Keto-Friendly Cabbage Rolls are a delicious and comforting dish that brings together the flavors of tender cabbage leaves, seasoned ground meat, and a rich tomato sauce. This low-carb version of traditional cabbage rolls replaces the rice with cauliflower rice, making it suitable for those following a ketogenic diet. Each roll is a hearty bundle of flavor, and the combination of textures and tastes is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty, comforting meal. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Recipe: Keto-Friendly Cabbage Rolls
Ingredients: For the Cabbage Rolls:
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb (450g) ground meat (such as beef, turkey, or pork)
- 1 cup cauliflower rice (raw or cooked)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tomato Sauce:
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully remove the leaves from the head of cabbage, trying to keep them as intact as possible. Blanch the leaves in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice water bath to cool. Pat the leaves dry with a paper towel.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground meat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the cauliflower rice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cauliflower rice is tender.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried parsley, salt, and pepper to create the tomato sauce.
- Spread a thin layer of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Take a cabbage leaf and place a spoonful of the meat and cauliflower rice mixture in the center. Roll up the leaf, tucking in the sides as you go. Place the roll seam-side down in the baking dish.
- Repeat this process with the remaining cabbage leaves and filling.
- Pour the remaining tomato sauce over the cabbage rolls in the baking dish.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the cabbage rolls are heated through and the flavors are melded.
- Remove from the oven and let the cabbage rolls cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts:
- Calories: 287
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 758mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 5g
- Total Sugars: 9g
- Protein: 27g