Keto Cabbage Rolls

By deiv3 on September 5, 2024

This keto cabbage rolls recipe is a delightful low-carb adaptation of the classic Polish dish, offering a delicious alternative for those adhering to a ketogenic diet. The savory combination of ground beef, steamed cauliflower rice, and a medley of aromatic ingredients, encased in tender cabbage leaves, creates a satisfying and hearty main dish. The homemade low-carb tomato sauce, with its vibrant flavors derived from diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices, enhances the overall taste and complements the cabbage rolls perfectly.

The preparation is straightforward, involving the creation of a flavorful tomato sauce simmered to perfection while crafting the cabbage rolls. The process of softening the cabbage leaves in boiling water, filling them with the meat mixture, and baking them in a luscious tomato bath not only yields a visually appealing dish but also guarantees a mouthwatering outcome. The recipe's detailed instructions make it accessible for home cooks, whether they are seasoned in the kitchen or new to the world of keto cooking.

With each serving boasting a modest calorie count and an impressive protein-to-carb ratio, these keto cabbage rolls are not only a culinary delight but also align with dietary preferences favoring reduced carbohydrate intake. The inclusion of cauliflower rice adds a unique texture and further contributes to the low-carb profile of the dish. As a versatile option for both family dinners and meal prepping, these cabbage rolls offer a wholesome and satisfying solution for those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, showcasing that flavor need not be sacrificed in pursuit of dietary goals.

Keto Cabbage Rolls

These keto cabbage rolls are stuffed with ground beef and baked in tomato sauce. Adapted from the classic Polish cabbage rolls recipe, they make the perfect low-carb dinner for a family and an easy meal prep.

Course:Main dish

Cuisine:European, Polish

Keywords:cabbage, casserole, ground beef, keto cabbage rolls, keto recipe, stuffed cabbage rolls, tomato sauce

Prep Time30minutes minutes

Cook Time1hour hour

Total Time1hour hour 30minutes minutes

Servings8 people

Calories236.4 kcal

Equipment

1 large bowl
1 large pot
1 knife
1 cutting board
1 saucepan for cooking the tomato sauce
1 Baking dish

Ingredients

For the low-carb tomato sauce

1.33 tablespoon olive oil or other vegetable oil
0.67 small yellow onion finely chopped (or white onion)
2.67 garlic cloves minced
19.33 ounce can of Organic diced tomatoes Do NOT drain!
20- ounce can of tomato sauce no sugar added
1.33 cup water
Salt and black pepper to taste
2.67 tablespoons sugar substitute such as granulated Swerve, Stevia, or Xylitol (or 1 tablespoon sugar if you are not on a keto diet)
1.33 tablespoon red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar TIP: You can save time using a good store-bought chunky tomato sauce instead of making this homemade low-carb tomato sauce. But be aware, store-bought ones have more carbs and added sugar.

For the stuffed cabbage rolls

1.33 pound ground beef 90% lean
1.33 cup cauliflower rice steamed (follow instructions in the package for microwave). TIP: Make sure to drain any excess water so your rolls won't be watery.
0.67 small yellow onion finely chopped
2.67 garlic cloves minced
1.33 teaspoon table salt
0.67 teaspoon pepper
0.33 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped divided use (or Italian seasoning, about 1 tablespoon total)
1.33 large egg at room temperature (it works like a binder)
1.33 head of cabbage
Cooking spray

Instructions

To make the tomato sauce: Heat a large no-stick pot over medium heat, add the oil and cook the onion for 3-4 minutes or until softened, stirring now and then. Add the garlic and cook for 60 seconds. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, salt, pepper, sugar substitute, and red wine vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring once and a while. TIP: If you're not on a keto diet, you can use a store-bought tomato sauce of your liking, cutting down the prep time.
While the sauce is simmering, prepare the cabbage rolls. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Immerse the cabbage head in boiling water (with a good pinch of salt and a teaspoon of vinegar) but leave some free space at the top so the boiling water won't overflow. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the cabbage leaves begin to soften and turn their color yellowish. Carefully remove the cabbage from the pan, let it cool enough to handle, and peel 12 large leaves off the cabbage. Reserve!
In a large bowl, mix in ground beef, steamed cauliflower rice, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, 2 tablespoons of parsley, and egg until homogeneous. Stir in ½ cup of tomato sauce until combined!
Lay each cabbage leaf on a flat surface. Using a small knife, cut a V-shaped notch to remove the thick part of the cabbage rib.
Shape ⅓ of a cup of the meat mixture into a log shape and place it in the center of a cabbage leaf. Then, tuck in two ends of the cabbage leaf tightly and roll it up, similar to a burrito. Repeat with remaining meat and cabbage leaves.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 350° F (180° C). Meanwhile, coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray. Place ½ of the tomato sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls, seam side down, in the dish and top with the remaining sauce.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 60-90 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the meat is cooked through.
Serve keto cabbage rolls with a sprinkle of the remaining 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley on top.

Recipe Notes

How to Store

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.

To freeze these low-carb cabbage rolls, cook them fully, let them cool, place them into freeze-safe containers, and freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Thaw them in the fridge and reheat them covered in the oven at 350 degrees F just until hot.

Nutrition

** Nutrition labels on easyanddelish.com are for educational purposes only. This info is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate, since the nutrition content of recipes can vary based on ingredient brand or source, portion sizes, recipe changes/variations, and other factors. We suggest making your own calculations using your preferred calculator, based on which ingredients you use, or consulting with a registered dietitian to determine nutritional values more precisely.