My Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna That Helped Me Lose 100lbs

My Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna That Helped Me Lose 100lbs is a medium Italian recipe that serves 6. 320 calories per serving. Recipe by Low Carb Love on YouTube.

Prep: 41 min | Cook: 51 min | Total: 1 hr 47 min

Cost: $18.84 total, $3.14 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 head Green Cabbage (Large, outer leaves removed, core trimmed, leaves separated into whole sheets)
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean, preferably grass‑fed)
  • 2 cup Low‑Sugar Marinara Sauce (No added sugar, store‑bought or homemade)
  • 2 tbsp Tomato Paste (Adds richness to the sauce)
  • 1 medium Onion (Finely diced)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (For sautéing onion)
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes (Optional for a little heat)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
  • 16 oz Ricotta Cheese (Full‑fat, plain)
  • 2 Eggs (Large, lightly beaten)
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • 2 cup Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded, low‑moisture)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (Chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cabbage Leaves

    Remove the core of the cabbage, then slice the head into large leaf sheets, keeping the leaves attached as much as possible so they stay together like blankets.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Blanch Cabbage Sheets

    Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Working in batches, submerge the cabbage leaves for 2–3 minutes until they are just tender but still hold their shape. Remove with tongs and set aside on a clean kitchen towel.

    Time: PT6M

  3. Make the Meat Sauce

    Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent (≈5 min). Add ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until browned. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix in tomato paste, then pour in the low‑sugar marinara. Simmer for 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

    Time: PT15M

  4. Prepare Ricotta Mixture

    In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten eggs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until smooth.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Assemble the Lasagna

    Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a 9×13‑inch baking dish, start with a layer of cabbage leaves covering the bottom. Spoon a layer of meat sauce over the leaves, then spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella and a little parmesan. Repeat layers (cabbage → sauce → ricotta → cheeses) until all components are used, finishing with a generous topping of mozzarella and a sprinkle of parmesan.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Bake

    Place the assembled lasagna in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden‑brown and bubbling.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 400°F

  7. Finish and Serve

    Garnish with chopped fresh basil, slice into portions, and serve hot.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
320
Protein
28 g
Carbohydrates
9 g
Fat
18 g
Fiber
4 g

Dietary info: Low Carb, Keto Friendly, Gluten Free, High Protein, Diabetic Friendly

Allergens: Dairy, Egg, Beef

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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My Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna That Helped Me Lose 100lbs

Recipe by Low Carb Love

A guilt‑free, low‑carb version of classic lasagna that uses tender cabbage leaves instead of pasta sheets. Layered with a savory ground‑beef marinara, creamy ricotta‑egg mixture, mozzarella, and parmesan, this dish delivers the same comforting flavor and texture while staying keto‑friendly and high in protein.

MediumItalianServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
51m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 26m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$18.84
Total cost
$3.14
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Blanch cabbage leaves just until tender (2‑3 min) to retain structure.
  • Cook meat sauce fully and season well before assembling.
  • Mix ricotta with eggs to create a binding layer.
  • Layer ingredients evenly and finish with mozzarella for a golden crust.
  • Bake at 400°F for 30 min and let rest before cutting.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water with care to avoid burns when blanching cabbage.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking dish from the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cabbage lasagna in Italian cuisine?

A

Cabbage has been used in Italian peasant cooking for centuries as a low‑cost, nutrient‑dense substitute for pasta or grain layers. In regions like Calabria and Campania, cabbage‑based casseroles were a way to stretch meals during lean times, and modern low‑carb chefs have revived this tradition as a healthier lasagna alternative.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of cabbage lasagna in Italian cuisine?

A

In Southern Italy, cabbage is often layered with pork sausage, pecorino, and a robust tomato sauce, while Northern versions may include butter‑sautéed cabbage, mushrooms, and a béchamel. The Low Carb Love version swaps traditional pasta sheets for blanched cabbage and uses ground beef for a high‑protein, low‑carb profile.

cultural
Q

How is authentic traditional cabbage lasagna served in Italy?

A

Traditional cabbage lasagna is served hot, cut into squares, and often garnished with fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It is typically accompanied by a simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, allowing the hearty casserole to shine.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is cabbage lasagna traditionally associated with in Italian culture?

A

Cabbage lasagna is a comfort dish commonly prepared for family gatherings, especially during winter months when cabbage is in season. It also appears at rustic festivals and as a hearty Sunday dinner in many Italian households.

cultural
Q

What makes cabbage lasagna special or unique in Italian cuisine?

A

The use of cabbage provides a low‑carb, fiber‑rich layer that mimics the texture of pasta while adding a subtle sweetness. This adaptation keeps the classic lasagna flavors—rich meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella—while reducing carbs and calories.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Low Carb Love's cabbage lasagna?

A

Common errors include over‑blanching the cabbage (which makes the leaves fall apart), under‑seasoning the meat sauce, and skipping the final mozzarella topping, which gives the signature golden crust. Also, let the casserole rest after baking so the layers set and slice cleanly.

technical
Q

Why does this cabbage lasagna recipe use tomato paste in the sauce instead of more marinara?

A

Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickness without extra sugar, ensuring the sauce clings to the layers. This keeps the carb count low while delivering the deep, umami richness typical of traditional lasagna sauces.

technical
Q

Can I make Low Carb Love's cabbage lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble the lasagna up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake directly from the fridge (add 5‑10 minutes) or from frozen (add 10‑15 minutes).

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the cabbage lasagna is done cooking?

A

The top should be a deep golden‑brown, bubbly layer of melted mozzarella with a slight crisp edge. The cabbage sheets should be tender but still hold their shape, and the interior should be moist yet firm enough to cut cleanly.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Low Carb Love specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Low Carb Love, hosted by Myra, specializes in low‑carb, keto‑friendly recipes that support weight‑loss and diabetic‑friendly lifestyles. The channel focuses on practical, high‑protein meals, meal‑prep ideas, and nutrition guidance for sustainable health.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Low Carb Love's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Low Carb Love adapts classic Italian dishes by replacing high‑carb staples like pasta and rice with low‑carb alternatives such as cabbage, cauliflower, and almond flour, while maintaining authentic flavors. Other Italian channels often stick to traditional ingredients, whereas Low Carb Love emphasizes calorie control, blood‑sugar stability, and meal‑prep convenience.

channel

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