why make this recipe
This low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole is simple, fast, and full of taste. It uses common ingredients and cuts carbs by using cabbage instead of rice. It makes a warm, homey meal for weeknights. If you like cabbage dishes, try a similar dish like low-carb creamy bacon ranch fried cabbage for another easy side.
introduction
This casserole mixes ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and cheese. It cooks in one pan and finishes in the oven. You get the familiar stuffed cabbage flavor without wrapping rolls. The dish is good for meal prep and for people watching carbs.
how to make Savor the Flavor: Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Follow these clear steps to make the casserole. Read all steps before you start.
Ingredients :
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (Adds moisture and aids in sautéing.)
- 1 pound ground beef (Can substitute with ground turkey or chicken.)
- 1 large sweet onion (Yellow or red onions are alternatives.)
- 1 medium orange bell pepper (Omit if strictly low carb.)
- 3 cloves garlic (Minced; fresh is ideal.)
- 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes (Can substitute with tomato sauce.)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (Spice for depth of flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (Spice for depth of flavor.)
- garlic powder (Adjust according to taste.)
- onion powder (Adjust according to taste.)
- salt (Essential for seasoning.)
- pepper (Essential for seasoning.)
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage (The star of the dish.)
- 1-2 cups shredded cheddar or jack cheese (Opt for low-fat cheese for fewer calories.)
Directions :
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound ground beef. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the chopped onion and diced orange bell pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until you smell the garlic.
- Add the can of fire roasted diced tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Add the 4 cups chopped green cabbage. Stir to combine. Cook until the cabbage wilts, about 5–7 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1–2 cups shredded cheddar or jack cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven 15–20 minutes, until cheese melts and the edges bubble.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

how to serve Savor the Flavor: Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Serve hot from the oven. This casserole is a full meal on its own. Add a green salad or a light soup on the side. For a warming combo try it with a bowl of hearty low-carb sausage cauliflower soup.
how to store Savor the Flavor: Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Cool the casserole to room temp. Put leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm, or microwave in short bursts.
tips to make Savor the Flavor: Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Chop the cabbage small so it cooks evenly.
- Use lean ground meat to reduce grease.
- Taste the tomato mixture before baking and add more seasoning if needed.
- For less moisture, drain excess liquid after cooking the meat and vegetables.
- Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
If you enjoy creamy low carb soups with cabbage flavors, also see the creamy Reuben low-carb soup for a different taste.
variation (if any)
- Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes for a smoother texture.
- Omit the orange bell pepper for lower carbs.
- Mix in cooked cauliflower rice for extra bulk and low carbs.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat and use vegetable broth if needed.
Q: Is this dish keto friendly?
A: It is low carb because it uses cabbage instead of rice. Check the tomatoes and bell pepper amounts if you follow strict keto.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Cook the filling, cool, and store in the fridge. Bake with cheese when you are ready to serve.
Q: How can I reduce sodium?
A: Use low-sodium canned tomatoes and cut back on added salt. Use fresh herbs for flavor.
Conclusion
For a classic take on the stuffed cabbage flavor without rolling, you can see an older-style unstuffed approach at Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls – Tori Avey.
Print
Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb, Keto
Description
A simple and flavorful low carb casserole featuring ground beef, cabbage, and cheese that cooks in one pan.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 medium orange bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- garlic powder, to taste
- onion powder, to taste
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- 4 cups chopped green cabbage
- 1–2 cups shredded cheddar or jack cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound ground beef. Cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add the chopped onion and diced orange bell pepper. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook 30 seconds until you smell the garlic.
- Add the can of fire roasted diced tomatoes. Stir in 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Add the 4 cups chopped green cabbage. Stir to combine. Cook until the cabbage wilts, about 5–7 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Sprinkle 1–2 cups shredded cheddar or jack cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, until cheese melts and the edges bubble.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cool the casserole to room temp before storing. This dish can be made ahead and reheated later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: cabbage casserole, low carb, keto, comfort food, easy dinner