Cabbage rolls the easy way! Unstuffed cabbage rolls make a delicious and filling low carb meal-ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve with rice for a family friendly meal.
This recipe originally published September 2016- now updated with pro tips and frequently asked questions.
Craving a comfort food casserole? This low carb unstuffed cabbage roll dinner is exactly what you need when you are looking for a tasty and filling low carb meal. This recipe makes plenty and the leftovers are perfect for packing your lunch the next day. Feel free to serve this meal over rice for those who want a few extra carbs.
Why this recipe works:
- Uses all the typical ingredients of a cabbage roll, except no stuffing or rolling up cabbage leaves! A real time saver.
- We leave out the rice to make this meal low carb and diabetes friendly. Serve the rice on the side if desired or go with cauli-rice.
- Includes low carb marinara for a "cooked all day" flavorful tomato base.
RELATED RECIPES:
- 10 Diabetes Friendly Low Carb Bowl Recipes
- Mediterranean Roast Vegetables
- Low Carb Steak and Cheese Bowl
The Main Ingredients:
- Onions- you may use either leeks, yellow or white onions or green onions if you prefer. I used leeks in the pics below.
- Ground Beef- choose lower fat ground beef if desired or you may use ground turkey.
- Tomatoes- choose either plain diced tomatoes or with herbs.
- Marinara- choose your favorite low carb brand. This ingredient adds a depth of flavor to the dish that will make everyone think you've been cooking all day!
- Cinnamon- just a touch to brighten the flavors and complement the tomatoes.
- Cabbage- cleaned and chopped.
How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls:
- Step 1. Begin by sautéing onions or leeks until tender. You may also use green onions if you prefer. Cook your onions 2-3 minutes.
- Step 2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned- breaking into small pieces.
- Step 3. The tomatoes and seasonings are added next. Stir well and simmer.
- Step 4. Chopped cabbage goes in next, stir, then simmer until cabbage is tender.
Expert Tips:
- Brown your ground beef in batches for best flavor. Too much ground beef in the pan will cause steaming rather than browning.
- Don't like white or yellow onions? Choose a milder substitute like green onions, leeks (or even onion powder).
- Be sure to taste before serving to adjust salt and pepper.
RELATED RECIPES:
- 10 Minute Avocado Tortilla Pizza
- Pork Tenderloin with Spanish Cauliflower Rice
- Low Carb Pork Lettuce Wraps
Frequently Asked Questions
Serve with rice or cauli-rice (low carb).
¼ of this recipe contains approx 16gm carbohydrate .
Yes! Cabbage has lots of fiber and is low calorie (33 calories per cup of cooked cabbage). Cabbage also contains lots of antioxidants.
Hope you enjoy this Skillet Unstuffed Cabbage Roll recipe! Be sure to check out these other favorites:
- Top 10 Diabetes Blogs
- 19 Awesome Ideas for Your Diabetes-Friendly Gift Basket
- Easy Veggie Fried Rice
- Nuts and Type 2 Diabetes
Did you make this recipe? Please leave your star rating and comment below!
Recipe
Low Carb Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion , chopped
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with herbs drained
- 8 oz low carb marinara
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups chopped cabbage
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat oil then add onions and saute 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and ground beef.
- Brown ground beef, drain fat, then add tomatoes, marinara and seasonings.
- Add cabbage and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cover.
- Cook about 15-20 minutes or until cabbage softens. Adjust seasonings.
- Serve as is for low carb meal or add a side of rice for a family friendly meal.
Notes
- Brown your ground beef in batches for best flavor. Too much ground beef in the pan will cause steaming rather than browning.
- Don't like white or yellow onions? Choose a milder substitute like green onions, leeks (or even onion powder).
- Be sure to taste before serving to adjust salt and pepper.
Courtney Duncan
Delicious
Claire R. De Maria
So EASY to make AND DELICIOUS!!!😋😋☺️☺️☺️
Marcia
Can leftovers be frozen?
Charlotte
Yes you may freeze leftovers. When ready to use them, place in fridge several hours or overnight to thaw. Then reheat in a skillet on low. Hope that helps!
Sally
I cooked this yesterday. My husband has diabetes and said he doesn't generally like cabbage but I have to say he liked it and said it would be worth serving again. To me that is a plus because he is a picky eater. I liked it not only for the flavor but how easy it was to prepare. Not a lot of ingredients to have to keep up with and also only one skillet to clean. A win-win for both of us.