Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic Made Easy

If you love the flavor of stuffed cabbage rolls but want to skip the tedious rolling, baking, and layering, this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is the answer. It delivers all the hearty, savory, tomato-rich satisfaction of classic Eastern European cabbage rolls — but in a simplified one-pot form and without the carbs from rice.

Perfect for weeknights, meal prepping, or sticking to keto or low-carb goals, this recipe is rich in protein, packed with veggies, and ready in under an hour. It’s one of those old-school comfort meals that satisfies even picky eaters — and keeps you full for hours.

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🥘 What Is Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole?

Unstuffed cabbage casserole is a deconstructed version of stuffed cabbage rolls. Instead of rolling cooked cabbage around ground beef and rice, all ingredients are cooked together in a pot or skillet and served like a hearty stew or casserole.

The low-carb version skips the traditional rice and focuses on ground beef (or turkey), cabbage, tomato sauce, and seasonings. The result is savory, warm, comforting, and incredibly flavorful — like a hug in a bowl.

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🥩 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Low Carb and Keto Friendly: No rice or sugar-laden sauces here.
• All the Flavors of Cabbage Rolls: Just easier and faster.
• One Pot Meal: Fewer dishes = easier cleanup.
• Make Ahead + Freezer Friendly: Ideal for batch cooking and weekly meal prep.
• Budget Friendly: Cabbage and ground meat are affordable and filling.

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🛒 Ingredients (Original Recipe + Options)

Here’s what you need to make this cozy casserole — nothing fancy, just simple, real ingredients:

✅ Base Recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small head of cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

🔄 Optional Add-ins:

• 1 tbsp tomato paste – for deeper flavor
• Crushed red pepper flakes – for heat
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – for umami
• Shredded mozzarella or cheddar – if you like it cheesy
• 1 tsp smoked paprika – for added depth
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter – for sautéing

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🔪 How to Make Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

1. Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, brown the ground beef with chopped onion. Cook until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Add Garlic and Seasoning

Add garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Stir well and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Stir in Tomatoes and Sauce

Pour in diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, and broth. Stir until well combined.

4. Add the Cabbage

Fold in chopped cabbage. It will look like a lot at first, but it will shrink as it cooks. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is soft and the flavors have melded.

Optional: Stir in shredded cheese in the last 5 minutes or top with cheese and broil briefly for a melty finish.

5. Serve

Spoon into bowls and enjoy hot, garnished with parsley, sour cream, or even shredded cheese if desired.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This dish is hearty enough to serve on its own, but here are some low-carb sides to pair it with:

• Cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice
• Roasted green beans or zucchini
• Keto biscuits or almond flour bread
• A green salad with lemon vinaigrette

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❄️ Storage & Reheating Tips

This casserole is perfect for meal prep and tastes even better the next day.

• To store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
• To freeze: Freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• To reheat: Microwave individual portions or reheat on the stove with a splash of broth.

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💡 Tips for Success

• Use lean ground meat to avoid excess grease.
• Chop the cabbage uniformly so it cooks evenly.
• Let it simmer longer for richer flavor — the tomato sauce deepens over time.
• Use tomato paste if you want thicker sauce and bolder flavor.
• Want it spicier? Add cayenne, chili powder, or hot sauce.

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🧂 Variations & Substitutions

• Ground Turkey or Pork: Substitute beef for your favorite protein.
• Add Cauliflower Rice: Mimics the texture of rice without the carbs.
• Vegan Option: Use lentils or vegan meat crumbles and vegetable broth.
• Cheesy Twist: Mix in mozzarella or top with shredded cheddar and bake briefly.
• Herbed Upgrade: Add fresh dill or parsley for brightness.

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📊 Nutrition Info (Per Serving, approx. 6 servings)

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 20g
• Fat: 13g
• Carbs: 8g
• Fiber: 3g
• Net Carbs: 5g

(Keto-friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free without cheese)

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a weeknight hero. It’s hearty, budget-friendly, loaded with nutrition, and low in carbs — all without sacrificing the comfort and richness you’d expect from a traditional cabbage roll.

Whether you’re following a keto lifestyle, eating clean, or just looking for a cozy, homey meal to satisfy your belly and soul — this dish checks every box. Make a big batch, freeze the rest, and enjoy this flavor-packed favorite any night of the week.

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