Description
High Protein Cabbage Lasagna is a hearty, low-carb baked dish made with tender cabbage leaves layered with savory ground beef tomato sauce, creamy ricotta filling, and melted mozzarella cheese. It delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna in a lighter, protein-rich form.
Ingredients
- 1 large green cabbage, cored and halved
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 3 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cottage cheese, blended
- 1 large egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil cabbage halves in salted water for 10–15 minutes until leaves soften, then drain and pat dry.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté onion for 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, and spices. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Mix ricotta, blended cottage cheese, and egg in a bowl until smooth.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread meat sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.
- Layer cabbage, cheese mixture, and meat sauce repeatedly.
- Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake 40–45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest 10–15 minutes before slicing and garnish with basil if desired.
Notes
- Dry cabbage well to prevent excess moisture.
- Letting it rest helps layers set for clean slices.
- Ground turkey can replace beef for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Broil briefly for a golden cheese topping.
- Flavors improve after resting or reheating.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 421
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
