Description
A refined riff on a homestyle favorite, this Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Casserole features seasoned ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and melted cheese layered with tender cabbage.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean), room temperature
- 1 small head green cabbage (about 1–1.5 lb / 450–700 g), core removed and thinly shredded
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup (240 ml) crushed tomatoes (no-sugar-added)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups (100–150 g) shredded sharp cheddar, divided
- 2 tbsp olive oil or unsalted butter, room temperature
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly oil a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, add onion, and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and oregano. Brown thoroughly, breaking meat into small pieces until no pink remains.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, and remaining broth. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until cohesive and slightly reduced.
- Add shredded cabbage and cook, stirring, until softened but still bright green, about 4-6 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
- Remove from heat and fold in cream cheese and half of shredded cheddar until creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Scatter the remaining cheddar on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbling. For a golden crust, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Cream cheese should be soft to fold smoothly. For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream with the cream cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg