Cabbage and Bacon Rolls in a Slow Cooker are a hearty comfort dish where tender cabbage leaves are wrapped around a savory filling and slowly cooked until soft and flavorful. The bacon adds a smoky richness that makes the dish extra satisfying. 🥬🥓
Ingredients
For the rolls
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 8–10 slices of bacon
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or ground pork
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the sauce
- 1½ cups tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
1. Prepare the cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Carefully remove leaves from the cabbage head.
- Boil the leaves for 2–3 minutes until soft and flexible.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Make the filling
In a bowl combine:
- Ground meat
- Cooked rice
- Onion
- Garlic
- Egg
- Salt, pepper, and paprika
Mix well until evenly combined.
3. Assemble the rolls
- Place about 2–3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each cabbage leaf.
- Fold in the sides and roll tightly like a burrito.
- Wrap each roll with a slice of bacon (optional but very flavorful).
4. Prepare the sauce
Mix together:
- Tomato sauce
- Brown sugar
- Worcestershire sauce
- Beef broth
5. Slow cook
- Pour a small amount of sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Arrange the cabbage rolls seam-side down.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the top.
Cook on:
- Low: 6–7 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
Serving Suggestions
Serve the rolls with:
- mashed potatoes
- crusty bread
- or a simple salad
The bacon becomes tender and infuses the cabbage and filling with smoky flavor. 😋
✅ Tip: If you like a thicker sauce, remove the lid for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking.
If you want, I can also show you a super easy “lazy slow cooker cabbage roll casserole” (same flavor, no rolling needed). 🥬🍲
