Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings all the taste of traditional stuffed cabbage without the fuss of rolling. Packed with ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender cabbage, it’s a delicious, easy meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Oil
- 1 Lb Ground Beef
- 1 Sweet Onion, chopped
- 1 Orange Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
- 14 oz Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 Small Head Green Cabbage, cored and chopped
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat oil in a large pan with high sides or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped orange bell pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent.
- Step 2: Add chopped garlic to the pan and sauté for one more minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread the chopped cabbage evenly on top. Cover the pan and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar/jack cheese over the cabbage. Cover the pan again and cook until the cheese is melted. Serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Use pepper jack cheese to add a subtle spicy kick.
- If you prefer your cabbage more caramelized, uncover the pan and cook a few minutes longer after the cabbage softens.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the cabbage tender but not mushy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point before adding cheese and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. Add cheese and cook when ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, this recipe is low in carbohydrates and uses cabbage instead of traditional starchy fillers, making it ideal for low-carb or keto diets.
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Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is a hearty and flavorful dish combining ground beef, fire-roasted tomatoes, and tender green cabbage, topped with melted cheddar and jack cheese. It’s a simple stovetop recipe perfect for a comforting, low-carb meal without the fuss of stuffing each cabbage leaf.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Oil
- 1 Lb Ground Beef
- 1 Sweet Onion, chopped
- 1 Orange Bell Pepper, seeded and chopped
- 3 Garlic Cloves, chopped
- 14 oz Can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
- 1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 Small Head Green Cabbage, cored and chopped
- 2 Cups Shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese
Instructions
- Cook beef and vegetables: Heat the oil in a large pan with high sides or a dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, chopped onion, and chopped orange bell pepper. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 7-10 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the chopped garlic and sauté for an additional 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Add tomatoes and spices: Mix in the fire-roasted diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
- Cook cabbage: Place the chopped cabbage on top of the tomato and beef mixture. Cover the pan and cook for 15-20 minutes over medium heat until the cabbage becomes tender but still slightly crisp.
- Melt cheese and serve: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar/jack cheese evenly over the cabbage. Cover the pan again and cook for a few minutes until the cheese melts completely. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use a large pan or Dutch oven with a lid to ensure even cooking and steam retention for the cabbage.
- For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes with the spices.
- This dish can be made with ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stovetop.
- For dairy-free, omit the cheese or substitute with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: low carb, cabbage casserole, unstuffed cabbage, ground beef recipe, easy casserole, healthy dinner
