Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that captures all the deliciousness of traditional stuffed cabbage rolls without the hassle of rolling them up. This dish is perfect for those seeking a healthy option, featuring lean proteins and nutrient-dense vegetables, all while keeping carb counts low. With its savory blend of ground turkey, cauliflower, and creamy cottage cheese, this recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also supports your health goals.
Why make this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake recipe
- Protein-rich: Packed with lean ground turkey or beef, this dish offers a hearty serving of protein essential for muscle repair and maintenance.
- Quick prep: With simple instructions and minimal fuss, you can whip up this low carb meal in no time, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.
- Meal-prep friendly: Perfect for meal prepping, this dish keeps well in the fridge for several days, ensuring you have healthy meals ready to go.
- Low-carb: With a significant reduction in carbohydrates, this dish is ideal for those on ketogenic or low-carb diets.
- Budget-friendly: Using accessible ingredients makes this recipe easy on the wallet, offering great nutrition without breaking the bank.
“Absolutely loved this dish! It tastes just like stuffed cabbage rolls but is so much easier to prepare. A definite keeper!” – Sarah J.
How to make Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake
Creating this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake requires basic kitchen tools such as a large oven-safe skillet, cutting board, and mixing bowls. The cooking process is straightforward and doesn’t take long, making this dish an attractive option for those who enjoy quick and healthy meals. If you love fast protein breakfasts, try our Cottage Cheese Pancakes for a delicious start to your day.
Ingredients
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups no-sugar marinara
- 2 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2%)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake is flexible; you can substitute ground turkey with lean beef, and choose between fresh or frozen riced cauliflower depending on your availability. The key is to keep the core ingredients so you can enjoy the robust flavor and health benefits.
Directions
- Preheat: Heat the oven to 400°F.
- Toss: Combine cabbage with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes until edges get a little crispy.
- Cook: In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the meat until browned. Add the minced onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the marinara and riced cauliflower, then simmer for 3 minutes.
- Mix: In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, and Parmesan. Stir in the roasted cabbage to the skillet, level the mixture, and then dollop and swirl the cottage cheese mix over the top.
- Bake: Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until bubbly. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
How to serve Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake
Serve this delectable dish warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added pop of color. Pair it with a simple side salad for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli also complements this dish perfectly, adding additional nutrients while keeping the meal low carb.
How to store
To store any leftovers, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze portions for up to a month; simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
For safe storage timing, see USDA FoodData Central.
Tips to make
- Customize flavors: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the ground meat for an extra flavor boost.
- Make ahead: This dish can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
- Check doneness: Ensure that the internal temperature of the meats reaches 165°F for food safety.
Variations
- Swap proteins: Easily substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean pork for a different flavor.
- Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative if you’re avoiding dairy products.
- Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy version.
FAQs
Can I meal prep Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake?
Yes, Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge; store in an airtight container.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze portions for up to a month; thaw overnight, then reheat gently.
What substitutions work best?
You can swap ground turkey for ground beef, and use different cheeses based on your preference. Adjust seasoning to taste and texture.
For nutrition insights, visit Healthline.
This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that your family will love. We invite you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below!
Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake
Ingredients
Cabbage and Base
- 1 small head cabbage, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or beef Substitute with ground chicken or lean pork if desired.
- 1 small onion, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups no-sugar marinara
- 2 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
Creamy Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2%) Use a dairy-free alternative if avoiding dairy.
- 1 egg Large egg.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley For garnish and added flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Combine cabbage with olive oil, salt, and pepper; spread on a sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes until edges get a little crispy.
Cooking
- In a large oven-safe skillet, cook the meat until browned.
- Add the minced onion and garlic; cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the marinara and riced cauliflower, then simmer for 3 minutes.
Mixing and Baking
- In a small bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, and Parmesan. Stir in the roasted cabbage to the skillet.
- Level the mixture, and then dollop and swirl the cottage cheese mixture over the top.
- Place the skillet in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until bubbly.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes, then sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.