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Best Crockpot Stuffed Cabbage Rolls for an Easy Family Dinner

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If you love hearty comfort food but don’t want to turn on the oven, this Slow Cooker Beef and Pork Golumpki is the perfect solution. Tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory beef and pork filling, then slow-simmered all day in a rich tomato sauce.

This crockpot version makes stuffed cabbage completely hands-off — just assemble, layer, and let it cook.

It’s cozy, traditional, and perfect for busy days.

Crockpot stuffed cabbage rolls cooking in slow cooker with tomato sauce
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Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Version

  • No oven required
  • Extra tender cabbage
  • Deep, rich tomato flavor
  • Perfect make-ahead meal
  • Freezer friendly

Ingredients for crockpot stuffed cabbage rolls including cabbage, ground beef, pork, rice, tomato sauce, and spices
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Ingredients

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large head green cabbage
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 lb ground pork
  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional garnish: sour cream, fresh dill, sliced green onions.


Crockpot stuffed cabbage rolls recipe with tomato sauce Pinterest graphic
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How to Make Crockpot Golumpki

Step 1: Soften the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully lower it into the boiling water. As leaves soften (about 3–5 minutes), remove them gently with tongs.

Trim the thick rib from each leaf so they roll easily.

Shortcut: Freeze the cabbage overnight and thaw — the leaves soften naturally.


Step 2: Make the Filling

In a large bowl, gently mix:

  • Ground beef
  • Ground pork
  • Cooked rice
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Egg
  • Salt, pepper, paprika

Do not overmix.


Step 3: Roll the Cabbage

Place about ⅓ cup of filling at the base of each cabbage leaf.

Fold sides inward and roll tightly, like a burrito.

Repeat until all filling is used.


Step 4: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:

  • Crushed tomatoes
  • Tomato sauce
  • Tomato paste
  • Brown sugar
  • Worcestershire
  • Thyme
  • Salt and pepper

Step 5: Layer in the Crockpot

  1. Spread a thin layer of sauce on the bottom of the crockpot.
  2. Place cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer.
  3. Spoon sauce over the top.
  4. Repeat layers if needed.
  5. Pour remaining sauce evenly over everything.

Cooking Instructions

Cook on:

  • LOW for 6–8 hours, or
  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

Cabbage should be very tender and the internal temperature of the filling should reach 160°F.


Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

  • A dollop of sour cream
  • Fresh dill
  • Roasted carrots
  • Buttered potatoes
  • Crusty bread

The sauce is incredible spooned over mashed potatoes.


Tips for the Best Crockpot Stuffed Cabbage

  • Don’t skip trimming the thick rib — it makes rolling easier.
  • Add ¼ cup beef broth if you prefer extra sauce.
  • Let them rest 10–15 minutes before serving so they hold their shape.
  • They taste even better the next day.

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerate up to 4 days.

Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Reheat gently with extra sauce to prevent drying out.


FAQ

Can I skip the rice?
Yes, substitute cauliflower rice.

Can I make this with all beef?
Yes, but pork adds richness and moisture.

Can I make it ahead?
Assemble the night before and refrigerate. Start cooking the next day.

Print
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Plated crockpot stuffed cabbage rolls with tomato sauce and sour cream
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Crockpot Stuffed Cabbage Rolls


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  • Author: Christine
  • Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 SERVINGS 1x

Description

Tender beef and pork stuffed cabbage rolls slow cooked in rich tomato sauce. This easy crockpot stuffed cabbage recipe is the perfect cozy family dinner.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Cabbage Rolls

  • 1 large head green cabbage

  • 1 lb ground beef

  • 1 lb ground pork

  • 1 cup cooked white rice

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 large egg

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Sauce

  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme

  • Salt and pepper to taste


Instructions

 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Remove the core from the cabbage and carefully place the head in boiling water. As the leaves soften, remove them with tongs. Trim the thick rib from each leaf.

  • In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, cooked rice, onion, garlic, egg, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until combined.

  • Place about ⅓ cup of filling at the base of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll tightly.

  • In a bowl, whisk together crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, salt, and pepper.

  • Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange cabbage rolls seam-side down in a single layer. Spoon sauce over the top. Repeat layers if needed and pour remaining sauce evenly over everything.

  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until cabbage is tender and the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

  • Let rest 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Freeze the cabbage overnight and thaw to soften leaves easily.

  • Add ¼ cup beef broth if you prefer extra sauce.

  • Leftovers taste even better the next day.

  • Freeze cooked rolls for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 30 MINUTES
  • Cook Time: 6 HOURS
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: CROKPOT
  • Cuisine: POLISH

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