Sometimes, the day ends with you craving something warm and filling but without the energy to fuss over complicated meals. I remember one evening, the house smelling faintly of wood smoke from outside, while I stood in the kitchen, distracted by a phone call that seemed to stretch just a bit too long. The slow cooker was my quiet hero that night — gently simmering a hearty mix of ground beef, cabbage, and tomatoes. The aroma crept in slowly, comforting and familiar, the kind that wraps around you like an old sweater. It’s not fancy, and honestly, the soup doesn’t win any beauty contests, but that’s part of its charm. You get all the taste of stuffed cabbage rolls without wrestling with leaves and rolling. Sometimes simple wins, and this soup is proof.

Why You’ll Love It
– It’s an easy way to enjoy classic flavors without the rolling hassle—because who has time for that?
– The slow cooker does all the work, so you can walk away and come back to a ready meal.
– Packed with vegetables and beef, it hits the spot when you want something both hearty and healthy.
– The spice blend is subtle, not overpowering, letting the natural flavors shine through.
– Fair warning: it’s not a quick fix, but the slow simmer is what makes it special.

If you’re worried about the prep time or slow cooking, don’t be—this soup lets you set it and forget it, freeing up your evening for whatever you need. And if you like a little heat, just add a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes when serving.

Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

Print Recipe

A hearty and comforting slow cooker soup that captures all the flavors of stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling. This unstuffed cabbage soup is packed with ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and a blend of savory spices, perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 stalks celery, sliced

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
Add the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, paprika, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, sliced carrots, and sliced celery to the slow cooker.
Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the cabbage and vegetables are tender.
Stir the soup before serving and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your comforting slow cooker unstuffed cabbage soup.

Kitchen Notes
No fancy gadgets needed here, just a reliable slow cooker to keep things easy. When serving, I usually pair this soup with crusty bread or a simple green salad to balance the richness. Sometimes I toss in extra carrots or swap beef for ground turkey if I’m feeling lighter, though I haven’t tested every variation myself. Adding a splash of vinegar or a dollop of sour cream on top can brighten the flavors unexpectedly.

FAQ
Q: Can I make this soup on the stove instead of a slow cooker?
A: Sure, but it may need more frequent stirring and a longer simmer to get the cabbage tender.

Q: How long does the soup keep?
A: It stays good in the fridge for about 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I skip the meat for a vegetarian version?
A: You can try it with beans or lentils, but the flavor will shift quite a bit from the original.

Ready to dive into a bowl that feels like a warm hug? Save this recipe, print it out, and let your slow cooker do the magic next time you need a hassle-free meal that tastes like home.