A hearty, comforting, and delicious one-pot dinner! Tender cabbage, juicy ground beef, fluffy rice, and rich tomato sauce come together in this easy slow cooker recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the beef is browned. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Drain excess fat.
Step 3: Layer the Crockpot
Place the chopped cabbage into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the browned ground beef, uncooked rice, and seasonings.
Step 4: Add the Tomato Sauce
Pour the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce over the ingredients. Add the beef broth and gently stir to distribute everything evenly.
Step 5: Slow Cook
Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for approximately 3–4 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until the cabbage and rice are tender and the rice has absorbed enough liquid. Cooking times vary by slow cooker.
Stir occasionally if needed, and add a little hot broth if the rice becomes dry before it is cooked.
Step 6: Final Touch
Once the rice is tender and the mixture is fully cooked, stir gently. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the delicious cabbage, beef, and rice mixture onto serving plates. Serve hot with crusty bread or a fresh green salad.
Cooking Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 2–4 hours
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Tips: Use regular long-grain white rice, not instant rice. Make sure the rice stays sufficiently moist during cooking. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and enjoy within 3–4 days.
