From cottage cheese madness to keto casserole addiction. If you’ve been following my recipe blog, you may have noticed that I get obsessed with an ingredient or a particular type of dish and experiment the hack out of it. So, Feb and well into March 2025 have been very casserole-themed on my blog here; I hope you love casserole recipes lol.
Keto casseroles have particularly been trending in my kitchen; I have been trying all kinds of ingredients, from ground pork casseroles to chicken broccoli variations. Make sure to check them out by the way.
There’s something magical about throwing a bunch of ingredients into a dish and watching them transform into a comforting, easy dinner. Not to mention, it’s such a time saver, especially when I use my Instant Pot Duo, dinner is ready in under 30 mins.
Recently, I’ve been on a cabbage kick. I’ve been buying cabbage in bulk to ferment (stay tuned for my probiotic-packed sauerkraut recipe coming soon!). With all this cabbage lying around, I thought, “Why not toss it in a casserole?”
And let me tell you, this keto cabbage casserole is a real winner. It’s like all my favorite comfort foods got together and had a low-carb baby.
Ok, let’s make this keto baby together. I included 3 versions for you: oven-baked keto casserole, Pressure Cooker quick version, and if you are a slow cooker kind of chef, then I included that option for you as well. I made it all 3 ways, and they all turned out great. The oven and the Instant Pot gave the crispiest top, while the slow cooker version was very flavorful throughout but less crispy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This keto cabbage casserole recipe is a flavor explosion waiting to happen. It’s packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance. However, if you prefer the dairy-free option, you can skip the cheese and sour cream; it will still turn out delicious.
The best part? It’s low in net carbs but high in satisfaction. Whether you’re following a low carb diet or just looking for a tasty casserole, this dish has got you covered. It’s easy to make and has healthy and simple ingredients that make a perfect, easy weeknight meal.
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Cabbage isn’t Just Great for Weightloss, it’s Very Nutritious
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why fresh cabbage is such a superstar ingredient. Cabbage is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
Nutrients in Cabbage
- Vitamin C: Boosts immune function and acts as an antioxidant
- Vitamin K: Essential for blood clotting and bone health
- Folate: Important for cell growth and DNA formation
- Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes feelings of fullness
- Potassium: Supports heart health and regulates blood pressure
Cabbage and Cancer Prevention
Did you know that cruciferous veggies like cabbage might have some superpowers when it comes to fighting cancer? A recent study highlighted how these veggies, packed with compounds like glucosinolates, could help protect against colorectal cancer. It’s just another reason to love adding cabbage to your meals, like our delicious keto cabbage casserole!
Keto Cabbage Casserole with Ground Beef or Chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 head of green cabbage chopped (red cabbage works too)
- 1 large peeled and grated carrot
- 1 pound ground beef or chicken mince for a lighter option
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese optional for dairy-free version
- 1/4 cup cream cheese optional for dairy-free version
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves fresh garlic minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 medium onion diced (or 1 teaspoon onion powder)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Crispy bacon bits for topping or parmesan cheese
Instructions
Oven Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped cabbage, grated carrot, minced garlic, and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until cabbage is slightly tender and onions are translucent.
- Mix in tomato sauce, cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is well combined and melted. Add seasonings and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Transfer mixture to a casserole dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
Pressure Cooker Method
- Using the sauté function, brown the ground beef in your pressure cooker.
- Add cabbage, carrot, garlic, onion, tomato sauce, cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well.
- Close the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Slow Cooker Method
- Brown the ground beef, garlic, and onion in a skillet and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add cabbage, carrot, tomato sauce, cream cheese, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- In the last 30 minutes, stir in the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Notes
Notes on Dairy-Free Version
If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can skip the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Consider using vegan cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast to give it a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Why this Keto Cabbage Casserole Stands Out from the Rest
This keto cabbage casserole is more than just a tasty meal – it’s a nutritional powerhouse. By combining the health benefits of cabbage with high-quality protein and fats, you’re getting a well-rounded dish that supports your keto lifestyle.
The use of fresh ingredients like garlic and onion (when possible) adds depth of flavor that you just can’t get from dried spices alone. And with only about 5 net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into your low-carb meal plan.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer to use your oven, pressure cooker, or slow cooker, you can easily adapt this dish to fit your schedule and cooking style. It’s the perfect easy keto dinner for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
So, grab your casserole dish and get cooking. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you for this delicious keto-friendly meal. And remember, whether you’re making this keto cabbage casserole, my Purple Cabbage and Black Bean Soup, or experimenting with your own cabbage creations, you’re doing something great for your body. Happy cooking!
