Loaded Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef (High Protein Low Carb Recipe)
If you love stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have time for the rolling and layering, this Loaded Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef (or ground turkey!) is the perfect shortcut.
It takes all the rich, savory flavors of classic cabbage rolls—ground beef, tender cabbage, tomatoes, and seasonings—and bakes them into an easy, layered casserole that’s perfect for meal prep.
This dish is a nutritious, high-protein, and budget-friendly option that is both hearty and wholesome. The cabbage absorbs all the flavors from the beef and tomato sauce while adding plenty of fiber and texture.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just looking for a cozy, satisfying meal, this yummy casserole is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef Recipe
- A shortcut version of stuffed cabbage rolls—no tedious rolling required
- High-protein and low-carb—perfect for a balanced meal
- Comfort food made easy—rich, hearty, and delicious
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day
- Budget-friendly and simple ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small head of cabbage, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, oregano, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Layer half of the chopped cabbage in the baking dish, followed by half of the beef mixture. Repeat layers.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Info (per serving, serves 6):
Calories: ~290
Protein: ~28g
Carbs: ~18g
Fat: ~12g
Chef’s Tips
- Want more texture? Sauté the cabbage before layering for a deeper, caramelized flavor.
- Make it lower-carb by skipping the rice and using extra cabbage.
- For a richer sauce, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Meal prep tip: Make it ahead, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- For a vegetarian version, swap the beef for lentils or crumbled tofu.
A bubbling casserole dish filled with layers of tender cabbage, juicy seasoned beef, and a golden, cheesy topping. A spoon lifts a serving, revealing the rich tomato sauce coating each bite. The aroma of garlic, oregano, and paprika fills the air, making it impossible to resist.
