Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

The Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is the perfect answer for anyone craving all the hearty flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls without the fuss of rolling and stuffing. In just about thirty minutes, you get a cozy, one-pot meal filled with savory beef, sweet peppers, tender cabbage, and just the right touch of cheese. Each forkful features melt-in-your-mouth vegetables and a robust tomato-spiced sauce, making this dish both comforting and undeniably satisfying—and completely low carb!

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about this recipe is how a handful of true pantry staples join forces with fresh veggies to create unforgettable flavor. Each ingredient pulls its weight—some add depth, some brighten, and together, they all work harmoniously in this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe.

• Oil: A few tablespoons of oil coat the pan and help brown the beef to juicy perfection.
• Ground Beef: The heart of the casserole, providing rich flavor and a protein boost.
• Sweet Onion (chopped): Brings sweetness and a gentle bite that works so well with the other veggies.
• Orange Bell Pepper (seeded, chopped): Adds a pop of color and an extra layer of natural sweetness.
• Garlic Cloves (chopped): Infuses the casserole with irresistible, savory aroma and taste.
• Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes (14 oz can): Offers a smoky richness that’s a real step up from regular tomatoes.
• Smoked Paprika (1/2 tsp): A little goes a long way, lending warmth and complexity to every bite.
• Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp): Brings classic Mediterranean herb flavor and ties together the tomato base.
• Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp): Doubles down on garlicky goodness.
• Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Brings in a subtle, savory undertone that boosts the overall richness.
• Salt/Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and amplifying all the flavors—don’t be shy!
• Small Head Green Cabbage (cored, chopped): The star veggie turns meltingly tender and soaks up all the other flavors.
• Shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese (2 cups): Melted on top, this adds a gooey, crave-worthy finish.

How to Make Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Veggies

Start by heating the oil in a large pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped orange bell pepper. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions turn translucent. This is where the flavors really start to build!

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Sprinkle in the chopped garlic and give it all a good stir. Let it sauté for just about a minute, until fragrant—trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing at this point! This simple step deepens the flavor base for your Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe.

Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes, Spices, and Cabbage

Next, pour in the can of fire roasted diced tomatoes and add all the seasonings—smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix it all together, then pile the chopped cabbage on top. Cover the pan and let it cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until the cabbage becomes perfectly tender but not mushy. As the cabbage steams, it soaks up all those rich tomato and spice flavors.

Step 4: Top with Cheese and Serve

Once the cabbage is tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar/jack cheese generously over the top. Cover to let the cheese melt into gooey, bubbling goodness. As soon as that cheesy topping looks irresistibly melty, your Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is ready to ladle onto plates and enjoy, no rolling required!

How to Serve Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For a burst of freshness, try topping each serving with chopped parsley, diced green onion, or even a dollop of sour cream. These little extras add color and a cooling contrast to the warm, savory flavors of the casserole.

Side Dishes

Though hearty on its own, this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe pairs beautifully with sides like a crisp green salad, roasted cauliflower, or buttered green beans. If you’re feeling extra hungry, try it alongside low-carb keto bread or garlic sautéed mushrooms for a complete feast.

Creative Ways to Present

To impress a crowd or simply switch up mealtime, you can serve the casserole in mini cast iron pans, ramekins, or spoon it into roasted bell pepper halves. For parties, offer smaller portions in lettuce cups or as a topping for cauliflower rice. It’s every bit as versatile as it is delicious!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), just let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it’ll keep for up to 4 days without any loss of flavor or texture.

Freezing

The Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe is super freezer-friendly. Simply portion cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze for up to 2 months; to avoid excess moisture, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a serving in the microwave for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For bigger portions, warm in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F until heated through. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese before reheating, if you’d like a melty top!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even pork work well in this recipe. Choose what you like best or use a combination for added flavor depth.

Is this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe keto-friendly?

It sure is! With minimal carbs from vegetables and no grains or added sugars, this dish fits easily into most keto or low-carb lifestyles. Double-check the labels on your tomatoes and cheese to stay on track with your macros.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the ground beef for your favorite plant-based protein crumbles or cooked lentils. You’ll still get that same satisfying, casserole-style comfort.

What is the best type of cabbage to use?

Green cabbage is classic for this dish, but savoy cabbage also works and adds a gentle sweetness. Just be sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and soaks up all those amazing flavors.

How spicy is the Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe?

This casserole has a very gentle warmth from the smoked paprika, but it’s not spicy. If you love more heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or swap in a spicier pepper for the orange bell pepper.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried a Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe before, you’re in for a treat. It’s cozy, fulfilling, and such a breeze to make—no assembly lines or rolling required! Give it a try soon, and I promise it’ll become a go-to weeknight comfort meal in your kitchen too.

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