Finally found the slow cooker version of my favorite casserole dish! Taste is pure heaven

Cooktop Cove: Finally found the slow cooker version of my favorite casserole dish! Taste is pure heaven

By Emily Monaco

All of the flavors of a traditional Russian cabbage roll emerge in this slow cooker casserole. The only difference? No finicky rolling in this recipe! Instead, the shredded cabbage combines with the beef and slightly sweet tomato sauce. After a long simmer in the slow cooker, the mixture transforms into a hearty, warming casserole the whole family will love.

Because many Russian cabbage rolls feature a combination of both beef and rice in the filling, it's no surprise that this dish is delicious ladled over steamed white or brown rice. If you prefer, serve it with other grains, from bulgur to quinoa to kasha. Let your creativity be your guide.

Slow cooker cabbage and beef casserole

10 minutes

6 hours 20 minutes

6 hours 30 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small head green cabbage, shredded

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 cup tomato passata

1/4 cup sugar

1 lemon

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Heat the olive oil in a skillet set over high heat.

Add the beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned.

Remove the beef from the skillet using a slotted spoon, and transfer to the slow cooker.

Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat in the pan and discard.

Add the onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned.

Add the garlic, and cook until just fragrant, about 1 minute. Transfer to the slow cooker along with the beef.

Add the cabbage, tomatoes, tomato passata, sugar, lemon juice, paprika, salt and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, until the cabbage is tender.