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Baked keto cabbage roll casserole with melted mozzarella, ground beef, and cabbage in a white ceramic baking dish

Keto Cabbage Roll Casserole: Low Carb Comfort Food

A layered, unstuffed take on cabbage rolls with ground beef, cauliflower rice, and melted mozzarella baked into one skillet-to-oven dish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American comfort food
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 900 g Ground beef (2 lb); 85/15
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1 Yellow onion medium, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 Green cabbage small head (about 900 g), chopped
  • 3 cups Cauliflower rice (about 340 g); fresh or frozen and thawed
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 tsp Dried oregano
For the Sauce and Topping
  • 1 can Crushed tomatoes (400 g / 14 oz)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup Beef broth (120 ml)
  • 1.5 cups Shredded mozzarella (170 g)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish; optional

Method
 

Brown the Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3 to 4 minutes until soft.
  2. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 8 to 10 minutes until no pink remains and the internal temp hits 160 F / 71 C.
  4. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
Build the Casserole
  1. Stir in chopped cabbage, cauliflower rice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 5 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt.
  2. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine and simmer 5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
  4. Top with shredded mozzarella.
Bake
  1. Cover with foil and bake at 190 C / 375 F for 25 minutes.
  2. Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbling.
  3. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with parsley.

Notes

  • Drain excess beef fat before adding sauce to prevent a greasy casserole.
  • Use a 9x13 inch baking dish for even layers and consistent bake time.
  • Check cabbage tenderness around the 25-minute mark; it should be soft but not mushy.
  • Let rest 10 minutes before slicing so it holds together on the plate.