If you’re looking for a low-carb, hearty, and satisfying meal, the Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is the perfect choice. This dish takes all the delicious flavors of traditional cabbage rolls but with a simplified and keto-friendly twist. By using ground beef, cabbage, and cheese, you get a rich, savory casserole that will leave you feeling full without the carbs. It’s a great option for anyone following a ketogenic diet or anyone simply looking to enjoy a comforting meal that doesn’t weigh them down. The combination of flavors in this casserole is a wonderful balance of savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella cheese.

The dish is simple to prepare, requiring just a few basic ingredients, and it’s ready in under an hour. The best part is that it is not only perfect for keto diets but also family-friendly, making it an ideal dinner for any night of the week. This Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is filling, nutritious, and packed with flavor, ensuring everyone in the family will be asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is a comforting and satisfying meal that combines the savory flavors of beef, cabbage, and cheese without the carbohydrates. This recipe simplifies the traditional cabbage rolls, making it much quicker and easier to prepare. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that requires minimal cleanup, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. The hearty mixture of beef, vegetables, and tomato sauce is perfectly seasoned, while the melted mozzarella cheese on top adds a rich, creamy finish. Whether you’re following a keto diet or just want to enjoy a filling low-carb meal, this casserole will surely become a staple in your meal rotation.

Ingredients

Ground beef
Cabbage (chopped)
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Diced tomatoes (canned)
Tomato sauce (canned)
Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper
Shredded mozzarella cheese

Variations

While this Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is already delicious on its own, there are several variations you can try to customize it to your taste:

Add Extra Veggies: You can add other low-carb vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the casserole to boost the fiber and nutritional value.
Use Different Cheese: If you’re not a fan of mozzarella, you can substitute it with cheddar, provolone, or a combination of your favorite cheeses.
Spicy Version: For a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the dish.
Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you prefer a lighter protein, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
Add Bacon: To enhance the flavor, you can add crumbled bacon on top before baking for extra smokiness.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Beef

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add the chopped cabbage, onion, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage wilts and the onions become soft.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Transfer to Casserole Dish

Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into a casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake

Top the casserole with the shredded mozzarella cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is hot throughout.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Brown the Beef Thoroughly: Make sure the ground beef is well-browned for the best flavor. This will help enhance the richness of the dish.
Use Fresh Cabbage: Fresh cabbage will give the casserole the best texture. If using pre-shredded cabbage, ensure it’s chopped finely for even cooking.
Season to Taste: Be sure to taste the mixture before transferring it to the casserole dish. You may want to add extra salt or Italian seasoning depending on your taste preferences.
Leftovers: This casserole stores well and makes great leftovers. Make extra for a meal later in the week.

How to Serve

Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad for some added crunch. If you want to add more veggies, consider serving it with roasted asparagus, cauliflower rice, or a green vegetable like broccoli or Brussels sprouts. This casserole is also delicious on its own for lunch the next day, and you can even serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an added touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and it will make a great meal for busy days.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, place individual portions in the microwave or warm up the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef. These options will result in a lighter dish but will still work well.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it up to the point of baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

While mozzarella is recommended for its meltability, you can use other cheeses such as cheddar or provolone for a different flavor profile.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is naturally gluten-free, as it doesn’t require any flour or breadcrumbs.

5. Can I add rice to this casserole?

Traditional cabbage rolls often contain rice, but for a keto version, you should skip the rice. If you want a similar texture, you can use cauliflower rice as a low-carb substitute.

6. How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through. You can insert a thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly for freezing.

8. Can I use pre-shredded cabbage?

Fresh cabbage is best for texture, but pre-shredded cabbage can work as long as it’s chopped finely for even cooking.

9. How spicy is this recipe?

This recipe is not spicy unless you add additional spicy ingredients like red pepper flakes or jalapeños.

10. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or additional vegetables to make it vegetarian, but it will no longer be keto.

Conclusion

The Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole is a delicious and satisfying low-carb dish that simplifies the traditional cabbage rolls while still delivering all the flavor. With ground beef, cabbage, tomato sauce, and melted cheese, it’s a hearty meal that can be enjoyed by anyone following a keto diet or looking for a nutritious dinner option. It’s easy to make, customizable, and stores well for later, making it a perfect addition to your meal planning. Whether for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.