Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a hearty and healthy alternative to traditional stuffed cabbage rolls. Featuring ground beef, garlic, onion, cabbage, and cauliflower rice, all baked together in a savory low-carb pasta sauce, this casserole is perfect for those looking to enjoy comfort food while keeping carbohydrates low. Tender cabbage and cauliflower rice add texture and nutrition, making it a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and family-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, finely chopped
Vegetables
- 6 cups chopped cabbage (about 1/2 head)
- 3 cups cauliflower rice
Seasonings and Sauce
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 ½ cups low carb pasta sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s ready for baking once the casserole is assembled.
- Brown Meat and Aromatics: In a skillet, cook the ground beef with finely chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to keep it lean.
- Cook Cabbage: Add 2 tablespoons of water to the skillet and cook the chopped cabbage until tender, stirring occasionally. Once cooked, remove the cabbage from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Cauliflower Rice: In the same skillet, cook the cauliflower rice until tender, which helps to absorb flavors and soften the texture.
- Combine Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, browned ground beef mixture, and Italian seasoning thoroughly.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread 1 cup of low-carb pasta sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish. Add the beef and cauliflower rice mixture on top of the sauce.
- Layer Cabbage and Sauce: Spread 1 cup of sauce over the beef and cauliflower mixture, then evenly layer the cooked cabbage on top. Add the remaining sauce over the cabbage to finish.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and flavors meld together.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for about 15 minutes before serving to let it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use a low-carb pasta sauce with no added sugars to keep the recipe keto-friendly.
- Freshly chopping the cabbage rather than pre-shredded will provide better texture and flavor.
- Cauliflower rice can be bought pre-riced or made fresh by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the meat mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
