Description
This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a hearty, keto-friendly dish perfect for a nutritious and comforting meal. Ground beef and cabbage simmered with tomatoes and spices, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, create a flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare and great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 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)
Tomato and Seasonings
- 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)
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon to crumble it. Drain any excess fat if needed to keep the dish lean.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing fragrant flavors.
- Cook Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage, cooking for about 5–7 minutes until it softens and reduces in volume slightly.
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and tomato sauce. Sprinkle in smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir everything to combine evenly and simmer for 5 more minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the beef and cabbage mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the mixture.
- Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- This recipe is keto-friendly and reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep.
- For added volume and nutrients, consider adding cauliflower rice or chopped bell peppers.
- You can substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives to suit your dietary preferences.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a nice hint of heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
