Slow Cooker Cabbage Rolls

 

• 1 large head cabbage
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup quick-cooking rice
• 1/2 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup crushed saltines (about 15 crackers)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 ounce onion soup mix
• 1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1 can (46 ounces) V8 juice
• Salt to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, optional

Directions

1. Cook cabbage in boiling water just until leaves fall off head. Set aside 12 large leaves for rolls; drain well. (Refrigerate remaining cabbage for another use.) Cut out the thick vein from the bottom of each reserved leaf, making a V-shaped cut; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the tomato sauce, rice, green pepper, cracker crumbs, egg and soup mix. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well.
3. Place about 1/3 cup meat mixture on each cabbage leaf; overlap cut ends of leaf. Fold in sides, beginning from the cut end. Roll up completely to enclose filling. Secure with toothpicks if desired.
4. Place cabbage rolls in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Pour V8 juice over rolls. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until filling reaches 160°. Just before serving, sprinkle with salt and cheese if desired