📍 Where this dish comes from: County Kerry · Killarney National Park
Discover the history of this region →
Discover the history of this region →
These Cabbage Rolls with Minced Meat are a low-carb, keto-friendly twist on a classic comfort food. Tender cabbage leaves are filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, herbs, and vegetables, then baked to perfection in a rich tomato sauce. This dish is hearty, flavorful, and brings a hint of Irish inspiration to your table, making it perfect for those on a keto diet.
What You’ll Need
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 280kcal
Ingredients
- For the Cabbage Rolls
- 1 large head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup cauliflower rice (optional)
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Tomato Sauce
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cabbage leaves: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Carefully remove 8-10 large cabbage leaves from the head and blanch them in the boiling water for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Drain and set aside.
- Make the meat filling: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, onion, garlic, cauliflower rice (if using), egg, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble the cabbage rolls: Place a spoonful of the meat mixture into the center of each cabbage leaf. Fold in the sides and roll up tightly, tucking in the ends.
- Prepare the tomato sauce: In a saucepan, combine the crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Bake the cabbage rolls: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread a small amount of the tomato sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish and pour the remaining sauce over them. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, until the meat is cooked through and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 280kcal | Protein: 20g | Fat: 18g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Health Benefits
- Cabbage stands in for pasta or bread as the wrapper here, keeping this a genuinely low-carb comfort food.
- Optional cauliflower rice in the filling adds bulk without adding starch.
Pairs Well With
- Irish Bacon and Cabbage Salad
- Keto Irish Pub Caesar Salad

