There’s something magical about transforming humble cabbage leaves into a dish that’s equal parts comforting and nutritious. For me, stuffed cabbage rolls evoke memories of Sunday afternoons in the kitchen, watching my grandmother roll hearty fillings with the precision of a chef.
While her version leaned heavily on rice and bread crumbs, this keto-friendly adaptation swaps those carbs for wholesome, nutrient-packed ingredients that don’t compromise on flavor.
The secret to these stuffed keto cabbage rolls lies in their perfect balance of textures and flavors. Tender cabbage envelopes a savory filling of ground meat, cauliflower rice, and fresh herbs, all simmered in a rich, tomato-based sauce that’s as fragrant as it is satisfying.
It’s a meal that feels indulgent but supports a low-carb lifestyle—ideal for those pursuing weight loss or simply looking for healthier, more satisfying comfort food.
Did you know that keto diets can help burn fat more effectively by reducing carbohydrate intake to under 50 grams a day? Recipes like this make it easier to stick to your goals without feeling deprived.
This recipe has been gaining traction among keto enthusiasts for its simple ingredients and family-friendly appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a keto newbie, these cabbage rolls are worth a spot in your meal rotation.
What’s your favorite way to make stuffed cabbage rolls? Let’s share tips and tricks in the comments!
What’s So Great About This Dish?
- It’s surprisingly easy to prepare. I was nervous the first time I tried rolling cabbage leaves, but with a quick blanch, they became pliable and easy to handle. You’ll feel like a pro in no time!
- It’s a comfort food classic—keto style. This recipe has all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls without the carbs, making it perfect for anyone on a keto or low-carb diet.
- It’s endlessly customizable. I’ve swapped ground beef for turkey or even pork sausage, and it’s always a hit. Plus, you can tweak the seasoning to match your mood.
- It’s meal-prep friendly. These rolls freeze beautifully, so you can double the batch and have a quick, healthy meal ready at any time.
- It supports your keto goals. By replacing rice with cauliflower and focusing on wholesome ingredients, this dish helps keep you in ketosis while satisfying those comfort food cravings.
Stuffed Keto Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 2 cups marinara sauce divided
- 1 large head of green cabbage
- Pinch of ground nutmeg
- ¼ cup fresh parsley minced
- 1 egg whisked
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh garlic
- ¼ cup onions diced
- 1 lb 90% lean ground beef
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spread 3/4 cup of tomato sauce across the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Boil a large pot of water and immerse the cabbage, cooking for 4–6 minutes until the leaves are pliable.
- Alternatively, freeze the cored cabbage overnight, thaw it the next day, and use the softened leaves.
- Drain the cooked cabbage or prepare thawed leaves, then let them cool.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté cauliflower rice, onion, and garlic until tender and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the sautéed mixture with the remaining filling ingredients, reserving 1/2 cup of tomato sauce, and mix well.
- Carefully separate 12 cabbage leaves and lay them flat.
- Trim a small "V" at the base of each leaf to remove the tough stem.
- Take 1/12 of the filling, shape it into a log, and place it in the center of a cabbage leaf.
- Roll the leaf tightly, folding in the sides, and place the seam side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat the rolling process with the remaining leaves and filling.
- Pour the remaining 3/4 cup of tomato sauce evenly over the rolls.
- Cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake for 1 hour or until the filling is fully cooked.
- Cabbage stuffed roll is perfectly cooked and ready to be served.
Notes
- Freezing the cabbage ahead of time makes separating the leaves easier without boiling.
- Ensure the rolls are tightly packed in the dish to prevent unrolling during baking.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 210kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 9.8g |
| Fibre | 2.5g |
| Fat | 10.3g |
| Protein | 9.8g |
| Cholesterol | 77.7g |
Variations That Will Help You Customise Your Dish!
- Protein Options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, use crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
- Sauce Twists: Replace the tomato sauce with marinara for a richer taste or use a creamy Alfredo sauce for a decadent twist.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika to the filling for a touch of heat.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese into the filling or sprinkle some on top of the rolls before baking.
- Leaf Swap: Use collard greens or Swiss chard leaves instead of cabbage for a unique take on the dish
