Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage in Slow Cooker

Name: Hungarian Stuffed Cabbage in Slow Cooker
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 240 min
Total time: 270 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Hungarian
Ingredients: 1 large cabbage (core removed); 500 g ground pork; 1 cup cooked rice (slightly undercooked); 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tsp paprika (Hungarian); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 can tomato sauce (400ml); 1 cup chicken broth; 4 slices smoked bacon (chopped)

270 min 6 servings Medium

All Recipes

Enjoy traditional Hungarian stuffed cabbage made easy in a slow cooker. A hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Prep

30 min

Cook

240 min

Total

270 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Hungarian stuffed cabbage, or Töltött Káposzta, is a classic dish often enjoyed at family gatherings and festive occasions. Traditionally, this dish involves lots of preparation and careful attention, but this version simplifies the process by using a slow cooker. This recipe preserves all the flavours you know and love, with tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savoury filling of seasoned ground pork and rice. It's a dish steeped in tradition, yet made accessible for the modern kitchen. Perfect for those who crave authentic taste with minimal effort.

Instructions

Prepare the cabbage

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes until leaves are pliable. Remove and cool.

Pro tip: Use tongs to carefully remove the cabbage from the water.

Mix the filling

In a bowl, combine ground pork, rice, onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Pro tip: Mix with your hands for even distribution of ingredients.

Assemble the rolls

Place a portion of the filling on each cabbage leaf, fold in the sides, and roll up tightly.

Pro tip: Use toothpicks to secure rolls if needed.

Prepare the sauce

In a saucepan, combine tomato sauce, chicken broth, and bacon. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Pro tip: Pre-cooking the sauce enhances the flavours.

Layer in slow cooker

Pour a small amount of sauce into the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer cabbage rolls, then cover with remaining sauce.

Pro tip: Ensure rolls are fully submerged in sauce.

Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Rolls are done when the cabbage is tender and filling is cooked through.

Pro tip: Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain heat.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use a large cabbage to ensure ample leaves for stuffing.
Cook rice slightly underdone, as it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
For a richer flavour, use smoked bacon instead of regular.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in Hungarian stuffed cabbage?

Each serving of this Hungarian stuffed cabbage has approximately 350 calories.

Can I make Hungarian stuffed cabbage ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead and refrigerate for up to three days or freeze for up to three months.

How do I cook Hungarian stuffed cabbage in a slow cooker?

Layer the prepared rolls and sauce in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours until the cabbage is tender.

What is the traditional filling for Hungarian stuffed cabbage?

The traditional filling includes ground pork, rice, onion, garlic, and Hungarian paprika.

What is the best way to serve Hungarian stuffed cabbage?

Serve hot with a dollop of sour cream and a side of crusty bread.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Hungarian stuffed cabbage hot, topped with a dollop of sour cream for added richness. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This dish can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, or frozen for up to three months. Simply reheat in the slow cooker or on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition per serving

350

Calories

20g

Protein

18g

Fat

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