Description
This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish that combines savory ground beef with tender cabbage and rich tomato flavors, topped with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a healthy, gluten-free, and low-carb meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop and finishes baking in the oven.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce (no sugar added)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its fragrance.
- Cook the beef: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until fully browned, then drain any excess fat to keep the dish lean.
- Add cabbage and tomatoes: Stir in the chopped cabbage, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Simmer mixture: Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cabbage softens and flavors meld.
- Prepare casserole: Transfer the cooked mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For added richness, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese before baking.
- You can substitute ground turkey or pork instead of beef for a different flavor or lower fat content.
- Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to give the dish a spicier kick.
