If you love comfort food that’s easy to prepare, then Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole is the dish for you. This hearty casserole captures all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls, but without the hassle of rolling each piece. With just five simple ingredients, you can create a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy families or anyone looking for a tasty weeknight dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make this recipe. First, it’s incredibly simple and requires minimal preparation. Second, the slow cooker does all the work for you, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s also a great way to use up cabbage and provides a satisfying meal loaded with protein and veggies. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it suitable for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
How to Make Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked converted (parboiled) long-grain white rice
- 2 cans (10.75 ounces each) condensed tomato soup
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juice
Directions:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off the excess grease.
- For the next step, add the chopped cabbage to a 6-quart slow cooker, packing it in high since it will cook down quite a bit.
- Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the cabbage.
- Add the browned beef, condensed tomato soup, and diced tomatoes with all their liquid.
- Stir everything together well, making sure the tomato liquid is evenly distributed and covers the rice as much as possible.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the rice is plump and cooked through.
- Give the casserole a final stir before serving, checking that no rice grains remain firm. Serve hot.
How to Serve Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole
This casserole is best served hot straight from the slow cooker. You can offer it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It also makes a great dish when accompanied by a dollop of sour cream or some shredded cheese on top.
How to Store Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole
To store any leftovers, let the casserole cool down completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then heat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.
Tips to Make Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole
- Make sure to pack the cabbage tightly in the slow cooker to allow it to cook down properly.
- You can substitute ground beef with turkey or a meat alternative for a lighter option.
- Adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Adding some garlic powder or onion powder can enhance the flavors.
Variation
If you want to switch things up, try adding some bell peppers or carrots to the mix for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also tweak the type of canned tomatoes used for different flavor profiles.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice requires a longer cooking time, so it’s best to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q2: Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! You can leave out the ground beef and replace it with beans or lentils for added protein.
Q3: Can I cook this on high instead of low?
A: Yes, you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours, but keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Drain off the excess grease.
- Add the chopped cabbage to a 6-quart slow cooker, packing it in tightly since it will cook down quite a bit.
- Sprinkle the uncooked rice over the cabbage.
- Add the browned beef, condensed tomato soup, and diced tomatoes with all their liquid.
- Stir everything together well, making sure the tomato liquid is evenly distributed and covers the rice as much as possible.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or until the cabbage is very tender and the rice is plump and cooked through.
- Give the casserole a final stir before serving, checking that no rice grains remain firm.
- Serve hot, optionally with crusty bread, a side salad, or topped with sour cream or shredded cheese.
