Easy Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls Recipe (2024)

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.

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

1. Brown your ground beef in batches for best flavor. Too much ground beef in the pan will cause steaming rather than browning.
2. Don't like white or yellow onions? Choose a milder substitute like green onions, leeks (or even onion powder).
3. 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

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

More Low Carb Recipes