Try this keto unstuffed cabbage rolls bake when you don't have time to make individual cabbage rolls. A great meal to share with family and friends!
Article Index
After discovering Miracle Rice, I was wondering how it would perform in a cabbage roll recipe or stuffed peppers.
To me, the shirataki rice pieces are bland enough to be a good substitute for white rice. The big difference is that they don't get the sticky texture that is often needed to hold things together.
You may have seen my shirataki rice pudding recipe!
That was the first thing I made after buying my Miracle Rice. The stickiness of real rice isn't needed in that recipe, and it turned out to be a terrific low-carb sub for the real thing.
The filling inside cabbage rolls usually binds together from the rice. You won't get that with shirataki rice. Instead, the cabbage leaves will have to hold it all in.
Since it takes a lot of time to put the filling into boiled cabbage leaves, I just made this unstuffed cabbage roll bake instead.
Why you'll love it
This cabbage rolls recipe is a wonderful way to use up leftover cabbage. It would make a nice dish for potlucks!
And, you could make it in a slow cooker and keep it warm during the party if you have access to a power outlet.
I like to call them "lazy" cabbage rolls because they don't require any rolling or stuffing. This keto cabbage casserole is perfect for anyone that loves stuffed cabbage but is busy or running short on time.
This dish is so much easier and quicker. You won't go back to rolled cabbage rolls again!
You don't need a lot of time to throw this dish together. And, since I cook low-carb food for one, it makes enough to feed me the whole week.
My child did give it a try and ended up having it for dinner with me one night. She's pretty picky, so I was happy to see she liked this unstuffed cabbage rolls bake. I will have to put it on the menu again!
Ingredients
This is going to become one of your favorite classic recipes. It uses all whole ingredients that will nourish your body and give it the fuel it needs.
Cabbage
Just like traditional cabbage rolls, you'll need cabbage. I used shredded cabbage because it is so much easier. I needed two pounds, about one head of cabbage.
Miracle Rice
I used Miracle Rice for the rice mixture, which is made from konjac root. It is a good substitute for white rice. But, you can use riced cauliflower if you prefer.
Tomatoes and tomato sauce
I diced tomatoes and used a savory tomato sauce as the liquids. Do not use tomato juice, since it has too many carbs.
I also do not suggest using tomato paste. It's best to stick to just the sauce and fresh tomatoes!
Meat
For the filling, use lean ground beef. Other choices that could work include ground pork or ground turkey.
Onion and garlic
You will also need fresh chopped onion and a few cloves of minced garlic.
If you don't have fresh garlic, you can use garlic powder instead.
Spices
Always use fresh herbs if you can. You'll need parsley, salt, and pepper for this recipe.
I used salt and ground black better. You will be able to smell it as the flavors blend together while it bakes.
Lemon
You also need the juice from one lemon.
Please note: Check out the recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients used to make this low-carb recipe.
Tips
- Add red pepper flakes for heat. Or, sprinkle in some hot sauce.
- Use riced cauliflower instead of Miracle Rice. It might be easier to find.
- Make it sweeter. Use a brown sugar substitute to add a touch of sweetness.
- Add sour cream. When you serve, put a dollop of sour cream on top for some tanginess.
Instructions
The steps to make these lazy old-fashioned cabbage rolls could not be simpler!
Make the rice
First, you will need to make and prepare the Miracle Rice. After it is completely ready, set it aside.
Boil and chop the cabbage
Next, boil the cabbage and then chop it up into tiny pieces.
The leaves of the cabbage were pretty tough to peel off, so it's a good thing I wasn't trying to use them for rolls!
They were breaking into pieces as I was pulling them off. Fortunately, this made them perfect for a keto unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe!
Saute garlic and onion with ground beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until brown.
Combine all ingredients
Stir in tomatoes, chopped cabbage, tomato sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
Stir in the rice mixture and juice from one lemon.
Bake keto unstuffed cabbage rolls
Spread out into a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes or until it begins to brown.
️ Serving suggestions
This is a high-protein meal that is perfect for dinner, so serve your favorite side dishes along with it.
To really pack in the veggies, consider roasting some broccoli and cauliflower in the oven! Instead of mashed potatoes, add some mashed turnips on the side.
FAQs
Before we get to the printable recipe card, here are some questions people often ask about how to make it.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
If you are on a keto or low-carb diet, I do not suggest using pasta sauce instead of tomato sauce. It tends to be higher in carbs.
I wasn't sure how small of pieces to cut the cabbage leaves. The cabbage pieces did end up being a bit big to eat, so I will be sure to cut them up into more bite-sized pieces next time.
It might even be nice to chop them into thin strips like noodles.
Don't expect things to hold together well in this keto unstuffed cabbage rolls bake. Unlike the filling of regular cabbage rolls, the Miracle Rice isn't sticky enough to bind the ingredients together.
Related recipes
If you love cabbage rolls, then here are some more keto casseroles that you should make next. They are some of my favorites!
- Corned Beef Casserole is a salty and savory family favorite - the meat always comes out so tender and flavorful.
- Stuffed Pepper Casserole has the delicious ingredients of the classic comfort food combined in a baking dish.
- Easy Cheeseburger Pie is super-popular with kids and picky eaters.
- Chicken Cordon Bleu combines chicken and ham in a supremely cheesy sauce.
- Low Carb Keto Tuna Casserole with spinach is a delicious dinner you can make with affordable ingredients in your pantry.
Follow us on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, and INSTAGRAM for even more tasty keto-friendly recipes!
Recipe
Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake
Ingredients
- 14 ounces Miracle Rice 2 bags
- 2 pounds cabbage
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ cup tomatoes diced
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons parsley or 1 tablespoon dried
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Drain the Miracle Rice then soak in water for 5-10 minutes. Drain again.
- Pour Miracle Rice in small pot and stir fry in a dry pan until most of the water is gone and the rice feels like it is starting to stick to the pan. Set aside.
- Peel off the cabbage leaves and boil until tender. Drain. Chop up into bite sized pieces.
- Heat olive oil in large pot. Add onion and garlic and cook until fragrant. Add ground beef and cook until brown.
- Stir in tomatoes, cabbage, tomato sauce, parsley, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Stir in Miracle Rice and juice from one lemon.
- Spread out into a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Bake at 350F for about 45 minutes or until it begins to brown.
Low Carb Sweeteners | Keto Sweetener Conversion Chart
Nutrition
Additional Info
Notes on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for the recipe is provided as a courtesy and is approximate only. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Copyright
© LowCarbYum.com - Unauthorized use of this material without written permission is strictly prohibited unless for personal offline purposes. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to LowCarbYum.com along with a link back to the original content.
First published May 13, 2016. Updated on March 15, 2022, with new images and additional recipe information.
Susan
Thank you, thank you, thank you for providing an exact amount of serving size of 204g for your Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Bake recipe! Your effort is very much appreciated! I haven't made this recipe yet, but when I do, I will leave another comment and a rating. Thank you again.
Kelly L
I have just started using cauliflower to replace rice. If I was to do this ('rice' the cauli), when should I add it and how long should I cook it? Thanks - this recipe looks great!
Lisa
You could try adding it in place of the Miracle Rice. It should work. I've seen others mix half Miracle Rice and half cauliflower.
Barbara Loeding
Having Russian heritage, I ate a lot of stuffed cabbage. We always used an egg or 2 (depending on how much you are making) to bind everything together. I make a lot of the above cuz I love cabbage. Yum
Barbara Loeding
Oh an a tbspn or 2 of Worcestershire sauce..Makes all the difference for me
Lisa
Thanks for the tip!
Lisa
Thanks for the suggestion. I will add an egg and a little Worcestershire sauce next time.