If you’re searching for a hearty comfort food that still fits into your healthy eating plan, this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is a dream come true. It brings you all the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but skips the fuss—no rolling, no complicated steps, just wholesome ingredients baked together into a bubbling, cheesy casserole. Perfect for busy weeknights or a meal prep superstar, it’s packed with savory ground beef, tender cabbage, tangy tomatoes, and a blanket of gooey cheese. One bite, and you’ll wonder where this recipe has been all your life!

Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is in its no-frills, pantry-friendly ingredient list. Every addition—whether it’s the olive oil for richness, smoked paprika for a touch of warmth, or an avalanche of melted cheese—has a purpose for flavor, texture, or that craveable golden finish.

Olive oil: Adds healthy fat and helps everything brown beautifully in the pan.
Ground beef (or ground turkey): The main protein that gives the casserole its savory bite—feel free to use leaner choices or plant-based options.
Onion (diced): Builds a flavorful, aromatic base that pairs perfectly with cabbage.
Garlic (minced): Boosts the depth of flavor and gives a punchy, irresistible aroma.
Green cabbage (chopped): The star of the show—choose a firm head for crunch and texture.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): Bring tang and moisture, making the casserole saucy and satisfying.
Tomato sauce (no sugar added): Adds richness and ensures each bite is flavorful without the carbs from added sugar.
Smoked paprika: Lends smokiness and subtle warmth—totally transforms the dish!
Dried oregano: Adds earthy, herbal notes for an Italian-inspired taste.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning all the components just right.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a gentle kick of heat.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that bubbly, golden top layer.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish to every bite.
Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and fresh flavor for the perfect final touch.

How to Make Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle in the olive oil and add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring every piece is golden brown. If there’s excess fat, take a moment to drain it—this keeps the casserole from feeling greasy.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Once your beef is browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for 2 to 3 minutes. As the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant, you’ll build a base that makes this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe way more flavorful than your average weeknight dinner.

Step 3: Soften the Cabbage

Add all your chopped green cabbage to the skillet and stir it in well. Don’t be alarmed if it seems like too much—it will shrink down as it cooks. Let it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the cabbage to start softening, becoming tender but still a little crisp on the edges.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with all their juices) and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give everything a nice stir to combine and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This step is where all the flavors mingle and become gloriously saucy.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

Transfer your cabbage mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, it’s time for the magic: top everything evenly with shredded mozzarella and a generous dusting of Parmesan. Slide the dish into the oven (uncovered) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 6: Rest and Garnish

Once your Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is finished baking, let it rest for 5 minutes. This tiny pause makes slicing and serving much easier. Just before you dig in, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor.

How to Serve Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way with this cozy casserole. A shower of freshly chopped parsley lends brightness, but don’t stop there. For extra pizzazz, try a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a dusting of red pepper flakes, or even a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt on the side—it’s all about adding color and another layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is so hearty and filling on its own, you only need something simple. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette makes a perfect pairing, or roast some asparagus or green beans for a little extra crunch. If you’re not strictly low-carb, a slice of crusty keto-friendly bread or cloud bread on the side can round out your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn weeknight dinner into something special by scooping your Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe into individual ramekins or oven-safe bowls—perfect for dinner parties or portion control. For a family-style statement, serve it straight from the baking dish at the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves to as much cheesy, savory goodness as they want!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors just get better as they meld, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner even more delicious! It’s one of those dishes that tastes as good (or even better) the next day.

Freezing

If you want to stock your freezer for busy nights, this casserole is a great candidate. Let it cool completely before wrapping tightly or transferring to freezer-safe containers. You can freeze it in one big batch or individual portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply microwave single servings for 2 to 3 minutes until hot, or cover your baking dish with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. For best texture, avoid overcooking—just heat until the cheese is melted and the casserole is piping hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, pork, or even a plant-based substitute all work beautifully. The seasoning mix is flexible enough to complement any protein of your choosing.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! The Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is ideal for meal prep because it reheats well and the flavors improve with time. Simply portion it into containers and enjoy throughout the week.

Can I add extra vegetables to the casserole?

Definitely. Feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, spinach, or even cauliflower rice for a veggie boost. Just be mindful of moisture content and cook times so the casserole doesn’t get watery.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese alternatives. The casserole will still be melty, bubbly, and delicious—just be sure to use brands that melt well for the cheesiest results.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy casserole?

Make sure to drain any excess fat from your meat, don’t skip sautéing the cabbage to soften and release moisture, and bake uncovered so the top gets gorgeously golden and never watery.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for serious comfort without compromise, the Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe truly checks all the boxes. It’s hearty, cheesy, easy to make, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds—so don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes a staple at your table. Give it a try and discover just how tasty low-carb living can be!

Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a comforting family dinner. Packed with flavorful ingredients and topped with gooey cheese, it’s a satisfying meal that’s also keto-friendly and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)

Sauce and Cheese Topping:

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
1/2 cup tomato sauce (no sugar added)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Cook the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté onions and garlic: Add diced onion and garlic to the skillet, sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add cabbage: Stir in chopped cabbage and cook for 5–7 minutes until it begins to soften.
Combine ingredients: Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

This recipe is keto-friendly and reheats well for meal prep.
You can add cauliflower rice or chopped bell peppers for extra volume and nutrients.
Use ground turkey or plant-based meat to suit your dietary needs.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American