These Keto Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls offer the savory flavor of a traditional cabbage roll without the tedious assembly. Because this one-pot recipe is low-carb and filling, it is a great choice for busy nights.
Ingredients & What You’ll Need
- Ground beef: acts as the savory protein base for the dish.
- Cabbage: replaces traditional rice to keep the meal low in carbs.
- Onion: adds a foundational sweetness to the meat mixture.
- Garlic: provides a pungent aroma that enhances the tomato sauce.
- Tomato sauce: creates a rich and acidic coating for the beef and vegetables.
- Chicken bouillon: boosts the umami depth of the entire pot.
- Seasoning blend: combines cayenne, oregano, parsley, and rosemary for an earthy finish.
- Bay leaves: infuse the sauce with a subtle herbal fragrance as it simmers.
How to Make Keto Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
This one-pan method ensures that cleanup is minimal while the flavor remains intense.
1. Brown the Beef
First, cook the ground beef in a heated Dutch oven. Use a meat chopper to break it apart until all the pink is gone. Next, add the chopped onions to the pan.
2. Season the Mixture
Stir in the garlic and the dried seasoning blend until the ingredients are well combined. Afterward, pour in the tomato sauce and add the bay leaves. Cover the pot and let the sauce simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes. However, you should stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Simmer with Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage and a splash of water to the Dutch oven. Subsequently, stir everything together and taste the sauce to adjust the salt. Finally, simmer the mixture for 2 minutes or until the cabbage reaches your desired texture.
Tips and Notes
- Cabbage Prep: cut the cabbage into uniform pieces to ensure it cooks evenly in the sauce.
- Spice Level: you can reduce the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder dish.
- Sauce Consistency: add a bit more water if you prefer a thinner, soupier consistency.
- Storage: this meal tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to meld.
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
15 minutes
Total Time
25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1 medium head cabbage, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp parsley
- 1/2 tsp rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
Instructions
- Meat: brown the ground beef in a Dutch oven and add onions.
- Season: add garlic, seasonings, and tomato sauce.
- Simmer: place bay leaves in the pot, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cabbage: stir in the cabbage and a splash of water.
- Finish: simmer for 2 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Serve: remove the bay leaves and serve warm.
Notes
- Beef: use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor profile.
- Tomato Sauce: ensure you use a brand with no added sugar for strict keto.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
per serving
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 345Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gCarbohydrates: 14gNet Carbohydrates: 9gFiber: 5gSugar: 6gProtein: 24g