These Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls have all the flavor of a traditional cabbage roll and call for just 5 ingredients! This low carb cabbage rolls recipe is super filling and totally easy for busy nights!
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My family and I went on a cruise around the British Isles a few years ago and it was a seriously amazing trip. We stopped at 11 different ports and I absolutely loved trying the different foods in each port.
But what I loved even more was watching my son get excited seeking out local restaurants to get an authentic taste of each country.
One of our ports had a little Russian restaurant that he insisted on trying.
We were in Scotland at the time, but he’d had enough shepherd’s pie and wasn’t interested in trying haggis, so we got a little taste of Russia. He ordered cabbage rolls and I was super skeptical over whether or not he’d like them.
Y’all, the kid LOVES cabbage. I’ve been making all kinds of low carb cabbage recipes for him since then. This unstuffed cabbage casserole might just be his new favorite.
This is a meal all on it’s own, cooked in one pot, but if you want to add a side, we highly recommend serving these unstuffed cabbage rolls with some cauliflower breadsticks.
Ingredient Notes:
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Cabbage – Obviously you’re going to need some cabbage when making unstuffed cabbage rolls! One large chopped head of cabbage should do the trick. While cabbage does have a fair amount of carbs, it’s also full of fiber, which makes it a good low carb choice in moderation.
Ground Beef – I used lean ground beef in this recipe, but other types of ground meat will work too! Try chicken or turkey, if you’d like.
Marinara Sauce – I really love this Rao’s Marinara Sauce. It tastes great and doesn’t have any added sugars. You can use whichever brand you like, just be sure to check the label.
My family of 10 all gave 2 thumbs up!! I have some cabbage haters here, but they loved this! – Kris W.
How To:
Prepare the Beef – First up you’re going to need to brown some beef. Add it to a Dutch oven and cook over medium heat, crumbling as it cooks. You shouldn’t need to drain the fat unless you are using some extra fatty ground beef. I would recommend using lean ground beef but it should be okay if you don’t have it. Once the meat has partially cooked you can add in the onions and garlic and cook for a couple more minutes, stirring often, before moving to the next step.
Add the Sauce – Next up is the tasty marinara sauce! Start by stirring in the marinara sauce and water. Mix the sauce, beef, and onions up well and then move on to the final step!
Add the Cabbage – Now all that’s left is to chop up a head of cabbage and add that to the pot. Just stuff it all in there and stir carefully! The cabbage will cook down some and the pot won’t be quite so full. Once the cabbage has cooked down until it is nice and tender, you’re all done! It’s so quick and easy and you can enjoy this recipe in just 30 minutes.
What Readers Are Saying:
Made this as is and it is great!! We love it!!
I’ll be making this on a regular basis especially since it’s now getting quite cold here.
Thank You ☺️ – Susan
This was so delicious! I made it exactly to your recipe as I didn’t want to think any further and was pressed for time. It was so easy, tasty and the ratio of cabbage to meat was perfect. I don’t see any need to change anything and will certainly make again. Thank you for developing this recipe to please your followers. – Diana
Thank you so much for this recipe. I made this on Saturday but it was so good I made it again tonight. The only thing I did differently was to add fire roasted tomatoes and a cup of rice. – Sandra
FAQ’s:
Nope! Just about any type of ground meat should work in this. A few readers have suggested that ground lamb works really well in this recipe, and another mentioned using smoked sausage. Ground pork, chicken, and turkey would be great too.
These unstuffed cabbage rolls should store well in the fridge for a few days if you seal it tightly. I have not tried freezing this recipe, but I think it would freeze well and reheat perfectly.
More Keto Cabbage Recipes:
- Cheesy Cabbage Casserole
- Cheesy Keto Cabbage Soup
- Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Beef
- Smoked Sausage and Fried Cabbage
More low carb favorites:
Sausage Egg Roll in a Bowl: The most popular recipe on my other blog!
Avocado Egg Salad: This one is for the avocado lovers out there!
Cauliflower Potato Salad: You won’t miss the potatoes, promise!
Brussel Sprouts and Bacon: Who would have guessed Brussels sprouts cold be so tasty?
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1/2 onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large head of cabbage chopped
- 24 ounces marinara sauce such as Rao’s
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the beef to a 5 quart dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meat, crumbling as it cooks.
- When meat is partially cooked, add the onion and garlic to the pan and continue cooking, stirring often.
- Add the cabbage, marinara, water, and salt to the pan and stir to cover the cabbage in the marinara and beef.
- Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for 20 minutes or until the cabbage is as tender as you’d like.
- Serve immediately.
Chris w says
I have to say that every one of your recipes have been fabulous! Loved this one!
Rick Schmidt says
This recipe has become a staple in my home. Very delicious. How much is a serving though: 1 cup, 2 cups……..?
Karly Campbell says
So glad you enjoy the recipe! The nutrition is based on 6 total servings – I didn’t measure it by volume.
Ellie says
Does anyone know how much of each ingredients I use to feed 3 people? I don’t want leftovers
Karly Campbell says
You would just need to halve the recipe. You can use the sliding bar on the ‘serves 6’ bit of the recipe card and it will do the math for you.
Michelle says
Thank you for a wonderful recipe Karly! I make this all the time. I’ve used ground chicken too, and it was dee-lish. both ways. I use an unusual spice combo – smoked paprika, coriander and pumpkin pie spice. Sounds weird, but it works for us. :o)
MARGARET says
I made this tonight as I’m starting to watch my carbs and increase my protein. It was delicious. I’m not sure what you considered a serving size though for my calorie counting app.
Karly Campbell says
Hi Margaret! I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe! The recipe serves 6 based on the nutrition info provided. 🙂
Sharon Seiber says
I have made this for a looong time. We love it here. Lately I have been using 1# of ground chuck and 1# of sausage. We too love our garlic. Yum!
Topping the meal with most any kind of cheese and a big mound of sour cream.
txtea says
This is really good, I added thyme, basil, oregano and some cayenne, it really kicks the flavor up. I also added a bit of mozzarella cheese and a dollop of sour cream to my portion.
Colleen Fowler says
Our family loves this recipe. My husband says its better than stuffed cabbage rolls! The only thing I did different is add 3 cups cooked rice and jar of pasta sauce to the sauces already suggested. It is delicious. My 15 yr old grandson loves it ate about 3 servings and my 12 yr old grandaughter had 2 servings.
Leanne Teuscher says
This was absolutely delicious and so incredibly easy to make. I will definitely make it again.
Karly Campbell says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks, Leanne!
Dolores Allen says
This is exactly what my fiancé and I needed. It was delicious with a healthy twist. I substituted the beef for turkey. I added Italian seasonings, and garlic & herb salt free seasoning with a light sprinkle of Splenda. We both loved it! This definitely helped us appreciate our new diet more! Thank you!
Loves to cook says
This is a great recipe. I started using it several years ago when I was actively doing keto. Very satisfying! I’ve since dropped the diehard keto but this recipe has stayed in my rotation. The one change I make is to put 2-3 tablespoons of Ras el Hanout (Moroccan spice mix) in with the frying hamburger and onions. I also, occasionally, switch out the hamburger for ground lamb. Very tasty and satisfying! Try it, you’ll like it!
Karly Campbell says
I’m so glad you like the recipe! I’ll have to try this with the Ras el Hanout!
Sandra L Gallagher says
Thank you so much for this recipe. I made this on Saturday but it was so good I made it again tonight. The only thing I did differently was to add fire roasted tomatoes and a cup of rice.
Karly Campbell says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Sharon Roy says
I made this with Italian sausage. It was so good!
Diana says
This was so delicious! I made it exactly to your recipe as I didn’t want to think any further and was pressed for time. It was so easy, tasty and the ratio of cabbage to meat was perfect. I don’t see any need to change anything and will certainly make again. Thank you for developing this recipe to please your followers.
Karly Campbell says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review, Diana!
Kathy says
This was very good! I made it with 3 pounds ground beef and a small head of cabbage the ratio for us was perfect. I also added 6 cloves of garlic (because we love garlic), Worcestershire, paprika, Italian seasoning, cauliflower rice and used crushed tomatoes. Was delicious.
Robin says
I did the same. It was delicious
Pam Durham says
Very easy to make and very good. Before serving I sprinkled shredded cheddar cheese on top before serving.
Chuck says
I used 2#s of ground chuck and 1/2 head of chopped up medium sized cabbage and seemed way to much cabbage but still added another 1/4 and it was WAAY to much cabbage to meat ratio !
Karly Campbell says
This is the ratio that we like – heavy on the veggies, but still plenty of meat. You can certainly adjust to suit your preferences.
Holly Sibble says
I will add rice and use a crock pot. Definitely making this soon!
Jackie says
Could this be fixed in an Instant pot?
Karly Campbell says
Maybe, but I haven’t tested it so I’m not sure about the times or if anything would need to be changed.
sherry smith says
you absolutely have the best low carb recipes ! My small group gals have switched to low carb and trying them daily! thank you so much for sharing them !
Karly Campbell says
Thank you so much, Sherry!