Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the beef broth, tomato sauce, water, cabbage, rice, carrots, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, paprika, and bay leaf to the slow cooker.
Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the rice and cabbage are tender.
Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Variations & Tips
For a lighter version, try using ground turkey instead of beef, or swap the white rice for brown rice or quinoa, keeping in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted. You can also add some diced bell peppers for extra color and sweetness. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick. For those who prefer a vegetarian option, leave out the meat and substitute vegetable broth for a wholesome, plant-based dish.
