Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

I made this killer low-carb casserole that transforms cabbage rolls into a savory, hearty dish. The blend of ground beef, tomatoes, and spices creates a depth of flavor that excites my taste buds. I love the healthy twist, comforting feel, and incredible taste that makes it my go-to weeknight meal.

I’ve been experimenting with healthy cabbage recipes for a while now and I think my Cabbage Roll Casserole is one of my best finds. I love that its low-carb, keto-friendly nature makes it a perfect weeknight dish.

I mix 1 lb ground beef with 1 large head of chopped cabbage, 1 medium diced onion and 3 cloves minced garlic. This flavorful blend is then combined with a can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce and 1/4 cup tomato paste, then simmered in 1 cup beef broth.

I also add a touch of Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil and paprika to really bring out a bold taste reminiscent of classic skillet and hamburger cabbage recipes. I think the nutritional benefits are great too, with plenty of protein and fiber and just the right amount of spice.

This casserole proves that you can have delicious flavor without sacrificing your healthy lifestyle.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s super low-carb and keto friendly, so I feel good about eating it without all that extra junk. I love how the beef and cabbage blend together with all the tomato goodness and spices, even if sometimes I forget a step or two. Its ease of prep makes it perfect for busy nights when I don’t have a lot of time but still want something hearty and tasty. Plus, the whole kitchen fills up with these awesome smells while it cooks which always makes me feel like I did something really special.

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Provides protein and flavour, helping with muscle repair and giving a hearty taste.
• Cabbage: Full of fiber and vitamins, it’s really good for digestion and adds crunchiness.
• Diced tomatoes: Brings a refreshing tang and slight sweetness that balances out the savory notes.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce with rich umami and a deep, satisfying flavor.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large head cabbage, chopped (about 8 cups)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
• 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• Optional: 1/2 cup shredded cheese

How to Make this

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a medium casserole pan.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain off any extra fat.

3. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef and cook until the onions are soft, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Stir in the can of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth. Mix well.

5. Season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and paprika. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors meld together.

6. In a separate large bowl, toss the chopped cabbage with the meat and tomato sauce mixture until well combined.

7. Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.

9. Remove the foil and, if using, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly on top.

10. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Medium casserole pan
3. Large skillet
4. Stove (for cooking on the skillet)
5. Knife
6. Cutting board
7. Spatula or stirring spoon
8. Large mixing bowl
9. Aluminum foil
10. Measuring cups and spoons
11. Can opener

FAQ

• Q: How long does it take for the casserole to cook and what temperature should I use?
  A: It takes about 45 to 60 minutes in an oven preheated to 350°F. Just make sure to check the cabbage and beef are well-cooked before serving.
• Q: Can I prep this dish ahead of time?
  A: Yup, you can totally assemble it the day before and pop it in the oven when ready. It even tastes better after the flavors have melded together.
• Q: What can I use if I dont have ground beef?
  A: You can try ground turkey or even a mix of vegetables for a lighter version. The taste will differ slighty but will still be delish.
• Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
  A: Sure, you can freeze it in an airtight container. Just defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly in the oven on a low heat.
• Q: Any tips on making the cabbage tender?
  A: To get tender cabbage, you can either sautée it a bit before mixing into the casserole or give the whole dish a good 45 minute bake so the cabbage softens up nicely.

Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Try using ground turkey or even a plant-based meat if you’re lookin for a lighter option instead of ground beef.
• If you don’t have a large head of cabbage, Napa cabbage or a mix of different cabbages can work just fine.
• You can swap out tomato paste by using twice the amount of tomato sauce with a tiny pinch of sugar to balance the flavor.
• Chicken broth or vegetable broth makes a good substitute for beef broth if you’re after a milder taste.
• If Worcestershire sauce isn’t available, a mix of soy sauce with a splash of vinegar can do the trick.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you dont overcook the beef. Brown it just enough so it stays a bit juicy and full of flavor instead of getting dry or charred.
2. Try tossing the cabbage with a pinch of salt before mixing it with the meat. This helps soften the cabbage a little bit so you get a better texture in every bite.
3. Always taste the sauce as it simmers so you can adjust the salt and spices. Sometimes brands of tomatoes or broth vary and you might need a bit more seasoning.
4. If you’re using the cheese, spread it evenly and leave the foil off during the last part of baking so the cheese gets a nice, bubbly, and slightly crispy top.