Keto Cabbage Rolls
Tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a savory beef-and-pork filling, simmered in a rich tomato sauce. At just 6.5g net carbs per serving and ready in about 1 hour 5 minutes, these hearty low-carb cabbage rolls deliver classic comfort-food flavor without the rice.
Head of Nutrition · June 17, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 4. Values are estimates; brands vary.
Classic comfort food gets a keto makeover: tender cabbage leaves wrap a juicy beef-and-pork filling bound with riced cauliflower instead of rice, all baked in a rich, sugar-free tomato sauce. Hearty, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy low-carb dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 large head green cabbage (about 2 lbs)
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1/2 cup riced cauliflower
- 1/4 cup grated yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 (15 oz) can no-sugar-added tomato sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Core the cabbage, then submerge the whole head for 3-4 minutes, peeling off softened outer leaves with tongs as they loosen. You need 12 pliable leaves. Trim the thick center rib from each so they roll easily, then pat dry.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground pork, riced cauliflower, grated onion, garlic, egg, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined.
- 3
Place about 1/4 cup of filling near the base of each leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly into a bundle, seam-side down.
- 4
Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread half the tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish drizzled with the olive oil. Arrange the rolls seam-side down in a single layer, then pour the remaining sauce over the top.
- 5
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, until the filling reaches 160°F and the cabbage is fork-tender. Let rest 5 minutes, then spoon sauce over each roll to serve.
Tips & notes
- For extra richness, stir 2 tablespoons of heavy cream into the tomato sauce before baking (adds about 1g net carb per serving and makes this no longer dairy-free).
- These freeze beautifully. Cool completely, then freeze in the sauce for up to 3 months; reheat covered at 350°F until hot throughout.
- Choose a tomato sauce with no added sugar and check the label for hidden carbs; many jarred sauces sneak in 5g+ of sugar per serving.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto cabbage rolls?
- Each serving has 6.5g net carbs (10.5g total carbs minus 4g fiber), 412 calories, 29g protein, and 28g fat. This recipe makes 4 servings of 3 rolls each.
- What do you use instead of rice in keto cabbage rolls?
- Riced cauliflower replaces the traditional rice. It blends seamlessly into the meat filling, adds bulk and texture, and keeps the carb count low while staying virtually undetectable in flavor.
- Can I make these cabbage rolls ahead of time?
- Yes. Assemble the rolls in their sauce up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate covered, then bake when ready. They also freeze well for up to 3 months, making them ideal for meal prep.
