How to make Cabbage Lasagna, Low Carb and delicious
How to make Cabbage Lasagna, Low Carb and delicious is a medium Italian‑American recipe that serves 6. 870 calories per serving. Recipe by Anna's Kitchen & Stitchin on YouTube.
Prep: 40 min | Cook: 52 min | Total: 1 hr 47 min
Cost: $28.90 total, $4.82 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 lb Ground Beef (lean (80/20) preferred, trimmed of excess fat)
- 2 500 g jar Marinara Sauce (no added sugar, Italian style)
- 1 head Green Cabbage (large, fresh, outer leaves removed)
- 1 Egg (large, room temperature)
- 6 oz Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (divided – 4 oz for layers, 2 oz reserved for topping)
- 6 oz Shredded Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated if possible)
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt (full‑fat, thick; can substitute cottage cheese)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 spray Non‑Stick Cooking Spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
Remove the outer loose leaves, wash the head under cold water, and trim the hard core from each quarter.
Time: PT5M
Blanch the Cabbage
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the cabbage quarters and cook 10‑15 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the leaves.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 212°F
Drain and Cool
Transfer the cabbage to a colander, let it sit for a few minutes, then gently blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Time: PT5M
Brown the Ground Beef
In a medium‑large saucepan over medium heat, crumble the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: Medium
Add Marinara and Simmer
Stir in the two 500 g jars of marinara sauce, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and reduces slightly.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Low Simmer
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If using a fan‑forced oven, set to 180°C.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 375°F
Make the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl combine 4 oz shredded mozzarella, all 6 oz parmesan, 1 cup Greek yogurt, and the egg. Season with salt and pepper, then stir until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Slice Cabbage into Noodles
When the cabbage is cool enough to handle, slice each quarter lengthwise into thin, lasagna‑sized strips. If the strips stick, gently separate them with your fingers.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Lasagna
Spray the 9×13‑inch baking dish with non‑stick spray. Layer half of the cabbage strips, then half of the meat sauce, followed by half of the cheese mixture. Repeat with the remaining cabbage, sauce, and cheese. Sprinkle the reserved 2 oz mozzarella on top.
Time: PT8M
Bake
Place the assembled dish in the preheated oven and bake 15‑20 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling throughout.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: 375°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest 5‑10 minutes before cutting. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.
Time: PT7M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 870
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 55 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, High‑Protein, Low‑Carb
Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Beef
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: store‑bought spaghetti sauce, homemade tomato sauce
- Instead of Green Cabbage: savoy cabbage, collard greens (for a different texture)
- Instead of Egg: 1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water (vegan), 1 tbsp chia seed gel
- Instead of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: shredded low‑moisture mozzarella, provolone
- Instead of Shredded Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano
- Instead of Greek Yogurt: cottage cheese, ricotta cheese
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt, sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Non‑Stick Cooking Spray: olive oil brushed with a pastry brush
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Medium to Large Saucepan
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13‑Inch Baking Dish
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups / Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blanch cabbage until fork‑tender but not mushy.
- Drain and thoroughly blot cabbage to avoid excess moisture.
- Simmer the meat sauce until it thickens; a watery sauce will make the lasagna soggy.
- Combine the cheese mixture until smooth to ensure even distribution.
- Bake until bubbling and golden; under‑baking leaves a raw texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a fan‑forced oven at 180°C for more even heat distribution.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or basil to the meat sauce.
- If you prefer a creamier texture, substitute half of the Greek yogurt with ricotta.
Troubleshooting
Lasagna is watery after baking.
Make sure the cabbage is well‑blotted after draining and reduce the sauce a bit longer before assembling.
Top cheese does not brown.
Place the dish under the broiler for 1‑2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
Cabbage layers are too tough.
Increase blanching time by 2‑3 minutes until the leaves are easily pierced with a fork.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and store for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual portions in foil and place in a freezer‑safe bag; freeze up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; refrigerate promptly.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the meat sauce a day ahead and refrigerate; reheat before assembling.
- Blanched cabbage can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate; bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cabbage lasagna in Italian‑American cuisine?
Cabbage lasagna is a modern, low‑carb adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna that replaces wheat pasta with cabbage leaves. It reflects the American trend of swapping high‑carb staples for vegetable alternatives while keeping the classic layered structure and hearty meat sauce.
What traditional regional variations of lasagna exist in Italy that inspire a cabbage‑based version?
In Italy, lasagna varies by region: Emilia‑Romagna uses ragù and béchamel, while the south favors tomato‑based sauces with mozzarella. Cabbage‑based layers echo the “lasagne di verdure” dishes found in the north, where thinly sliced vegetables are layered instead of pasta.
How is authentic Italian lasagna traditionally served in Italy?
Traditional Italian lasagna is served hot, cut into square portions, often accompanied by a simple green salad and a glass of red wine. The dish is usually allowed to rest a few minutes after baking so the layers set and the flavors meld.
What occasions or celebrations is cabbage lasagna traditionally associated with in Italian‑American families?
While not a historic holiday dish, cabbage lasagna has become popular for family gatherings, pot‑lucks, and weeknight meals where a comforting, crowd‑pleasing casserole is needed without the extra carbs of traditional pasta.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with cabbage lasagna?
Cabbage lasagna pairs nicely with a crisp Caesar salad, garlic‑bread croutons, or roasted vegetables. A light Italian white wine such as Pinot Grigio balances the richness of the meat and cheese layers.
What makes cabbage lasagna special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
The dish swaps the carbohydrate‑heavy pasta sheets for nutrient‑dense cabbage, boosting fiber and reducing carbs while preserving the comforting, layered texture of classic lasagna. It also adds a subtle sweetness from the cabbage that complements the savory meat sauce.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cabbage lasagna?
Common pitfalls include under‑blanching the cabbage (resulting in tough layers), not draining enough moisture from the cabbage, and using a watery sauce. Each of these can make the final casserole soggy or unevenly cooked.
Why does this cabbage lasagna recipe use Greek yogurt instead of ricotta?
Greek yogurt provides a thick, tangy creaminess with less fat and fewer calories than ricotta, while still binding the cheese mixture. It also adds a subtle probiotic boost, making the dish lighter without sacrificing texture.
Can I make cabbage lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the meat sauce and blanch the cabbage a day ahead, then assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes, or freeze the assembled, unbaked dish for up to two months.
What does the YouTube channel Anna's Kitchen & Stitchin specialize in?
The YouTube channel Anna's Kitchen & Stitchin focuses on home‑cooked, family‑friendly recipes that blend comfort food with practical cooking hacks, often featuring budget‑friendly meals and creative ingredient swaps.
Last updated: August 28, 2026








