Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Roasted cabbage leaves instead of noodles.
Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna 🥬🍝 Roasted cabbage leaves instead of noodles. is a medium American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Lolita | Feeling Great Over 40 on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $20.18 total, $5.05 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 head Green Cabbage (medium, about 8‑10 large leaves, core removed)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, for brushing leaves)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 0.5 cup Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat for best flavor)
- 1 large egg Large Egg (room temperature)
- 0.33 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly shredded)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (dried blend)
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic Powder (ground)
- 1 pound Ground Bison (lean, high‑protein; can substitute ground beef)
- 9 ounce Rayo's Roasted Garlic Sauce (zero added sugar, about 3/4 of a 12‑oz jar)
- 8 ounce Fresh Mozzarella (sliced or torn into pieces; can use shredded mozzarella)
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese (freshly shredded for topping)
Instructions
Prepare Cabbage Leaves
Remove the core of the cabbage and carefully separate 8‑10 large outer leaves. Rinse each leaf under cold water and pat dry with a kitchen towel.
Time: PT10M
Roast Cabbage Leaves
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay the cabbage leaves in a single layer on a baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Roast for about 15 minutes until the edges are slightly crisp but still pliable.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 400°F
Make Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl combine the ricotta, egg, shredded Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Fold gently until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Time: PT5M
Cook Meat Sauce
Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground bison, breaking it up with a spatula, and brown until no pink remains (about 8 minutes). Drain excess fat if desired, then stir in 9 oz of Rayo's roasted garlic sauce. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Time: PT13M
Assemble the Lasagna
Lightly coat the bottom of the Ninja Crispy basket (or air‑fryer pan) with a thin layer of meat sauce. Layer roasted cabbage leaves, spread a portion of the ricotta mixture, add a handful of fresh mozzarella, then spoon over meat sauce. Repeat the layers, ending with a final layer of sauce, mozzarella, and the shredded Parmesan topping.
Time: PT10M
Cook the Lasagna
Set the Ninja Crispy to 350°F and cook the assembled lasagna for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. If the top browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil for the last 5 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the lasagna from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30g
- Carbohydrates
- 10g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: High protein, Low carb, Gluten free, Keto friendly
Allergens: Dairy, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Green Cabbage: Nappa cabbage
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese (drained)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Ground Bison: Ground beef, Ground turkey
- Instead of Rayo's Roasted Garlic Sauce: Roasted garlic marinara (no sugar)
- Instead of Fresh Mozzarella: Shredded mozzarella
Equipment Needed
- Baking Sheet
- Pastry Brush
- Mixing Bowl
- Fork or Whisk
- Large Skillet
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Ninja Crispy Air Fryer (or similar air‑fryer oven)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Roasting cabbage leaves to achieve pliable, flavorful sheets
- Cooking the meat sauce until fully browned and combined with roasted garlic sauce
- Layering the ingredients evenly to prevent soggy spots
- Cooking in the Ninja Crispy for a quick, crisp finish
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika into the meat sauce
- Use a mix of shredded mozzarella and sliced fresh mozzarella for varied texture
- If you don’t have a Ninja Crispy, a conventional oven at 375°F for 30‑35 minutes works well
Troubleshooting
Cabbage leaves are too stiff after roasting
Cover the leaves with foil and roast an additional 5‑7 minutes, or briefly steam them before assembling.
Lasagna is watery or soggy
Pat roasted cabbage leaves with paper towels to remove excess moisture and avoid over‑saucing each layer.
Cheese does not melt or brown
Increase the final cooking temperature to 375°F for the last 3‑4 minutes, or finish under a broiler for a golden top.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Roast the cabbage leaves up to 2 days ahead and keep them covered in the fridge
- Prepare the ricotta mixture and meat sauce in advance; store each in separate containers
- Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate; bake within 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cabbage lasagna in low‑carb American cuisine?
Cabbage lasagna is a modern adaptation of traditional Italian lasagna, created by low‑carb and keto enthusiasts in the United States to replace high‑carb pasta sheets with nutrient‑dense cabbage. It reflects the growing trend of re‑imagining classic comfort foods for healthier lifestyles while preserving the original’s layered, cheesy appeal.
How does the traditional Italian lasagna differ from this low‑carb cabbage version in terms of ingredients and nutritional profile?
Traditional lasagna uses durum‑wheat pasta sheets, which add significant carbs and calories. The cabbage version swaps those sheets for roasted cabbage leaves, cutting carbs by roughly 70% and boosting fiber and micronutrients, while still delivering comparable protein and fat from meat and cheese.
What regional variations of low‑carb cabbage lasagna exist within the United States?
Some cooks use Napa cabbage for a milder flavor, others incorporate cauliflower rice between layers, and a few add spicy chorizo or Italian sausage instead of bison. These variations reflect regional ingredient availability and personal taste preferences while staying low‑carb.
What occasions or celebrations is cabbage lasagna traditionally associated with in low‑carb communities?
Cabbage lasagna is popular at keto gatherings, family dinner parties, and holiday meals where guests seek a hearty, low‑carb main dish. Its make‑ahead nature makes it ideal for potlucks and festive buffets.
What authentic Italian ingredients are essential for an authentic flavor in this cabbage lasagna?
Key authentic ingredients include high‑quality ricotta, fresh mozzarella, Parmigiano‑Reggiano (or Parmesan), Italian seasoning, and a robust tomato‑based sauce—here represented by Rayo’s roasted garlic sauce, which adds traditional Italian garlic depth without added sugar.
What other low‑carb American dishes pair well with cabbage lasagna?
Pair it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon‑olive oil, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a cauliflower mash. These sides keep the meal low‑carb while adding fresh textures and flavors.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making cabbage lasagna?
Common errors include over‑boiling cabbage (which makes it soggy), using too much sauce (leading to a watery dish), and under‑cooking the meat sauce. Follow the roasting step and drain excess fat to prevent these issues.
Why does this recipe roast cabbage leaves instead of boiling them?
Roasting concentrates the cabbage’s natural sweetness, adds a subtle caramelized flavor, and keeps the leaves firm enough to hold layers. Boiling makes the leaves soggy and can cause the lasagna to fall apart during baking.
Can I make this cabbage lasagna ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes. Roast the leaves, prepare the ricotta mixture and meat sauce, then assemble the lasagna in a greased air‑fryer basket or baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What does the YouTube channel Lolita | Feeling Great Over 40 specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lolita | Feeling Great Over 40 focuses on healthy, high‑protein, low‑carb recipes and lifestyle tips for adults over 40, emphasizing weight‑loss, nutrition, and practical cooking methods that fit busy schedules.
How does the YouTube channel Lolita | Feeling Great Over 40’s approach to low‑carb cooking differ from other health‑food channels?
Lolita combines personal weight‑loss storytelling with detailed, step‑by‑step tutorials that often use accessible kitchen tools like the Ninja Crispy air fryer. She emphasizes realistic portion sizes, ingredient cost transparency, and modifications for older adults, setting her apart from more generic diet channels.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
