Slow-Cooker Beef & Cabbage Roll Stew
Description
This Slow-Cooker Beef & Cabbage Roll Stew combines all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls in an easy, hearty stew! Tender ground beef, soft cabbage, tomatoes, rice, and savory seasonings simmer together in a rich tomato broth until every bite is warm and delicious.
There’s no need to spend time stuffing and rolling cabbage leaves. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let everything simmer, and come home to a comforting homemade dinner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, and family meals.
⏱️ Prep Time
20 minutes
🍲 Cook Time
6–7 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
🍽️ Servings
6–8
Ingredients
1½ lbs lean ground beef
1 medium green cabbage, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 bay leaf
¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned.
Drain excess grease. Add the diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the chopped cabbage, carrots, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
Pour in the beef broth and stir gently to combine.
3. Slow Cook the Stew
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the beef and vegetables are tender.
The cabbage will soften and absorb the rich tomato and beef flavors.
4. Add the Rice
For the best texture, cook the rice separately according to the package instructions.
Stir the cooked rice into the stew during the final 10–15 minutes of cooking. This helps prevent the rice from becoming mushy or absorbing too much broth.
If you prefer cooking rice directly in the stew, add it during the final 45–60 minutes with additional hot broth as needed, checking regularly for doneness.
5. Adjust the Seasoning
Remove the bay leaf. Taste the stew and add more salt, black pepper, or Italian seasoning if desired.
If the stew is too thick, add a little extra beef broth. For a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered briefly.
6. Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot stew into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.
Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a simple green salad.
💡 Tips for the Best Beef & Cabbage Roll Stew
Brown the beef first: This creates a deeper, richer flavor.
Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces: This makes the stew easier to eat.
Cook rice separately: This is especially helpful if you plan to freeze leftovers.
Use lean ground beef: It keeps excess grease out of the tomato broth.
Adjust the broth: Cabbage releases moisture while cooking, so add extra broth only as needed.
Let it rest: Allowing the stew to sit for 5–10 minutes before serving helps the flavors settle.
Variations
🥩 Beef & Brown Rice
Replace white rice with cooked brown rice and stir it in before serving.
🫘 Beef & Bean Cabbage Stew
Add a can of drained kidney beans or cannellini beans for extra fiber and texture.
🌶️ Spicy Tomato Stew
Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.
🥕 Extra Vegetable Stew
Add diced zucchini, celery, or bell peppers for more vegetables.
🦃 Ground Turkey Version
Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lighter alternative.
Q&A
Can I make this stew without rice?
Yes! Simply leave out the rice for a lower-carbohydrate version. You can add extra cabbage, carrots, or other vegetables instead.
Can I use frozen cabbage?
Fresh cabbage generally provides the best texture. Frozen cabbage can work, but it may become softer after slow cooking.
Can I freeze this stew?
Yes. Cool it completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to about 3 months for best quality. For the best texture, freeze the stew without rice and add freshly cooked rice when reheating.
How long will leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat thoroughly until steaming hot.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the beef and vegetables the night before and refrigerate them. Transfer everything to the slow cooker when ready to cook. Keep the rice separate until serving.
How do I make the stew thicker?
Let it cook uncovered briefly near the end, or mash a few pieces of softened cabbage and carrots into the broth. You can also add a little extra tomato paste.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes! Divide the stew into individual containers for easy lunches and dinners. Store rice separately if you want to maintain the best texture.
🍽️ Serving Suggestion
Serve a generous bowl of this hearty stew with warm crusty bread and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The tender beef, soft cabbage, and rich tomato broth make every spoonful taste like old-fashioned homemade cabbage rolls.