All the cozy, comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls—without the rolling! This Slow Cooker Amish Cabbage Roll Casserole takes the essence of the classic dish and simplifies it into a hearty, one-pot meal perfect for busy families. Tender layers of cabbage, seasoned ground beef, fluffy rice, and a savory tomato-Worcestershire sauce come together in the slow cooker, simmering low and slow until perfectly soft, rich, and deeply satisfying. Inspired by Amish farmhouse cooking and old-world Eastern European recipes, this version delivers all the nostalgia with none of the fuss—just simple comfort food at its finest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is pure homestyle comfort—flavorful, filling, and incredibly easy to prepare. There’s no need for rolling or fussing; everything layers beautifully in the slow cooker, blending into a rich, savory casserole that tastes like it’s been cooking in Grandma’s kitchen all day. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, and freezer-friendly meal prep, offering all the flavors of traditional stuffed cabbage without the effort.
Ingredients
For the Meat & Veggies
1½ lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
1 medium onion, chopped (~1 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head green cabbage, chopped (~6 cups)
For the Sauce & Seasoning
1 (15 oz / 425g) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz / 410g) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 cup (240ml) beef broth
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
For the Rice Base
1 cup (185g) uncooked white rice (not instant; jasmine or long-grain)
Optional add-ins: shredded cheddar or Parmesan (last 30 minutes), drained kidney or black beans, pinch of red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef & Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef with onion and garlic for 6–8 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Layer in the Slow Cooker
In a 5–6 quart slow cooker, layer in this order: half of the chopped cabbage, all of the beef mixture, the uncooked rice, and then the remaining cabbage.
3. Mix & Pour the Sauce
In a bowl, combine tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and paprika. Pour evenly over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft but not mushy. The liquid should be mostly absorbed.
5. Stir & Serve
Once cooked, remove the lid and gently stir everything together. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot straight from the crockpot for that rustic, comforting feel.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this cozy casserole with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a crisp green salad. It’s also delicious topped with sour cream or Greek yogurt. For family gatherings, serve it directly in the slow cooker to keep it warm throughout dinner.
You Must Know
- Use uncooked rice—it absorbs the sauce and cooks perfectly inside.
- Chop cabbage evenly for consistent texture.
- Do not stir while cooking—this keeps the layers intact and prevents mushiness.
- Tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen overnight.
- Freezer-friendly: cool completely, then freeze before or after cooking.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Ground beef: Substitute turkey, chicken, pork, or lentils.
- White rice: Try brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice (adjust liquid and time).
- Beef broth: Use vegetable or chicken broth.
- Worcestershire sauce: Replace with soy sauce + a dash of vinegar.
- Cabbage: Swap for kale, collard greens, or Swiss chard for a heartier version.
Cultural Context
This recipe is rooted in Amish and Mennonite traditions—simple ingredients transformed into wholesome, satisfying meals. It reflects the heart of farmhouse cooking: hearty, resourceful, and full of care.
Pro Tips
- Double the recipe for meal prep or crowds (use a larger slow cooker).
- Add a bay leaf or thyme sprig for extra depth.
- Make ahead: prep veggies and brown meat 1–2 days early.
- Label your dish—everyone will ask for the recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen cabbage?
A: Not ideal—it releases too much water and can turn mushy.
Q: Why is my rice undercooked?
A: Ensure full cook time and correct liquid ratio; hard rice means it hasn’t absorbed enough moisture.
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes, if you use gluten-free Worcestershire sauce and check your ingredient labels.
Q: Can I bake it instead?
A: Yes! Combine everything in a 9×13-inch baking dish, cover, and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 2–2½ hours.
Q: Can I air fry leftovers?
A: Absolutely—reheat individual portions at 350°F (175°C) for 6–8 minutes for a crisp edge.
Allergy Information
Contains soy and wheat (in Worcestershire sauce). Use certified GF Worcestershire for a gluten-free version. Naturally nut-free.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 320
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 22g
Sodium: 880mg
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Amish Cabbage Roll Casserole is the definition of comfort food done right—humble ingredients, slow-cooked flavor, and pure homemade warmth. It’s hearty, economical, and effortlessly delicious, the kind of meal that fills your home with comforting aromas and your table with happy faces. Like the best family recipes, it doesn’t need to shout—it just quietly says, “Sit down, eat, and feel at home.”