How to make cabbage lasagna
How to make cabbage lasagna is a medium American (Low‑Carb) recipe that serves 6. 480 calories per serving. Recipe by Tracy Whitaker on YouTube.
Prep: 32 min | Cook: 58 min | Total: 1 hr 45 min
Cost: $21.33 total, $3.56 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground Beef (80% lean ground chuck)
- 32 ounces Salsa or Tomato Sauce (Homemade or store‑bought, mild or spicy to taste)
- 1 head Cabbage (Large green cabbage, core removed, leaves separated)
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (Full‑fat, well‑drained)
- 1 large Egg (Beaten)
- 6 ounces Parmesan Cheese (Finely grated)
- 6 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (Shredded)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Optional)
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Cabbage
Remove the core from the head of cabbage, peel off the outer leaves, then quarter the cabbage and set aside the leaves for later.
Time: PT5M
Boil the Cabbage Leaves
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the cabbage quarters and cook until the leaves are very soft, about 20‑25 minutes.
Time: PT22M
Temperature: boiling
Drain and Cool Cabbage
Drain the softened cabbage in a colander and run under cold water to stop cooking. Let it cool enough to handle.
Time: PT2M
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned, about 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high
Drain Excess Fat
Carefully pour off any excess fat from the skillet, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist.
Time: PT2M
Add Salsa and Simmer
Stir in the 32 oz of salsa (or tomato sauce), add garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium
Mix Cottage Cheese and Egg
In a mixing bowl, combine the 1 cup cottage cheese with the beaten egg until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Slice Cabbage into Strips
Take the cooled cabbage quarters and cut the leaves into long strips, similar in size to lasagne noodles.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Lasagne
In a casserole dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce, then a layer of cabbage strips, followed by half the cottage‑cheese mixture, half the Parmesan, and half the mozzarella. Repeat the layers, ending with a final topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.
Time: PT10M
Bake
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 15 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 5‑5 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and lightly browned.
Time: PT18M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to sit for 5 minutes to set, then slice and serve hot.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 480
- Protein
- 40 g
- Carbohydrates
- 9.5 g
- Fat
- 27 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Low‑Carb, Keto‑Friendly, High‑Protein
Allergens: Dairy, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground pork
- Instead of Salsa or Tomato Sauce: Canned crushed tomatoes, Marinara sauce
- Instead of Cabbage: Savoy cabbage, Napa cabbage
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: Greek yogurt, Ricotta cheese
- Instead of Egg: Flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone, Monterey Jack
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely diced onion
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or Fork
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Casserole Dish
- Oven
- Measuring Cups
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook cabbage until very soft to allow easy folding.
- Reduce the salsa sauce until thick; a watery sauce will make the dish soggy.
- Layer in the correct order: sauce, cabbage, cheese mixture, mozzarella/Parmesan.
- Bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly for proper texture.
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a splash of red wine to the meat sauce while it simmers.
- Mix a pinch of nutmeg into the cottage‑cheese mixture for a subtle warmth.
- Use a mandoline to slice cabbage uniformly for faster prep.
Troubleshooting
Cabbage layers are too watery.
Make sure the cabbage is cooked until very soft, then drain well and pat dry before layering.
Sauce is too thin and the lasagne becomes soggy.
Simmer the salsa longer to reduce it; you can also stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste to thicken.
Cheese does not melt or brown.
Bake uncovered for the last 5‑7 minutes and increase oven temperature to 375°F if needed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions wrapped tightly for 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.
- Boiled cabbage can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Assemble the entire lasagne, 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 Lasagne in low‑carb American cuisine?
Cabbage Lasagne is a modern adaptation that replaces traditional pasta sheets with cabbage leaves, catering to low‑carb and keto diets popular in the United States. It reflects the American trend of re‑imagining classic comfort foods to fit health‑focused lifestyles while preserving familiar flavors.
What are the traditional regional variations of Cabbage Lasagne in American low‑carb cooking?
In the U.S., some cooks use Napa cabbage for a milder taste, while others add smoked sausage or turkey for regional twists. Southern versions may incorporate a bit of hot sauce, whereas Pacific Northwest adaptations might include wild mushrooms and local cheeses.
How is Cabbage Lasagne traditionally served in American low‑carb households?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, sliced into squares, and accompanied by a simple green salad or roasted low‑carb vegetables. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a finishing touch.
What occasions or celebrations is Cabbage Lasagne traditionally associated with in American low‑carb culture?
Because it is hearty and crowd‑pleasing, Cabbage Lasagne is popular for family gatherings, pot‑lucks, and weekend dinner parties where guests are looking for a satisfying yet low‑carb main dish.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Cabbage Lasagne versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional low‑carb Cabbage Lasagne relies on ground beef, salsa or tomato sauce, cabbage leaves, cottage cheese, egg, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Substitutes include ground turkey for the meat, Greek yogurt for cottage cheese, and shredded provolone in place of mozzarella.
What other low‑carb American dishes pair well with Cabbage Lasagne?
Pairs nicely with a crisp Caesar salad made without croutons, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a buttery garlic cauliflower mash, all of which keep the meal low in carbohydrates while adding texture and flavor.
How does Cabbage Lasagne fit into the broader low‑carb American cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the low‑carb movement’s emphasis on substituting high‑carb staples (like pasta) with nutrient‑dense vegetables, allowing classic comfort flavors to remain while reducing carbohydrate intake.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cabbage Lasagne?
Common errors include under‑cooking the cabbage (resulting in a tough texture), not reducing the sauce enough (making the dish soggy), and layering too thickly, which prevents even baking. Follow the critical steps for proper texture.
Why does this Cabbage Lasagne recipe use salsa instead of plain tomato sauce?
Salsa adds depth from peppers, onions, and spices, giving the low‑carb lasagne a vibrant flavor without extra sugars. It also reduces the need for additional seasoning, streamlining the recipe.
Can I make Cabbage Lasagne ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the lasagne up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3‑4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
What does the YouTube channel Tracy Whitaker specialize in?
The YouTube channel Tracy Whitaker focuses on low‑carb, keto‑friendly, and health‑conscious home cooking, offering practical recipes that replace high‑carb ingredients with nutritious alternatives while keeping flavors bold.
How does the YouTube channel Tracy Whitaker's approach to low‑carb cooking differ from other health‑focused cooking channels?
Tracy Whitaker emphasizes simple, ingredient‑driven meals that use everyday grocery items, avoiding exotic or hard‑to‑find products. Her videos often include detailed cost breakdowns and practical tips for busy home cooks, setting her apart from more gourmet‑oriented low‑carb channels.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
