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Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh? Same. This Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole is basically stuffed cabbage without the assembly drama. Think all the cozy, tangy, cheesy goodness of the classic, but faster to make and way more forgiving when life happens. It is perfect for weeknight wins, meal prep vibes, and for convincing people that cabbage can, in fact, be glamorous.

Already feeling fancy but still lazy? Nice. Also FYI I may or may not have eaten this straight from the baking dish while pretending to be elegant.

Here is a friendly little detour if you like creamy casseroles too creamy low carb chicken casserole

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Because it hits all the right buttons without requiring a PhD in kitchen patience. It is low carb, comforting, and cheesy. The flavors build slowly so you get a little smoky, a little sweet, and a lot of cozy in every bite. It is idiot proof, honestly I did not mess it up the first time and that is saying something.

This casserole scales well. Want to double it for a crowd or halve it for your single self who is living their best life? Easy. It also reheats like a champ. Leftovers actually get better overnight as the flavors mingle and make a tiny food party in the fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 tablespoons olive oil. Use good oil but not your fancy olive from the countertop shrine.
1 pound ground beef. Leaner is fine but a little fat equals flavor.
1 sweet onion, chopped. Chop it like you mean it.
1 orange bell pepper, seeded and chopped. Color counts for joy.
3 cloves garlic, chopped. Garlic is a mood.
1 (14 ounce) can fire roasted diced tomatoes. Smoky and saucy.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. For that cozy campfire vibe.
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano. Italian whisper.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Double down on the garlic.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder. Because onion can never have too much support.
Salt and black pepper to taste. Be generous, not reckless.
1 small head green cabbage, cored and chopped. Bite sized or thinly sliced both work.
2 cups shredded cheddar slash jack cheese. Melty happiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Gather and Prep Your Vegetables
Organize all ingredients. Dice the sweet onion finely. Peel and chop the garlic cloves. Core and chop the orange bell pepper. Remove any wilted outer leaves from the cabbage then core and chop it into bite sized pieces or thinly slice it. Set aside all prepped vegetables.
Measure Your Spices
Measure out smoked paprika dried oregano garlic powder and onion powder. Have salt and pepper handy. Open the can of fire roasted diced tomatoes so you are not hunting for a can opener mid chaos.
Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F 190°C. Grab a large 9×13 inch casserole dish and set it aside so you do not forget it in the oven later.
Brown the Ground Beef
Place a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil shimmers add the 1 pound of ground beef. Break the meat apart as it cooks and brown thoroughly for 8 to 10 minutes to develop deep savory flavors. Drain off any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped sweet onion and orange bell pepper to the browned ground beef. Cook stirring occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Add the chopped garlic and cook 1 minute more until fragrant do not burn it.
Build the Flavor Base
Pour in the 14 ounce can of fire roasted diced tomatoes. Stir well scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Those bits are pure flavor do not be shy.
Season and Simmer
Add smoked paprika dried oregano garlic powder and onion powder. Stir thoroughly. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer then reduce the heat to low cover and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes allowing flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
Cook the Cabbage
While the meat sauce simmers heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a separate large skillet or pot over medium high heat. Add your chopped green cabbage. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté stirring frequently for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the cabbage is tender but still has a slight bite. If needed add a tablespoon or two of water to help it soften. Drain any excess liquid.
Layer the Casserole
Spread half of the cooked tender cabbage evenly across the bottom of the 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spoon half of the rich meat sauce over the cabbage layer spreading it out gently.
Repeat Layers and Top with Cheese
Place the remaining cooked cabbage on top of the meat sauce spreading it evenly. Then spoon the remaining meat sauce over the cabbage. Sprinkle the 2 cups of shredded cheddar slash jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake to Perfection
Carefully place the casserole dish into your preheated 375°F 190°C oven. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted bubbly and lightly golden brown. If the cheese browns too quickly loosely tent with aluminum foil.
Rest Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and liquids to redistribute.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop generous portions onto plates. This hearty low carb dish is a complete meal perfect for dinner or meal prep. Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven rookie mistake. That wastes time and makes cheese sad.
Skipping the browning step. Do not rush this. Browning builds flavor like it has a PhD in deliciousness.
Overcooking the cabbage until it is mush. You want tender with a little bite not something that looks like a green soup.
Forgetting to drain excess fat. A little fat is fine but too much will make your casserole watery.
Rushing the resting time. Cutting into the dish right away will create a saucy mess. Let it set up.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No ground beef on hand Try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. I call it a swap not betrayal.
Want more heat Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño with the bell pepper.
No fire roasted tomatoes Use regular diced tomatoes and add a pinch of smoked paprika to fake that charred flavor.
Dairy free Swap the cheddar slash jack for a dairy free melting cheese or skip the cheese entirely and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top.
Cabbage out of season Use shredded Brussels sprouts for a garlicy twist or thinly sliced zucchini for a lighter take.

Personal tip IMO if you can find a smoked paprika that really sings go for it. It changes the whole vibe.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Q What if I want to make this vegetarian Can I do that
A Sure thing just swap the ground beef for crumbled tempeh cooked lentils or a plant based ground meat. Season well and follow the same steps.

Q Can I make this ahead of time and bake later
A Absolutely make up to the point of assembling cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake as directed adding a few extra minutes if chilled. Easy meal prep win.

Q Can I freeze this casserole
A Yes freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge then reheat in the oven until warmed through.

Q Is this recipe keto friendly
A It is low carb friendly with cabbage as the main filler. If you are strict keto check the tomato carbs and adjust portions to fit your plan.

Q Can I use pre shredded cheese or should I shred my own
A Pre shredded is fine and saves time but fresh shredded melts a bit smoother. Do what your future self would appreciate.

Q My family hates cabbage any ideas
A Slice the cabbage thin and cook until tender then disguise it under cheese and spices. Also try cutting up into super small pieces and mixing it thoroughly with the meat. Sneaky works.

Q Can I add other vegetables
A Yes toss in mushrooms zucchini or even spinach toward the end of the cabbage cooking step. Keep balancing moisture so the casserole does not get watery.

Final Thoughts

You made it this far which means you are either very hungry or very invested in cabbage redemption. Either way this dish will not let you down. It is forgiving flexible and actually kind of impressive looking for how little drama it requires. Use this as your go to when you want comfort food minus carb guilt and plus leftover-friendly vibes.

Bold pro tip Serve with a squeeze of lemon or a dollop of sour cream if you want to kick it up a notch.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills. You have earned it.

Conclusion

If you want a slightly different take check this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole from WonkyWonderful for more tips and variations WonkyWonderful Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole.

For another excellent low carb deconstructed option see Kalyns Low Carb Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage Casserole Kalyns Low Carb Deconstructed Stuffed Cabbage Casserole.

Enjoy cooking and remember food is supposed to be fun not stressful.