Craving a cozy, flavor-packed dinner that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing? This Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole brings together all the comfort of classic cabbage rolls with none of the fuss. It’s got tender layers of sautéed cabbage, a rich and hearty beef sauce, and a gooey topping of melted cheese—plus it’s low in carbs and comes together in under an hour! Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or just warming up a chilly evening, this Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is bound to become a family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t need a long grocery list to get this casserole from kitchen to table. Every ingredient is chosen to maximize flavor and texture, with wholesome meats, hearty veggies, and just the right blend of savory seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef (1½ pounds): Choose 80/20 or 85/15 for rich flavor and a satisfying, meaty bite.
- Onion, finely chopped (1 small): Adds subtle sweetness and a classic depth of flavor to the beef layer.
- Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Provides a savory kick and aromatic warmth.
- Green cabbage, chopped (1 small head): The star of the show—brings texture, color, and that signature cabbage roll vibe.
- Canned diced tomatoes (1 15-ounce can): Adds juiciness and balances out the richness of the beef.
- Tomato sauce (1 8-ounce can): Creates a lush, hearty base for the casserole.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Delivers herbal notes that pair perfectly with tomato and beef.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a mild smokiness and a bright pop of color.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning all the flavors just right.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the spice profile with a gentle bite.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Gets wonderfully melty and golden for that crave-worthy topping.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (½ cup): Adds richness and a sharp bite to the blanket of cheese.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for sautéing vegetables and cabbage, enhancing flavor throughout.
How to Make Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Preheat your oven to 375°F to get things started. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add your finely chopped onion. Let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns translucent and soft. Add that freshly minced garlic, and let it sizzle just until fragrant—about 30 seconds. This quick sauté brings a deep, savory base to the casserole.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, crumble in your ground beef. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks. After about 5–7 minutes, it should be nicely browned all over. Don’t forget to drain off any excess fat if needed; you want the final casserole to be rich but not greasy. The beef will soak up all those onion and garlic flavors at this stage, really making the filling spectacular.
Step 3: Simmer with Tomatoes and Spices
Pour in the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce, then sprinkle in the oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes. The mixture should thicken slightly and develop an irresistible aroma. This step ties together all those classic cabbage roll flavors in a quick, one-skillet sauce.
Step 4: Sauté the Cabbage
While the beef mixture simmers, heat another splash of olive oil in a separate skillet or large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped cabbage and cook it, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes. The cabbage should just start to soften but still keep a little crunch. This keeps the casserole texture hearty and prevents it from turning mushy in the oven.
Step 5: Layer and Assemble
Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread half of the sautéed cabbage across the bottom, then spoon over half of the beef mixture. Repeat with the remaining cabbage and beef mixture so you get lovely, savory layers. Generously sprinkle the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses over the top, making sure to cover every inch—you want a blanket of bubbly, golden perfection later!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your casserole into the preheated oven, uncovered. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and the casserole is bubbling at the edges. Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving so the layers can set a bit. You’ll get those perfect cheesy slices without any runny mess.
How to Serve Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole
Garnishes
A little garnish goes a long way with this casserole! Try scattering some freshly chopped parsley or green onions over each serving for a splash of color and fresh flavor. If you love a little heat, a light shake of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce will wake up the palate without overpowering the dish.
Side Dishes
Since the Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is hearty on its own, keep side dishes simple. A crisp cucumber salad, sautéed green beans, or a tangy pickled veggie platter all make lovely companions and bring a burst of freshness to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or want to fancy it up, try serving individual portions in mini casserole dishes or ramekins. You can also scooping the casserole over a bed of cauliflower rice to soak up those savory juices or tuck a piece into lettuce wraps for a playful, low-carb twist on the classic presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole keeps beautifully! Let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 4 days—an easy lunch or dinner you’ll actually look forward to eating again.
Freezing
This casserole is fabulously freezer-friendly. For best results, cut it into individual portions and wrap each one well or use a sealable container. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When a craving strikes, you’ll always have a satisfying, homemade meal just minutes away.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave single servings for 2–3 minutes, or until hot throughout. For larger portions, warm the casserole in a covered baking dish in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes. No one will ever guess it’s leftover—the cheese stays melty and the flavors deepen even more as it sits.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter flavor or if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to season well and maybe add a little extra olive oil, since leaner meats can turn out drier than beef.
Is this casserole spicy?
The base recipe for Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is savory and mild, with just enough paprika for warmth. If you like more heat, feel free to add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce either to the sauce or as a garnish.
Can I prep Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole in advance?
Definitely. You can assemble the entire casserole up to a day ahead, refrigerate it covered, and bake when ready to serve. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.
Will it work with red cabbage?
Red cabbage will add a beautiful color and a slightly different sweetness, but it works perfectly well as a substitute. Expect a slightly firmer texture and a colorful twist on your Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole!
What can I do if my casserole is watery?
If you find extra liquid in the finished dish, try letting your sautéed cabbage drain before layering or bake the casserole uncovered for a few minutes longer. The extra steam will evaporate, leaving you with a juicier but not soupy casserole.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a one-pan meal that checks all the boxes—comforting, simple, healthy, and irresistible—give this Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole a try. There’s nothing like diving into a cheesy, beefy forkful and knowing you’ve just made something nourishing and utterly delicious. I can’t wait for you and your loved ones to enjoy it as much as I do!
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Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting and flavorful low-carb dish that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep. Layers of seasoned ground beef, sautéed cabbage, and melted cheese come together in a delicious baked casserole.
Ingredients
Ground Beef Mixture:
- 1½ pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 1 small head green cabbage, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Sauté onion and garlic: In a large skillet, sauté the onion in olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Cook beef mixture: Add ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
- Sauté cabbage: In another skillet, sauté cabbage until slightly softened.
- Layer ingredients: In a baking dish, layer cabbage and beef mixture. Top with cheeses.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted. Let cool before serving.
Notes
- This casserole is ideal for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Add red pepper flakes for extra heat, if desired.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
