Keto Cabbage Lasagna

Keto Cabbage Lasagna is a medium Italian recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Sammy Rose on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 18 min | Total: 1 hr 53 min

Cost: $28.57 total, $4.76 per serving

Ingredients

  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, whole container)
  • 1 lb Ground Beef (80% lean; can substitute Italian sausage)
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (Dried blend of oregano, basil, thyme, etc.)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 0.5 tsp Salt (Kosher or table salt)
  • 1 large Egg (Room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp Garlic (Minced fresh garlic)
  • 15 oz Alfredo Sauce (Store‑bought, full‑fat)
  • 7.5 oz Red Marinara Sauce (Half a standard jar; use more if you like red sauce)
  • 1 head Cabbage (Green cabbage, medium size)
  • 0.5 medium Onion (Diced)
  • 2 cups Italian Cheese Blend (Shredded mozzarella‑provolone blend)
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated, for topping)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (Extra‑virgin)
  • 2 cups Mixed Salad Greens (Optional side salad)
  • 1 medium Tomato (Diced for salad)
  • 2 tbsp Ranch Dressing (For salad; can substitute Caesar)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 425°F and let it preheat while you prepare the other components.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 425°F

  2. Steam the Cabbage

    Place the whole cabbage head in a large pot, add enough water to come about halfway up the leaves, cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Steam until the outer leaves are tender (about 12 minutes).

    Time: PT12M

  3. Sauté Onion & Garlic

    Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium‑high. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Brown the Meat

    Add the ground beef (or sausage) to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula, season with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Cook until fully browned, about 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

  5. Warm the Sauces

    In a separate saucepan, combine the whole jar of alfredo sauce with half a jar of red marinara. Reduce heat to low and stir until warmed through, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  6. Mix Ricotta Filling

    In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with one large egg, a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and the egg is fully incorporated.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Prepare Cabbage Leaves

    Drain the steamed cabbage in a colander and let it cool for a few minutes. Once cool enough to handle, peel off the outer leaves. Trim away the tough white core and any overly bitter white parts, keeping only the flexible green leaves. Set aside about 12‑14 usable leaves.

    Time: PT10M

  8. Assemble the Lasagna

    Spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Lay cabbage leaves in an overlapping pattern to cover the base. Add half the browned meat, sprinkle with 1 cup of Italian cheese blend, then dollop half of the ricotta mixture and spread gently. Repeat with another layer of cabbage leaves, the remaining meat, the rest of the cheese blend, and the remaining ricotta. Finish with the remaining sauce and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan and the remaining Italian cheese.

    Time: PT10M

  9. Bake Covered

    Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.

    Time: PT30M

    Temperature: 425°F

  10. Broil for a Golden Top

    Remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and cook for about 3 minutes at 500°F until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly browned. Watch closely to avoid burning.

    Time: PT3M

    Temperature: 500°F

  11. Rest Before Serving

    Allow the lasagna to rest for 15 minutes. This lets the layers set and makes slicing easier.

    Time: PT15M

  12. Prepare Optional Side Salad

    Toss the mixed salad greens with diced tomato, a drizzle of ranch (or Caesar) dressing, a pinch of pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Chill until ready to serve.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
10g
Fat
22g
Fiber
3g

Dietary info: Keto, Gluten‑Free, Low‑Carb, High‑Protein

Allergens: Dairy, Egg

Last updated: April 15, 2026

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Keto Cabbage Lasagna

Recipe by Sammy Rose

A low‑carb, keto‑friendly twist on classic Italian lasagna using tender cabbage leaves instead of pasta. Layered with seasoned ground beef, creamy ricotta, mozzarella‑Italian cheese blend, and a rich alfredo‑marinara sauce, then baked until golden and finished with a quick broil for a crispy top. Served with a simple side salad.

MediumItalianServes 6

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

Source Video
48m
Prep
1h 8m
Cook
14m
Cleanup
2h 10m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$28.57
Total cost
$4.76
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Steam the cabbage until tender but not mushy.
  • Remove the bitter white core from the cabbage leaves.
  • Layer the ingredients evenly and do not over‑compress the leaves.
  • Cover with foil during the first bake to keep moisture in.
  • Broil briefly to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.

Safety Warnings

  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot baking dish and foil.
  • Be careful when draining boiling water from the cabbage – steam can cause burns.
  • Watch the broil step closely; cheese can burn quickly.

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 long been used in Southern Italian peasant cooking as a cheap, abundant vegetable. Substituting cabbage for pasta in lasagna is a modern, low‑carb adaptation that honors the original layering technique while keeping the dish hearty and nutritious.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of lasagna exist in Italy that use vegetables instead of pasta?

A

In regions like Puglia and Basilicata, thin sheets of zucchini, eggplant, or cabbage are sometimes layered in place of pasta during times of scarcity. These vegetable‑based lasagnas are known as "lasagne di verdure" and are celebrated for their lightness.

cultural
Q

How is cabbage lasagna traditionally served in Italian households?

A

It is typically served hot, cut into squares, and accompanied by a simple green salad dressed with olive oil or vinaigrette. A drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan finish the plate.

cultural
Q

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

A

While not tied to a specific holiday, vegetable‑based lasagnas are popular during Lent and other fasting periods when meat‑free or lighter meals are preferred. They also appear at family gatherings as a comforting, crowd‑pleasing main dish.

cultural
Q

What authentic Italian ingredients are essential for a traditional cabbage lasagna versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include green cabbage, ricotta, mozzarella‑Italian cheese blend, Parmesan, and a simple tomato‑based sauce. Substitutes such as cottage cheese for ricotta or shredded provolone for the cheese blend work, but using low‑fat or non‑Italian cheeses can change the flavor profile.

cultural
Q

What other Italian dishes pair well with cabbage lasagna?

A

A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, roasted garlic broccoli, or a classic Caprese salad complement the richness of cabbage lasagna. A glass of crisp Pinot Grigio or a light red like Chianti balances the creamy sauce.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cabbage lasagna?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the cabbage (it becomes mushy), not removing the bitter white core, using too much sauce which makes the dish soggy, and skipping the final broil, which leaves the cheese pale and soft.

technical
Q

Why does this cabbage lasagna recipe use a mixture of alfredo and red sauce instead of a single sauce?

A

Combining alfredo with a smaller amount of red marinara creates a creamy yet slightly tangy base that mimics the richness of traditional meat‑lasagna sauce while keeping the carb count low. The red sauce adds depth without overwhelming the keto profile.

technical
Q

Can I make cabbage lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, wrap the unbaked dish in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze; bake from frozen, adding 15‑20 minutes to the bake time.

technical
Q

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

A

The cabbage leaves should be tender yet still hold their shape, and the cheese on top should be golden‑brown and bubbling. The interior should be set and not watery; a gentle jiggle in the center is normal but will firm up as it rests.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Sammy Rose specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Sammy Rose focuses on low‑carb, keto‑friendly recipes that adapt classic comfort foods into healthier versions, often featuring quick‑prep meals and practical kitchen tips for busy home cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Sammy Rose's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?

A

Sammy Rose emphasizes keto and low‑carb modifications, swapping high‑carb staples like pasta with vegetables such as cabbage or zucchini, while still preserving authentic Italian flavors. Other Italian channels typically stick to traditional ingredients without the low‑carb focus.

channel

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