I place the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. I strongly prefer LOW for this recipe; it gives the rice time to absorb the flavors without becoming mushy and allows the cabbage to become meltingly tender. About 30 minutes before serving, I stir the casserole well. This is when I check the rice for doneness and the consistency. If it seems too dry (which is rare), I’ll add a splash of broth or water. If it’s too wet, I’ll cook it uncovered for the last 30 minutes. If using cheese, I’ll sprinkle it on top now, put the lid back on for 15-20 minutes, and let it melt.
Pro Tips for Best Results
For an even richer flavor, don’t drain all the fat after browning the beef. Leave about a tablespoon in the skillet to sauté the garlic and even the cabbage. I’ll sometimes quickly sauté the chopped cabbage in that fat for 4-5 minutes until it just starts to wilt before adding it to the slow cooker. This deepens its flavor and reduces its volume, ensuring it doesn’t water down the casserole.
I’ve tested the rice method three different ways: adding it uncooked (perfect), using pre-cooked rice (turned to mush), and using instant rice (too gummy). Trust the process: uncooked long-grain rice is the way to go. It absorbs the savory tomato broth as it cooks, becoming incredibly flavorful. Just ensure it’s fully covered with liquid at the start.
To prevent a mushy texture, resist the urge to stir until the very end. The layered approach creates a steaming environment for the cabbage and a steady simmer for the rice. Stirring halfway through interrupts this and can break down the cabbage and rice prematurely. Let the slow cooker do its thing undisturbed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
My biggest first-time mistake was using instant rice. I thought it would be a shortcut, but it absorbed all the liquid too quickly and turned into a starchy, gummy brick at the bottom of the pot. Don’t do what I did! Standard long-grain white rice holds up beautifully to the long, slow cook.(See the next page below to continue…)