Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Craving the hearty, comforting flavors of classic cabbage rolls without all the meticulous rolling? Say hello to this incredible Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe! It’s a simple, savory, and satisfying dish that brings that nostalgic taste right to your weeknight table.

Why You’ll Love This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

This deconstructed classic isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary hug! Here’s why it’s about to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Comfort: Enjoy all the rich, savory flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without any of the fussy rolling.
• Weeknight Hero: With straightforward prep and minimal fuss, this casserole is perfect for busy evenings.
• Low Carb Friendly: Perfectly designed to fit a keto or low-carb lifestyle, making healthy eating delicious.
• Hearty & Satisfying: Packed with seasoned ground beef and tender cabbage, it’s a truly filling and nourishing meal.
• Rich, Savory Flavor: A robust crushed tomato base infused with aromatic spices creates a deep, irresistible taste.
• Family Favorite: Even those who usually shy away from cabbage will adore this flavorful and approachable dish.
• Meal Prep Dream: This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for packed lunches or quick dinners.

Ingredients Needed for Your Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to this delicious journey. Opt for fresh, quality components for the best flavor!

• 1 tablespoon (15ml) olive oil: Choose extra virgin for a pleasant, subtle flavor.
• 1 pound (450g) ground beef: For less grease, opt for lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10).
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and bringing out its best.
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper: A simple dash of black pepper for a hint of warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the beef and tomatoes.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the aromatic profile without adding texture.
• 1/2 cup (approx. 80g) chopped onion: Freshly chopped yellow onion adds a pungent sweetness and aromatic base.
• 1 orange bell pepper, chopped (optional): A vibrant orange bell pepper adds delightful sweetness and a pop of color. Red or yellow bell peppers work wonderfully too!
• 1 head cabbage, chopped (approx. 900g-1kg): A medium-sized green cabbage, finely chopped will become wonderfully tender.
• 28 ounces (794g) crushed tomatoes: Good quality crushed tomatoes are key for a rich, robust, and authentic sauce.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Easy Cabbage Casserole – A straightforward version for when you crave classic comfort.

Essential Equipment for This Casserole

Having the right tools makes cooking a breeze. Here are the must-haves for your Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole:

• Large skillet: Crucial for browning your ground beef and simmering the flavorful base.
• 9×13 casserole dish: The ideal size to comfortably hold and bake this hearty dish.
• Cutting board & sharp knife: For safely and efficiently prepping all your vegetables.
• Foil: Necessary for covering the casserole, ensuring even cooking and moisture retention.

Recipe Overview

Get ready for a delicious meal without spending all day in the kitchen!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions for This Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole

Let’s dive into creating this comforting and flavorful casserole, step by delicious step.

Brown the Beef

1. Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains. Thoroughly drain any excess grease to prevent a greasy casserole.

Build the Flavor Base

3. Season the browned ground beef generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring well to ensure every morsel is coated. Next, stir in the freshly chopped onion and the optional orange bell pepper. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their wonderfully fragrant aromas.

Combine and Simmer

4. Introduce the chopped cabbage and rich crushed tomatoes to the skillet. Stir everything together until thoroughly combined, ensuring the cabbage is beautifully coated in the savory tomato-beef mixture. Cover the skillet and allow it to simmer gently for 5 minutes, letting all the incredible flavors meld and the cabbage soften slightly.

Bake to Perfection

5. Carefully transfer the entire mixture from the skillet into your greased 9×13 casserole dish. Cover the dish tightly with foil, creating a steamy, perfect environment for the casserole to bake. Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes, allowing the top to lightly caramelize. If your sauce seems too thick at any point, a splash of beef stock can thin it out beautifully. Serve warm and savor every bite!

CHECK OUT: Hearty and Comforting Cabbage Soup – Another soul-warming cabbage dish perfect for chilly days.

Tips for Success with Your Low Carb Cabbage Casserole

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Achieve casserole perfection every time with these expert tips:

• Don’t Skip Draining: Properly draining grease from the ground beef is absolutely crucial for a perfectly textured, non-greasy casserole.
• Chop Cabbage Evenly: Uniformly chopped cabbage ensures it cooks consistently and becomes wonderfully tender throughout the dish.
• Season in Layers: Seasoning the beef separately before adding vegetables builds a much deeper and more complex flavor profile.
• Rest Before Serving: Always allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking; this helps the flavors settle and makes serving much easier.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative and adapt this recipe to your preferences or dietary needs:

• Naturally Dairy-Free: This recipe is already wonderfully dairy-free!
• Spicy Kick: For a delightful heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeño along with the bell pepper.
• Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrient content by incorporating diced carrots or celery into the mix.
• Different Protein: Ground turkey or ground chicken can easily be substituted for ground beef, though you might need to adjust cooking times slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with these delicious pairings:

This hearty low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette. For an extra touch of creaminess, offer a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top. A refreshing glass of unsweetened iced tea or sparkling water with lemon complements the rich flavors perfectly.

Health Benefits

Indulge knowing you’re nourishing your body:

This low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole is packed with goodness! Cabbage offers a fantastic source of Vitamin C and K, along with dietary fiber crucial for digestive health. Ground beef provides essential protein and iron, keeping you feeling full and energized. Plus, the crushed tomatoes contribute powerful antioxidants like lycopene. It’s a nourishing meal that truly satisfies.

Storage & Reheating Your Unstuffed Cabbage Dish

Enjoy this casserole for days to come with proper storage:

Store leftover low carb unstuffed cabbage casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then warm in the microwave or oven (covered at 325°F/160°C) until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth if it appears dry.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Cabbage Casserole

We’ve got answers to your most common questions:

Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Absolutely! Pre-shredded cabbage works well and saves prep time; just ensure you have enough to equate to a full head.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes beautifully! Allow the casserole to cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers for best results.

What if I don’t have bell pepper?

The bell pepper is entirely optional, so feel free to omit it. The casserole will still be wonderfully delicious and flavorful without it!

Can I add rice to this?

While this recipe is specifically designed to be low-carb, you can certainly add cooked rice if you prefer a more traditional version. Stir it in along with the crushed tomatoes.

How do I know when the cabbage is tender?

The cabbage should be soft and easily pierced with a fork after baking. It will continue to tenderize slightly as the casserole rests.

More Delicious Dishes

Looking for more hearty and comforting meal ideas? Explore these fantastic recipes:

• Creamy Low Carb Chicken Casserole – Discover another delicious low-carb casserole that’s incredibly creamy and satisfying.
• Old Fashioned Beef Stew – Warm up with a classic, rich, and tender beef stew perfect for chilly evenings.
• Easy Taco Casserole That Makes Weeknights Exciting Again – Bring excitement back to your dinner table with this simple and flavorful taco casserole.

Conclusion

This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole proves that healthy eating can be incredibly flavorful and comforting. It’s a fuss-free way to enjoy a classic. Happy cooking! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.

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