Name: Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small head cabbage, chopped; 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes (no sugar added); 1 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; Salt to taste; Black pepper to taste; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

If you’re craving comfort food without breaking your keto goals, my Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is just the thing. It’s like the cozy taste of classic cabbage rolls, but easier to make and perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. You’ll love how the cabbage soaks up all the meaty, herb-filled goodness — it’s warming, satisfying, and totally keto-friendly.

Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image — Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole, low carb cabbage casserole, keto-friendly beef dinner, easy keto cabbage bake, healthy cabbage roll casserole

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In the Kitchen
Ingredients at a Glance
How to Make Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe
Things to Remember
Ways to Serve It
Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Full Printable Recipe

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In the Kitchen

This Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe brings all the flavors of traditional cabbage rolls into a fuss-free, baked dish that’s juicy, tender, and a little cheesy on top. It’s a great way to get veggies and protein together in one hearty dish that’s ready in under an hour.

Juicy and Tender Every Time: Browning the ground beef just right locks in savory flavor and creates a succulent base for the casserole.
Golden, Satisfying Finish: The melted mozzarella on top adds just the right touch of richness and a lovely golden crust.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using fresh cabbage combined with pantry staples keeps it approachable without sacrificing taste.
Weeknight to Weekend Ready: Whether it’s a quick dinner or cozy family meal, this casserole fits any occasion seamlessly.

Ingredients at a Glance

For this Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe, quality counts but you don’t need fancy ingredients. Fresh cabbage and good ground beef make a big flavor difference, while pantry staples keep things budget-friendly and easy to find.

Ground beef: Choose 80/20 for best flavor and juiciness, or leaner if preferred.
Onion: A medium yellow onion adds sweetness and depth.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced gives you that fragrant aroma that canned just can’t match.
Small head of cabbage: Green cabbage works perfectly—look for firm and fresh leaves.
Diced tomatoes (no sugar added): Adds acidity without extra carbs.
Beef broth: Use low sodium to control saltiness.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that elevates the savory notes.
Mozzarella cheese: Freshly shredded melts beautifully for that golden finish.

Heads-Up: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Make Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe

Step 1 — Brown the Beef with Onion & Garlic

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef along with diced onion and minced garlic. Stir occasionally, breaking up the beef until it’s fully browned and cooked through—about 7 to 10 minutes. You’ll notice the aroma is instantly comforting here! Once browned, drain any excess fat; this helps the casserole from becoming greasy but keeps the meat juicy.

Step 2 — Combine Ingredients and Bake

Next, transfer the cooked beef mixture to a large baking dish. Toss in the chopped cabbage, diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Don’t skip mixing it well so every bite gets that balanced flavor. Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it in the oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 30 minutes until the cabbage softens beautifully but still holds a little bite.

Step 3 — Add Cheese and Finish Baking

After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil—watch out for steam! Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and a gorgeous golden color. I love this part because it adds that luscious, comforting texture that makes it feel indulgent without the carbs.

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Things to Remember

Making this Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is straightforward, but these tips will help you nail it every time and avoid common hiccups.

Doneness Cue: The cabbage should be tender but not mushy—think fork-tender with a slight bite.
Temperature Trick: Keep your oven steady at 350°F for even cooking and cheese melt without burning.
Make-Ahead Move: This casserole tastes great the next day—prep it the night before and bake fresh when ready.
Common Pitfall: Avoid skipping the fat drain after browning beef, or your casserole might get greasy instead of rich.

Ways to Serve It

Finishing Touches

I like to add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a light drizzle of olive oil just before serving—it brightens the flavors and adds a fresh contrast to the rich beef and cheesy topping. A dollop of sour cream also works beautifully if you want a creamy, tangy edge.

Plays Well With

This Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, steamed asparagus, or even roasted cauliflower for extra veggies without carbs. A glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon completes the cozy meal.

Simple Plating Upgrades

Serve it in rustic ceramic dishes to highlight the homey vibe, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions or shredded Parmesan for a touch of elegance. If you want to impress guests, plate with a small side of pickled vegetables to cut through the richness.

Make-Ahead & Keeping Fresh

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You'll notice the flavors meld even more overnight. Just be mindful cabbage can soften further, but this actually makes reheating easier and tastier.

Freezing Tips

This casserole freezes well in portion-sized airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain its texture and flavor.

Reheating Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe Without Drying Out

For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15–20 minutes until warmed through. If using a microwave, cover loosely with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat in bursts to avoid drying out. An air fryer can refresh the crispy top—just watch the cheese doesn’t burn!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef for this casserole?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works well and can lighten the dish a bit. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly and drain excess moisture to keep the casserole from getting too wet.

Is it necessary to pre-cook the cabbage before baking?

No need to pre-cook—baking covered with the beef mixture and broth softens the cabbage perfectly within the bake time, keeping it tender but not mushy.

Can I make this casserole in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for baking, you can adapt it for slow cooking by layering ingredients similarly and cooking on low for 4-6 hours. Instant Pot versions would need adjustment but are possible with careful timing.

How many carbs are in this Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe?

Thanks to the cabbage and no added sugars in the tomatoes, this casserole stays low carb—perfect for keto diets. Exact counts depend on ingredient brands, but generally around 6-8g net carbs per serving.

Final Thoughts

Making a Keto Beef Cabbage Roll Casserole Recipe is like crafting a little kitchen hug that fits perfectly with your low-carb lifestyle. The flavors are rich, the textures satisfy, and it’s all made with ingredients you probably have on hand. Whenever I need a comforting meal that doesn’t derail my goals, this casserole is my go-to — and I’m sure once you try it, you’ll feel the same. Give it a shot, and enjoy that cozy, cheesy goodness!

Full Printable Recipe