-
Slow Cooker Cabbage, Ground Beef & Rice
A hearty one-pot slow cooker meal made with ground beef, tender cabbage, and fluffy rice. This comforting dish is budget-friendly, filling, and packed with savory flavor — perfect for busy weeknights when you want something simple yet satisfying.
Description
Slow Cooker Cabbage, Ground Beef & Rice is a cozy, homestyle dish where everything cooks together in one pot. The ground beef adds rich flavor, the cabbage becomes tender and slightly sweet, and the rice absorbs the delicious seasoned broth.
It’s similar to unstuffed cabbage rolls, but much easier because everything cooks together without rolling or extra steps.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
-
1 lb (450 g) ground beef
-
1 small head cabbage, chopped (about 5–6 cups)
-
1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
-
1 small onion, diced
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
2 cups beef broth
-
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (optional but recommended)
-
1 tbsp tomato paste
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
1 tsp paprika
-
1 tsp Italian seasoning
-
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional toppings
-
Fresh parsley
-
Grated Parmesan cheese
-
Sour cream
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Beef (Recommended)
In a skillet, cook ground beef with onion until browned. Drain excess grease.
(You can add it raw to the slow cooker if desired, but browning adds better flavor.)
2️⃣ Add Ingredients
Place browned beef, chopped cabbage, garlic, rice, diced tomatoes, broth, and seasonings into the slow cooker.
3️⃣ Stir
Mix everything together so the rice is submerged in the liquid.
4️⃣ Cook
Cover and cook:
-
LOW: 6–7 hours
-
HIGH: 3–4 hours
5️⃣ Final Stir
Stir well before serving so the rice and cabbage combine evenly.
6️⃣ Serve
Top with fresh parsley or Parmesan if desired.