If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dish that won’t weigh you down, this Low Carb Cheesy Cabbage Casserole is an absolute game-changer. It brings together hearty ground beef or turkey, tender cabbage, and a melty blanket of cheese, all simmered in a zesty tomato sauce with a hint of chili and garlic. The best part? It’s low in carbs but big on taste, making it perfect for cozy dinners or anyone wanting to enjoy something delicious without the carb overload.

Low Carb Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple but essential ingredients sets the stage for a dish that is bursting with flavor and satisfying textures. Each element plays a role — from the savory richness of the meat to the fresh crunch of cabbage and the bold punch from the tomatoes and spices.

1 pound ground beef or turkey: Choose your favorite for a rich, protein-packed base that soaks up the flavors beautifully.
1 small onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that mellows as it cooks.
1/2 head of cabbage (about 3 cups), chopped: The star veggie that keeps this casserole light yet hearty.
1 10 ounce can tomatoes with green chilies (undrained): Brings a gentle spice and juicy texture for extra zing.
1 8 ounce can tomato sauce: Binds everything together with a rich, tangy base.
1 teaspoon chili powder: A key seasoning that wakes up the palate.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds warmth and an irresistible aroma.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or colby jack): Your luscious, melty finishing touch that brings the entire casserole together.

How to Make Low Carb Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Step 1: Brown Your Meat

Start by browning your ground beef or turkey over medium heat in a large skillet. This step is critical because it develops rich flavors and adds a savory foundation for the casserole. Don’t forget to drain off any excess grease to keep the dish lighter and prevent it from becoming soggy.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion

Next, toss in the diced onion and cook it for about 3 to 5 minutes. This softens the onion and releases its natural sweetness, creating a beautiful flavor base that complements the cabbage and spices.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Sauces

Now, stir in the chopped cabbage, the undrained tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Combining these ingredients now allows the cabbage to absorb the tangy, spicy tomato sauce while melding all the flavors together.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and let everything cook for 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally. This slow simmer softens the cabbage perfectly, letting it soak up all the delicious juices without losing its texture.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Once the cabbage is tender to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top. Remove the skillet from heat and cover it with the lid for about 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt into a gooey, irresistible layer that makes the casserole truly crave-worthy.

How to Serve Low Carb Cheesy Cabbage Casserole

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro add a bright, fresh counterpoint to this rich dish. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of sliced green onions complements the melty cheese and spices perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp, refreshing salads or steamed low-carb vegetables like green beans or broccoli. For a heartier meal, try it alongside cauliflower rice or mashed turnips.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation, or pile it high on a rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh vegetable sticks. You can also turn it into a stuffed pepper dish by spooning the casserole mixture into halved bell peppers before baking for an eye-catching twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This makes for an easy, tasty lunch or dinner the next day without any fuss.

Freezing

This Low Carb Cheesy Cabbage Casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve the flavors and textures.

Reheating

Reheat the casserole gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, covered, until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems dry to keep everything nice and moist.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat in this Low Carb Cheesy Cabbage Casserole?

Absolutely! Ground chicken or pork make great alternatives, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute if you want to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet?

Yes! With its low carb count and high protein and fat content, this casserole fits perfectly into most keto meal plans.

Can I make this casserole spicier?

Definitely. Add more diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even some hot sauce to dial up the heat to your preference.

What cheese works best for melting in this casserole?

Cheddar and Colby Jack are top choices because they melt smoothly and have great flavor, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack also work well if you prefer a milder cheese.

Can I prepare this dish in advance and bake it later?

You can mix all the ingredients up to step 4, then refrigerate the mixture overnight. When ready, cook the casserole as instructed and add the cheese at the end for a fresh, melty finish.

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this Low Carb Cheesy Cabbage Casserole a try because it’s one of those hearty, comforting meals that nourish both the body and soul without piling on the carbs. Once you taste its rich, cheesy layers and tender cabbage mingling with savory spices, there’s a high chance it’ll become a favorite go-to on your dinner rotation. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

Low Carb Cheesy Cabbage Casserole Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 25 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Carb

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Description

A flavorful and comforting low carb cheesy cabbage casserole featuring ground beef or turkey, tender cabbage, and a blend of tomatoes, green chilies, and spices, all topped with melted cheddar or colby jack cheese. Perfect for a hearty, low-carb meal that’s easy to prepare and full of delicious savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 pound ground beef or turkey (browned and drained)
1 small onion (diced)
1/2 head of cabbage chopped into medium chunks (roughly 3 cups)

Tomato Ingredients and Spices

1 (10 ounce) can tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Cheese Topping

1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or colby jack)

Instructions

Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey until fully cooked, then drain off any excess grease to keep the casserole light and flavorful.
Sauté onions: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, which adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the dish.
Add vegetables and spices: Stir in the chopped cabbage, undrained tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything well to combine the flavors evenly.
Cook the casserole: Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Allow the mixture to cook for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still holds its shape.
Add cheese and melt: Once the cabbage reaches your desired tenderness, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top. Remove the skillet from heat, cover it again, and let the residual heat melt the cheese for about 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey with lean ground beef for a slightly richer flavor.
Adjust the amount of chili powder or green chilies to match your preferred spice level.
For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: American