer storage just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Are there any variations I can try with these slow cooker cabbage rolls?
You bet! Feel free to experiment like you're on the Great British Bake Off. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, try using a mix of ground beef and sausage for the filling.
You could even add some chopped mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavour and texture.
How do I prevent the rice in my slow cooker cabbage rolls from getting mushy?
No one likes a mushy rice situation! The key is to use uncooked rice in the filling and it will cook perfectly in the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. However, avoid using instant rice, as it will likely turn to mush.
If you're still concerned, you could slightly undercook the rice before adding it to the filling for a bit more control.
Can I make these slow cooker cabbage rolls vegetarian?
Of course! Just like a good veggie Sunday roast, you can easily adapt these. Swap the ground meat for cooked lentils, quinoa, or a mix of chopped vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini. You might also want to add some cooked brown rice for a heartier texture.
A little crumbled feta or goat cheese can add a lovely creamy richness, too. Just remember to adjust the cooking time if necessary, as vegetarian fillings often cook faster.
Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls Grandmas Comfort Made
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 6g |