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A plate of keto stuffed cabbage rolls filled with seasoned meat and cauliflower rice, topped with a rich tomato sauce.

Keto Stuffed Cabbage

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 14-ounce can unsweetened diced tomatoes (no added sugars)
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar for tangy brightness
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust for heat preference
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

For the Dairy-Free Stuffed Cabbage Rolls:

  • 12 large cabbage leaves steamed until pliable
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 blend for moisture
  • ¾ pound ground pork or substitute with more beef
  • 1 cup riced cauliflower fresh or frozen, for low-carb texture
  • 3 green onions thinly sliced (both white and green parts)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to season the filling

Instructions
 

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • Blend the Sauce Base: In a blender, combine the diced tomatoes, apple cider vinegar, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and oregano. Pulse until smooth. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  • Simmer to Develop Flavor: Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Pour in the blended tomato mixture, bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly

For the Cabbage Rolls:

  • Prepare the Cabbage Leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch cabbage leaves for 1 minute until pliable (or microwave leaves with ¼ cup water for 2-3 minutes in a covered dish). Drain and set aside.
  • Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, riced cauliflower, green onions, parsley, ½ cup of the prepared tomato sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until evenly incorporated.
  • Assemble the Rolls:
  • Trim the thick rib from each cabbage leaf with a knife.
  • Place ⅓ cup of filling near the base of a leaf. Fold the sides inward, then roll tightly from the bottom to enclose the filling.
  • Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce in the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange rolls seam-side down over the sauce.
  • Bake: Pour the remaining sauce over the rolls. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the filling reaches 160°F (the safe minimum for ground meat).
  • Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.