Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Unstuffed Cabbage

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Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Unstuffed Cabbage (Hearty Ground Beef & Cabbage Dinner)

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If you love simple farmhouse cooking, this Slow Cooker Amish Unstuffed Cabbage is the cozy, budget-friendly dinner you’ll crave week after week. With just 5 ingredients, you layer raw ground beef, chopped cabbage, and three pantry staples into the crockpot—then let it slowly turn into a tender, tomato-rich comfort meal.

This is the ultimate easy slow cooker ground beef recipe for busy families and cold evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • ✔️ Only 5 simple ingredients
  • ✔️ Budget-friendly dinner idea
  • ✔️ Minimal prep time
  • ✔️ Hearty comfort food
  • ✔️ Perfect for meal prep
  • ✔️ Classic cabbage and beef flavor

It’s like traditional stuffed cabbage rolls—but without all the rolling and fuss.

Slow Cooker 5-Ingredient Amish Unstuffed Cabbage

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–7 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
  • 1 medium head green cabbage, cored and chopped (about 8 cups)
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt (or 1½ teaspoons table salt), plus more to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the Slow Cooker

Optional: Lightly spray the insert with nonstick spray for easier cleanup.

2️⃣ Layer the Ground Beef

Crumble the raw ground beef evenly across the bottom. Break it into small chunks so it cooks evenly.

3️⃣ Add Onion & Seasoning

Sprinkle chopped onion over the beef.
Scatter the salt evenly across the top.

4️⃣ Add the Cabbage Layer

Spread chopped cabbage in an even layer over the beef mixture.
Press it down gently so it fits snugly.

5️⃣ Pour the Tomatoes (Do Not Stir)

Pour crushed tomatoes evenly over the cabbage, moistening most of the surface.
Do not stir. Keeping the layers intact helps everything cook properly.

6️⃣ Slow Cook

  • LOW for 6–7 hours, or
  • HIGH for 3–4 hours

Cook until cabbage is tender and beef is fully cooked.

7️⃣ Stir & Serve

Once done, gently stir everything together from the bottom. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

What to Serve with Unstuffed Cabbage

This hearty cabbage and ground beef dinner pairs beautifully with:

  • 🍚 White or brown rice
  • 🥔 Creamy mashed potatoes
  • 🍜 Buttered egg noodles
  • 🥗 Simple green salad
  • 🥖 Dinner rolls or crusty bread

Optional toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Fresh parsley
  • Sliced green onions

Variations & Tips

🍚 Make It Like Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

Stir in 1–2 cups cooked white rice at the end.

🥫 Smoother Tomato Flavor

Replace half the crushed tomatoes with tomato sauce.

🦃 Use Leaner Meat

Swap ground beef for:

  • 93% lean beef
  • Ground turkey

Add ¼ cup broth if using very lean meat.

🌿 Add Extra Flavor

Mix in 1 teaspoon dried thyme or paprika with the salt.

👨‍👩‍👧 Stretch the Meal

Add cooked rice or noodles during the last 20–30 minutes to feed a larger family.

Storage & Meal Prep

  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator up to 4 days.
  • Reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
  • Tastes even better the next day!
  • Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Amish Unstuffed Cabbage is a timeless ground beef and cabbage comfort food recipe that’s simple, filling, and deeply satisfying. With just five ingredients layered into the crockpot, you get a hearty, tomatoey dinner that feels like it came straight from a farmhouse kitchen.

If you’re looking for:

  • An easy slow cooker cabbage recipe
  • A budget-friendly family dinner
  • A comforting cold-weather meal
  • A simple ground beef crockpot recipe

This one belongs in your weekly rotation.

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