Amish Unstuffed Cabbage

Ingredient Notes & Details

• 1.5 lbs Ground Beef: Use a lean mix (like 90/10) to prevent the dish from becoming overly oily, as shown in the base layer of your image.

• 1 Small Head of Green Cabbage: Chopped into bite-sized pieces to ensure it cooks evenly and integrates with the meat.

• 1 Jar (24 oz) Marinara or Tomato Sauce: This provides the acidity and moisture needed to steam the cabbage and flavor the beef.

• 1 Cup Uncooked White Rice: Absorbs the savory juices and provides body to the “unstuffed” mixture.

• 1 tsp Garlic Salt: A simple way to season the entire pot with a single ingredient.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. The Meat Layer: Crumble the raw ground beef into the bottom of the slow cooker.

2. Add the Cabbage: Pile the chopped green cabbage over the beef, as demonstrated in your photo.

3. Season and Sauce: Sprinkle the garlic salt over the cabbage and pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top.

4. Incorporate Rice: Stir in the uncooked rice, ensuring it is submerged in the sauce so it can hydrate.

5. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The dish is done when the cabbage is translucent and the rice is tender.

6. Final Stir: Before serving, give the mixture a thorough stir to break up the beef and distribute the sauce.

FAQ & Tips

• Do I need to brown the beef? You don’t have to, but if you prefer a less “stew-like” texture, you can brown and drain the beef before adding it to the pot.

• Can I use Cauliflower Rice? Yes! For a lower-carb version, swap the white rice for riced cauliflower, but add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.

• Extra Flavor: If you have it on hand, a tablespoon of brown sugar or apple cider vinegar added to the sauce can give it that traditional “sweet and sour” cabbage roll kick.

How to Serve

Serve this hearty dish in deep bowls with a side of Slow Cooker Irish Potatoes or a thick slice of crusty rye bread. It is a complete meal on its own, but a dollop of sour cream on top can add a delicious, creamy finish that balances the tang of the tomatoes.