Keto Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
All the cozy flavor of cabbage rolls without the fuss of wrapping each one. Tender cabbage, seasoned ground beef, and a savory tomato sauce simmer in one skillet. At just 7.4g net carbs per serving and ready in 45 minutes, it's an easy keto dinner.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 6. Values are estimates; brands vary.
These keto unstuffed cabbage rolls give you all the comfort of the classic dish in a fraction of the time — no rolling required. Tender cabbage and seasoned ground beef simmer in a savory tomato sauce for a hearty one-pan dinner at just 7.4g net carbs per serving.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
- 1 small head green cabbage (about 2 lbs), cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup canned tomato sauce (no sugar added)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- 1
Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain off excess grease if needed, leaving a little for flavor.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper and cook for 1 minute. Add the diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, and Worcestershire sauce, stirring to combine.
- 4
Add the chopped cabbage in batches, stirring it into the sauce as it wilts down to make room. Once all the cabbage is in, cover and reduce heat to medium-low.
- 5
Simmer covered for 18-22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage is tender but still has a little bite and the sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Tips & notes
- For an even richer, more traditional flavor, stir in 2 tablespoons of cooked cauliflower rice per serving — it mimics the rice in classic cabbage rolls while keeping carbs low.
- Swap half the ground beef for ground pork or Italian sausage for a deeper, more savory dish. If you do, taste before adding the full amount of salt.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; the flavor actually improves overnight. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto unstuffed cabbage rolls?
- Each serving has 7.4g net carbs (10.4g total carbs minus 3g fiber), along with 372 calories, 24g protein, and 26g fat. This recipe makes 6 hearty servings, keeping it well within a ketogenic daily carb budget.
- What makes these cabbage rolls keto-friendly?
- Traditional cabbage rolls are stuffed with white rice, which adds a lot of carbs. This version skips the rice entirely and relies on cabbage, ground beef, and a no-sugar-added tomato sauce, so each serving stays at just 7.4g net carbs.
- Can I make keto unstuffed cabbage rolls in advance?
- Yes. This dish reheats beautifully and the flavors deepen overnight. Make it up to 4 days ahead, store it in the fridge, and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
