Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
Total Time: About 6½–8½ hours
Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 1 large head green cabbage, chopped into 1-inch pieces
• 1 pound (450 g) lean ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 (14.5-ounce/410 g) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15-ounce/425 g) can tomato sauce
• 1 (6-ounce/170 g) can tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for turkey)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Toppings

• Shredded mozzarella
• Cheddar cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Sour cream

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Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes.
3. Stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
4. Add ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned.
5. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

Mix together:

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Tomato paste
• Broth
• Worcestershire sauce
• Paprika
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Brown sugar

Step 3: Layer the Crockpot

Layer in this order:

• Half the cabbage
• Half the rice
• Half the meat
• Half the sauce

Repeat all layers.

Do not stir.

Step 4: Cook

Cook:

• LOW: 6–8 hours
• HIGH: 3–4 hours

The cabbage should be tender and the rice fully cooked.

Step 5: Optional Cheese

Sprinkle cheese over the top during the last 15 minutes and cover until melted.

Serve hot.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Per serving (1/8 recipe using lean beef, without cheese)

Values vary depending on the brand of ingredients and whether beef or turkey is used.

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Tips for Success

• Chop cabbage into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Lean ground beef (90/10) reduces excess grease.
• Rinse rice before using.
• Don’t overcook on HIGH or the rice may become too soft.
• For a thicker casserole, reduce broth to 1½ cups.
• For more sauce, add an extra can of tomato sauce.

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Variations

Low-Carb

Replace rice with:

• Cauliflower rice (add during the last 30 minutes)
• Chopped mushrooms

Healthier Version

• Use ground turkey.
• Use brown rice (increase broth to 2½ cups and cooking time slightly).
• Choose low-sodium tomatoes and broth.

Extra Flavor

Add:

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Bell peppers
• Mushrooms

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Storage

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Microwave: 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium-low heat with a splash of broth.
• Oven: 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice?

Yes. Brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. Add about ½ cup extra broth and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours.

Can I use instant rice?

Yes, but add it during the last 30–45 minutes of cooking to avoid it becoming mushy.

Do I have to brown the meat first?

It’s recommended. Browning improves flavor and reduces grease.

Can I use red cabbage?

Green cabbage is preferred because it has a milder flavor and better texture after slow cooking.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Replace the meat with lentils, plant-based ground meat, or chopped mushrooms, and use vegetable broth.

Can I prepare it the night before?

Yes. Assemble the casserole in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and start cooking the next day.

Why is my casserole watery?

Cabbage releases moisture as it cooks. You can:

• Reduce the broth slightly.
• Leave the lid off for the last 20–30 minutes.
• Stir in a little extra cooked rice if needed.

What sides go well with it?

• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Steamed green beans

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Allergy Information

This recipe may contain:

• Wheat/Gluten: Worcestershire sauce (check the label, as some brands contain gluten)
• Milk: Only if cheese or sour cream is added
• Soy: Some Worcestershire sauces or broths may contain soy

It is naturally free of eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish unless ingredients with those allergens are used.