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Easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage

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Why I Love This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Let’s be real – life happens! Sometimes I forget to defrost ingredients, like my ground turkey for this recipe. But don’t worry, you can still make this amazing meal without any fuss. Just toss the frozen ground turkey right into the pan, and it’ll defrost as it browns. Problem solved! This casserole is so easy to throw together, and I love that it sneaks veggies, like cabbage, into my family’s diet without complaints.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head of cabbage, chopped (I used some fresh cabbage I snagged for only 79 cents!)
  • 1 cup instant rice
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 1 (28 oz) jar of tomato sauce (I used tomato basil sauce, but any variety will work)
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

How to Make Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole:

  1. Brown the Ground Turkey: Start by browning the ground turkey in a skillet over medium heat. I like to use a meat masher to break it up as it cooks – seriously, a lifesaver for ground meats! Once the turkey is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for a few more minutes until fragrant.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooked turkey, onion, and garlic to your slow cooker. Then, add the chopped cabbage, instant rice, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Season with black pepper, salt, and paprika. Give everything a good stir to mix all the flavors together.
  3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours. The cabbage will become tender, and the flavors will meld into a comforting, flavorful casserole.
  4. Serve: After 4 hours, stir the casserole and serve it hot. It’s the perfect combination of savory, hearty, and packed with veggies!

Why This Recipe Works

This Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a fantastic one-pot meal that combines all the comforting flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage without the hassle. By using simple, wholesome ingredients like ground turkey and cabbage, this dish delivers a healthy yet filling dinner that your whole family will love. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure those veggies don’t go to waste!

Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or something to meal prep, this slow cooker recipe will become a go-to. The convenience of letting your slow cooker do the work while you get on

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cabbage roll casserole in a bowl with white and green pattern

Easy Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage

  • Author: Maria
  • Total Time: 4 hours
  • Yield: 8 1x
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Description

This flavorful and hearty Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a slow cooker delight, packed with tender ground turkey, cabbage, and rich tomato flavors. Perfect for busy nights, it’s an easy way to get your family to enjoy a healthy, veggie-filled meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small head of cabbage (about 1 lb), chopped (or one bag of “angel hair cabbage”)
  • 1 cup instant rice
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes (or regular diced tomatoes)
  • 1 (28 oz) jar tomato sauce (regular or tomato basil)
  • 2 ½ cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Turkey: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground turkey until fully cooked, breaking it apart with a meat masher. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Casserole: In your slow cooker, add the chopped cabbage, instant rice, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato sauce, and water. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir everything together.
  3. Combine the Meat: Add the cooked ground turkey, onions, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded together.
  5. Serve: After 4 hours, give the casserole a good stir and serve hot.
  • Cook Time: 240

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