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Cabbage rolls the easy way! Easy unstuffed cabbage rolls make a delicious and filling low carb meal-ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve with rice for a family friendly dinner.
This recipe originally published September 2016- now updated with pro tips and frequently asked questions.
First of all, what exactly is a cabbage roll? Check out this link for a complete explanation of the origins and preparation of the traditional cabbage rolls. Although the traditional cabbage roll is very delicious, this version is so much easier to make and just as tasty!
Craving a comfort food casserole? This low carb skillet unstuffed cabbage roll dinner isexactly what you need when you are looking for a tasty and filling low carb meal. This easy one pan meal makes plenty and the leftovers are perfect for packing your lunch the next day. Feel free to serve this meal over rice for those who want a few extra carbs.
Jump to:
- Why this recipe works:
- Ingredients
- Substitutions
- Instructions
- Expert Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Recipe
- Comments
Why this recipe works:
- Uses all the typical ingredients of a cabbage roll, except no stuffing or rolling up cabbage leaves! A real time saver.
- We leave out the rice to make this meal low carb and diabetes friendly. Serve the rice on the side if desired or go with cauli-rice.
- Includes low carb marinara for a "cooked all day" flavorful tomato base.
RELATED RECIPES:
- 10 Diabetes Friendly Low Carb Bowl Recipes
- Mediterranean Roast Vegetables
- Low Carb Steak and Cheese Bowl
Ingredients
- Olive Oil- or other oil you have on hand.
- Onions- you may use either leeks, yellow or white onions or green onions if you prefer. I used leeks in the pics below. If you are out of onions, try using onion powder.
- Ground Meat- choose lean ground beef if desired or you may use ground pork or ground chicken/turkey.
- Diced Tomatoes with Herbs-if unavailable, add a touch of Italian seasoning to plain canned diced tomatoes if desired. Another option is stewed tomatoes.
- Marinara sauce- choose your favorite low carb brand. This ingredient adds a depth of flavor to the dish that will make everyone think you've been cooking all day!
- Cinnamon- just a touch to brighten the flavors and complement the tomatoes.
- Cabbage- cleaned and chopped. Most recipes use green cabbage but you may use red cabbage if you prefer.
Substitutions
Are you following a low fat diet, low sodium diet or other dietary modification? Check out my tips on how to make this cabbage recipe fit:
Low fat diet: Use lean ground beef or lean ground turkey. Drain meat after cooking and pat with paper towels to remove excess fat.
Low Sodium diet: Avoid using onion salt or garlic salt-try plain onion powder or garlic powder instead if desired. Choose canned foods such as tomatoes and marinara carefully. Check the label for lower sodium versions.
Diabetes Friendly diet: This recipe is lower in carbs than the classic dish due to the removal of rice found in traditional stuffed cabbage. If you decide to add white rice or brown rice to your meal, be sure to measure your serving and add the amount of carbs to the total listed in the nutritional information for this recipe. Check labels when choosing the marinara sauce and avoid brands with excess added sugar.
Instructions
- Step 1. Begin by sautéing onions or leeks until tender. You may also use green onions if you prefer. Cook your onions 2-3 minutes.
- Step 2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned- breaking into small pieces.
- Step 3. The tomatoes and seasonings are added next. Stir well and simmer.
- Step 4. Add the chopped cabbage to the meat mixture next. Stir, then simmer until cabbage is tender.
Expert Tips
- Brown your ground beef in batches for best flavor. Too much ground beef in the pan will cause steaming rather than browning.
- Don't like white or yellow onions? Choose a milder substitute like green onions, leeks (or even onion powder).
- Be sure to taste before serving to adjust salt and pepper.
Serve this meal in the skillet you prepared it in or you may choose a baking dish or casserole dish. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
RELATED LOW CARB RECIPES:
- 10 Minute Avocado Tortilla Pizza
- Pork Tenderloin with Spanish Cauliflower Rice
- Low Carb Pork Lettuce Wraps
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you serve with unstuffed cabbage rolls?
Serve with rice or cauli-rice (low carb).
How many carbs in this recipe?
¼ of this recipe contains approx 16gm carbohydrate .
Is cabbage good for weight loss?
Yes! Cabbage has lots of fiber and is low calorie (33 calories per cup of cooked cabbage). Cabbage also contains lots of antioxidants.
Hope you enjoy this Skillet Unstuffed Cabbage Roll recipe! Be sure to check out these other favorites:
- Top 10 Diabetes Blogs
- 19 Awesome Ideas for Your Diabetes-Friendly Gift Basket
- Easy Veggie Fried Rice
- Nuts and Type 2 Diabetes
Did you make this recipe? Check out the printable recipe card below and please be sure to leave your star rating and comment!
Recipe
Easy Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Cabbage rolls the easy way! Easy unstuffed cabbage rolls make a delicious and filling low carb meal-ready in less than 30 minutes. Serve with rice for a family friendly meal.
4.48 from 38 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Diabetic, Low Calorie, Low Salt
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 280kcal
Author: Easyhealth Living
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion , chopped
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with herbs drained
- 8 oz low carb marinara
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 cups chopped cabbage
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat oil then add onions and saute 2-3 minutes. Add garlic and ground beef.
Brown ground beef, drain fat, then add tomatoes, marinara and seasonings.
Add cabbage and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cover.
Cook about 15-20 minutes or until cabbage softens. Adjust seasonings.
Serve as is for low carb meal or add a side of rice for a family friendly meal.
Notes
Expert Tips:
- Brown your ground beef in batches for best flavor. Too much ground beef in the pan will cause steaming rather than browning.
- Don't like white or yellow onions? Choose a milder substitute like green onions, leeks (or even onion powder).
- Be sure to taste before serving to adjust salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts
Easy Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe
Serving Size
0.25 recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
280
Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
4
g
20
%
Cholesterol
73
mg
24
%
Sodium
663
mg
28
%
28
%
Carbohydrates
16
g
5
%
Fiber
4
g
16
%
Sugar
9
g
10
%
Protein
26
g
52
%
Vitamin A
520
IU
10
%
Vitamin C
34.9
mg
42
%
Calcium
83
mg
8
%
Iron
4.8
mg
27
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
Courtney Duncan
Delicious
Reply
Claire R. De Maria
So EASY to make AND DELICIOUS!!!😋😋☺️☺️☺️Reply
Marcia
Can leftovers be frozen?
Reply
Charlotte
Yes you may freeze leftovers. When ready to use them, place in fridge several hours or overnight to thaw. Then reheat in a skillet on low. Hope that helps!
Reply
Sally
I cooked this yesterday. My husband has diabetes and said he doesn't generally like cabbage but I have to say he liked it and said it would be worth serving again. To me that is a plus because he is a picky eater. I liked it not only for the flavor but how easy it was to prepare. Not a lot of ingredients to have to keep up with and also only one skillet to clean. A win-win for both of us.
Reply
Alicia
I used ground turkey and it turned out amazing!
Reply
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