Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s become an absolute staple in our house. What is a low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole recipe? Is it warm inside, even though it’s surprisingly light? Think of it as deconstructed stuffed cabbage rolls, but without all the fussy rolling. Remember those nights when Grandma would make stuffed cabbage? This gives you all that same comforting flavor, but in a fraction of the time, and without all the annoying side effects. I can’t get enough of hugging in a casserole dish. Is it our go-to when we’re craving something comforting but also trying to keep things simple?
What is a low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole?
What exactly is a unstuffed cabbage casserole? Think of it as the lazy, delicious cousin of traditional cabbage rolls. What are the same ingredients used for ground meat, cabbage, tomato sauce and seasonings? layered into a casserole dish and baked until bubbly and perfect. The “unstuffed” part means you skip all the tedious rolling and wrapping, which, let’s be honest, is a pain. Can be a real pain on saturdays. Why is cauliflower rice low in carbs? How do you count down without sacrificing any of the satisfying flavors? What’s a good way to enjoy comfort food without guilt? My kids are picky eaters but they actually love it and ask me to make it all the time!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is a total game-changer for so many reasons. First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of savory ground meat, tender cabbage, and tangy tomato sauce is just heavenly. It’s a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue! Then there’s the simplicity factor. Seriously, this recipe is ridiculously easy to make. You just chop, mix, layer, and bake. That’s it! Even a beginner cook can nail this one. Plus, it’s incredibly cost-efficient. Cabbage is super cheap, and ground meat is often on sale. You can feed a whole family for under $15, which is a huge win in my book. But what I love *most* about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily customize it to your liking by adding different veggies, spices, or cheeses. I sometimes throw in some chopped bell peppers or a sprinkle of mozzarella on top. And if you’re really feeling adventurous, you can even add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving. Honestly, this recipe is a total lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you just want something quick, easy, and satisfying. It reminds me of my mom’s cooking – comforting, flavorful, and made with love, but with a healthy twist. I often make a double batch because it disappears so quickly! If you’re a fan of unstuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage roll soup, or any sort of comforting casserole, you’re absolutely going to adore this recipe.
How do I make a low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole? I’ll start by browning ground meat and then sautéing chopped cabbage until it’s tender. How do you mix cauliflower rice and tomato sauce together? What is a low carb secret weapon If you have a large casserole dish, you can simply layer the mixture into it and bake it until it’s bubbly. What is the beauty of making cabbage rolls? What are some of the best comfort foods? Is it so simple that you’ll be wondering why you haven’t made it all along?
Ingredients Notes:
For the Casserole:
Ground Meat: I usually use ground beef (80/20 blend), but you could easily substitute ground turkey or even ground sausage for a different flavor profile.
Cabbage: Green cabbage is the classic choice, but Savoy cabbage works well too. Make sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Cauliflower Rice: This is the key to keeping the recipe low-carb. You can buy it pre-riced or make your own by pulsing cauliflower florets in a food processor.
Tomato Sauce: Use your favorite brand of tomato sauce. I sometimes add a can of diced tomatoes for extra texture.
Onion & Garlic: These aromatics add a ton of flavor. Make sure to dice the onion finely and mince the garlic.
Seasonings: A combination of salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder is all you need. But feel free to experiment with other spices like onion powder, dried oregano, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the vegetables. You can also use avocado oil or coconut oil.
Optional Toppings
Shredded Cheese: Mozzarella, cheddar, or a blend of both are great choices. Sour Cream: What’s your favorite way to garnish fresh parsley?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is heating up, grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray. How do I prevent a casserole from sticking to my hands?
Step 2: Brown the Ground Meat
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground meat until it’s cooked through. How do you break up a cooked chicken with the help of squid? I always do this over medium-high heat to get a nice sear on the meat.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground meat. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. Then, add the chopped cabbage and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Stir in the tomato sauce, cauliflower rice, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Mix well. Mix everything together well, making sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
What is the best way to spread out the mixture in a casserole dish? If you’re using shredded cheese, sprinkle it over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese (if using) is melted. Remove from the oven and cool. How do I make it golden brown? I always check it around the 20-minute mark to make sure it’s not burning.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make it easier to slice and prevent it from being too hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and a dollop of sour cream.
5. What to Serve It With
What should I serve it with?
What is a low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole? What are some good serving suggestions?
For a Light Lunch:What is a good side salad to serve with the casserole?
What is a hearty dinner?Serve with roasted green beans or asparagus for an extra dose of vegetables. What are some good side dishes to serve with cauliflower?
For a Potluck:What are some good recipes for a casserole? Serve with a variety of sides, like coleslaw, potato salad, and cornbread (for those who aren’t vegetarians). What are the best carbs to watch
For a Cozy Night In:What’s a good combination of red wine and books? Growing up, my family always had a loaf of crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce. While I don’t typically have bread anymore, sometimes I’ll add a piece of low-carb bread on top of it. My husband loves it with a big dollop of sour cream. What are the possibilities?
How do I make a low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole?
How can I take my low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole to the next level? What are some tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years?
Don’t overcook the cabbage: don’You want the cabbage to be tender, but not mushy. Can overcooked cabbage become bitter? Cook it until it’s just softened, but still has a little bite.
What is the best tomato sauce?What is the best tomato sauce for a casserole? Choose a sauce that you enjoy the taste of, and avoid anything that’s too acidic or watery.
Season Generously:Don’t be afraid to season the casserole generously with salt, pepper, and other spices. What are some good seasonings to try?
Add Some Heat:If you like a little kick, add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the casserole. This will add a subtle warmth that complements the other flavors.
Use a Variety of Vegetables: Use different vegetables andIs it necessary to add other vegetables to the casserole? What are some good ways to add flavor to a dish?
Let It Rest:After baking, let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. How do you slice a tomato? I’ve learned that if I try to cut it too soon it just falls apart.
Don’t forget the Toppings: Don’ A sprinkle of shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a garnish of fresh parsley can really elevate the casserole. Get creative and experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination. Sometimes I’ll even add a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is great for meal prep because it stores and reheats beautifully. Here’s how to do it:
Room Temperature: You should only leave it at room temperature for a maximum of two hours. Be sure to cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s fully cooled before refrigerating to prevent condensation from forming.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave individual portions until heated through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. If it starts to dry out, add a little bit of tomato sauce or water.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re adding cheese, wait until the last 10 minutes of reheating to sprinkle it on top. This will prevent it from burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it – my go-to Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe! It’s a comforting, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this casserole is sure to be a hit. And the best part is, it’s so easy to customize to your liking. So go ahead and give it a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes. And don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turns out. Happy cooking!
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Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80% lean
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 3 cups cabbage shredded
- 1 can tomato sauce 15 oz
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in shredded cabbage, tomato sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until cabbage is tender.
- Transfer mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
