High-Protein Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 1 hour
• Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

• The Wrap: 1 large head of green cabbage (leaves separated and softened)
• The Protein Filling:
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (or a lean ground beef and turkey mix)
  • 1 large egg (acts as a binder to keep the filling moist and secure)
  • 2 cups riced cauliflower (keeps it low-carb while adding volume and fiber)
  • ¼ cup white onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp garlic, minced
• The Sauce & Seasoning:
  • 2 cups unseasoned marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes (divided)
  • ½ tbsp olive or avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Cabbage: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully core the cabbage head and submerge it for about 3–5 minutes until the outer leaves are pliable. Remove 12 large leaves and slice a small “V” at the base of each to remove the tough center ridge.
2. Make the Filling: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and garlic until translucent. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground beef, cauliflower rice, sautéed aromatics, whisked egg, parsley, Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and about ½ cup of the marinara sauce. Mix thoroughly.
3. Assemble the Rolls: Pour ¾ cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a large baking or casserole dish. Lay out a cabbage leaf, place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the meat mixture near the bottom, fold in the sides, and roll it up tightly like a burrito. Repeat for the remaining leaves and place them snugly in the baking dish.
4. Top and Bake: Pour the remaining marinara sauce evenly over the top of the rolled cabbage. Cover the dish tightly with foil or a lid to trap the steam. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until the meat filling is fully cooked through.
5. Rest and Serve: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the rolls set firmly.

Here are the approximate nutrition facts for one serving of the high-protein stuffed cabbage rolls (calculated based on 6 servings per recipe using lean beef and cauliflower rice):

• Calories: ~310 kcal
• Protein: ~28g
• Total Fat: ~14g
  • Saturated Fat: ~5g
• Total Carbohydrates: ~14g
  • Dietary Fiber: ~4g
  • Sugars: ~6g
• Sodium: ~420mg