Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Oh, friends, let me tell you about a dish that has saved my sanity more times than I can count on busy weeknights! As a mom of three, I often dream of comforting, hearty meals, but sometimes the thought of rolling individual cabbage leaves feels like a marathon. That’s precisely why this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole became an instant family favorite.

It delivers all that nostalgic, savory flavor of traditional cabbage rolls, but with none of the fuss – truly unstuffed! We devour this incredible Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole with gusto, knowing it’s packed with goodness and low in carbs. It’s simple, nourishing, and tastes like a warm hug. This easy Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole perfectly captures everything I love about food: it’s a labor of love made simple.

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WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS LOW CARB UNSTUFFED CABBAGE CASSEROLE RECIPE

You will absolutely adore this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole for so many reasons. First, it brings all the classic comfort of cabbage rolls without the time-consuming effort. You get that rich, savory flavor profile in one simple bake.

This Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is also incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal while keeping your carb intake low. Furthermore, this Low Carb Cabbage Casserole makes excellent leftovers, simplifying meal prep for the week ahead. Finally, it uses everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand, making this a truly accessible and delicious Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED

Ingredient	Quantity
Ground Beef (80/20)	1.5 lbs
Green Cabbage	1 medium head (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped
Onion	1 medium, chopped
Garlic	3 cloves, minced
Crushed Tomatoes	1 (28 oz) can
Beef Broth	1 cup
Worcestershire Sauce	1 tbsp
Apple Cider Vinegar	1 tbsp
Smoked Paprika	1 tsp
Salt	1 tsp, or to taste
Black Pepper	1/2 tsp, or to taste
Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese	1 cup, for topping
Fresh Parsley (for garnish)	Optional

SUBSTITUTIONS & VARIATIONS

• You can easily customize this amazing Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For instance, swap ground beef for ground turkey or pork to make this Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole with a different flavor profile. Furthermore, feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the mix.
• A pinch of red pepper flakes offers a nice little kick to your Low Carb Cabbage Casserole. Consider adding a layer of cauliflower rice for extra bulk without adding many carbs. This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole truly welcomes creativity!
• Embracing versatility in your cooking, much like customizing this casserole, opens up a world of delicious possibilities for any meal. If you appreciate the simplicity and adaptability of dishes that can be prepared with minimal fuss, then explore more fantastic options like our Easy Slow Cooker Crockpot Meals.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Let’s get cooking this fantastic Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole!

1. Prep the Cabbage: Core and chop your cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

2. Brown the Meat: Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and onion. Break up the meat and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

3. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another minute until fragrant

4. Add Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage. Cook, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften, about 5-7 minutes. The cabbage volume will reduce significantly for this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

5. Simmer Sauce: Pour in crushed tomatoes, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

6. Transfer (if needed) & Bake: If your skillet is not oven-safe, transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cover with foil. Bake for 30 minutes. This allows the cabbage to become wonderfully tender in your Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

7. Add Cheese & Finish: Remove the foil. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole. Return to the oven, uncovered, for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

8. Serve: Let the Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.

PRO TIPS FOR SUCCESS

Achieving the best Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is simple with a few smart moves. First, do not overcrowd your skillet when browning the meat; this ensures even cooking. Secondly, allow the cabbage to cook down sufficiently before adding the sauce; this really softens it up for a tender Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

Moreover, taste your sauce before baking and adjust seasonings as needed. Different broths and tomato brands vary in saltiness. Furthermore, for a deeper flavor in your Low Carb Cabbage Casserole, you can simmer the sauce a bit longer before baking. This truly enhances this delicious Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

Mastering the techniques for perfect cooking, whether it’s browning meat or seasoning a sauce, ensures every dish reaches its full potential. For another recipe that truly highlights careful preparation for delicious results, consider our delightful Low Calorie Apple Cinnamon Muffins.

STORAGE & REHEATING TIPS

This amazing Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole stores beautifully. Simply transfer any cooled leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For reheating, portion out desired amounts and warm in the microwave until heated through. Alternatively, reheat larger portions of the Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot, usually 20-30 minutes. This ensures your Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole tastes just as good the next day.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS RECIPE

This hearty Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole stands wonderfully on its own. However, you can certainly pair it with simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of this Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also complement this delicious Low Carb Cabbage Casserole perfectly, adding more low-carb vegetables to your meal. We sometimes enjoy a side of cauliflower rice to soak up any extra sauce from this glorious Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

While this casserole makes a complete and satisfying meal on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the dining experience. If you enjoy hearty, comforting dishes that stand strong as a main course or a robust side, you’ll love the warmth of our Easy Slow Cooker Amish Corn Chowder (So Hearty!).

FAQS

Is this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole freezes exceptionally well. Cook and cool the casserole completely.

Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or divide it into individual portions. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. This makes meal prep a breeze for this Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

Can I make this Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you certainly can! Prepare the entire Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole up to the point of adding the cheese. Cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

When ready to bake, add the cheese and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to account for chilling. This makes dinner stress-free with this amazing Low Carb Cabbage Casserole.

What kind of ground meat works best for this Low Carb Cabbage Casserole?

While ground beef (80/20) offers a rich, classic flavor for this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole, you can use other ground meats. Ground turkey or chicken (dark meat preferred for flavor) also works wonderfully. Just ensure you adjust for any fat content differences when draining. Any choice makes a delicious Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

Unstuffed cabbage casserole offers a convenient twist on the classic cabbage roll, providing all the savory flavors of ground meat, rice, and tomato sauce without the laborious process of rolling individual cabbage leaves. This deconstructed version maintains the comforting essence of the traditional dish while simplifying preparation, making it a popular choice for busy cooks.

NUTRITION INFORMATION (PER SERVING)

*Please note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used in your Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.*

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	30g
Fat	20g
Net Carbs	8g
Fiber	4g