Cabbage Lasagna Keto Recipe: The Best Low-Carb Pasta Swap Ever

Looking to crush cravings while staying loyal to your keto lifestyle? This cabbage lasagna keto recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine all the cheesy, savory comfort of traditional lasagna—without the carbs. By swapping pasta sheets for tender cabbage leaves, you get a dish that’s not just low-carb, but loaded with fiber, nutrients, and flavor.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything from why cabbage works so well on keto, to a foolproof step-by-step recipe. Plus, we’ll cover tasty sauce variations, common mistakes to avoid, and even break down the nutritional stats. Whether you’re a seasoned keto pro or just dipping your toes into the low-carb world, this recipe’s for you.

Looking for inspiration? Try this roundup of vegetarian lunch recipes for more keto-friendly ideas.

Introduction to Cabbage Lasagna on Keto

Why Swap Pasta for Cabbage on Keto?

Traditional lasagna might be a classic comfort food, but it’s also a carbohydrate bomb. A single serving can pack over 35–40 grams of net carbs—more than most keto followers consume in a day. That’s where cabbage steps in.

Cabbage is not only naturally low in carbs (just 2–3g of net carbs per 100g), it’s also keto-approved, gluten-free, and rich in antioxidants. When lightly steamed or roasted, cabbage leaves turn pliable enough to layer like noodles while bringing a mild, slightly sweet flavor to your lasagna. Plus, they hold their structure surprisingly well during baking—no mushy mess here.

And the best part? You won’t miss the pasta. The texture, the way it soaks up sauce, and the satisfying forkfuls are all there. This isn’t just a substitute—it’s an upgrade.

How the Keto Diet Works with Low-Carb Ingredients

The ketogenic diet flips your body into a fat-burning state called ketosis, which thrives on high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carb intake. Pasta, bread, rice, and most grains are off the menu. That’s why recipes like this cabbage lasagna keto recipe are lifesavers—they satisfy your comfort food cravings without kicking you out of ketosis.

By using ingredients like cabbage, almond flour, full-fat cheese, and sugar-free sauces, you can recreate just about any dish the keto way. Low-carb lasagna is a shining example of how creativity in the kitchen meets dietary discipline.

What Makes This Cabbage Lasagna Keto-Friendly

Nutritional Profile of Cabbage vs Traditional Lasagna Pasta

At the heart of a keto recipe is its carbohydrate content, and that’s where cabbage shines. Let’s break it down:

As you can see, cabbage contains less than 1/10th the net carbs of traditional pasta, making it an ideal low-carb alternative. Not only that, but it’s packed with fiber, helping you feel full and support digestive health. It also delivers essential nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and potassium, making it a powerhouse for any keto cabbage lasagna recipe.

Benefits of Using Cabbage in Keto Recipes

Cabbage isn’t just low in carbs—it’s incredibly versatile and budget-friendly, two things every keto cook can appreciate. When steamed, the leaves become soft and flexible, but not soggy, providing a perfect pasta stand-in.

Here are a few additional reasons why cabbage is perfect for keto:

• Rich in Fiber: Supports gut health and fullness
• Hydrating: High water content keeps dishes juicy
• Mild Flavor: Absorbs the taste of sauces and cheese without overpowering
• Affordable: Cheaper than keto specialty flours or pre-made substitutes
• Available Year-Round: Easy to find at any grocery store

So next time you’re craving layers of cheesy goodness, reach for cabbage and feel great about sticking to your keto goals.

Don’t miss our 30-minute low-cholesterol meals for more smart and healthy cooking ideas.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Cabbage Lasagna Keto Recipe

Keto-Friendly Cabbage Lasagna Base Ingredients

Before you begin assembling your delicious keto-friendly layers, let’s talk ingredients. The beauty of a cabbage lasagna keto recipe is its flexibility. You can stick to basics or add gourmet twists—it’s up to you. Here’s a reliable ingredient list to get started:

Essential Ingredients:

• 1 medium green cabbage (separated into whole leaves)
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey (85% lean for best flavor)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat, no added sugar)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or full-fat)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 egg (binds the cheese filling)
• 2 cups keto marinara sauce (sugar-free)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Looking for a great base protein for your next meal? Check out this high-protein tuna pasta salad that’s just as satisfying.

These ingredients form the core of your keto cabbage lasagna. For sauces and cheese, always read labels and avoid hidden sugars.

Low-Carb Substitutes for Cheese, Sauce, and Meat

Sticking to your macros? Want to make it dairy-free or just mix things up? These keto-friendly swaps will do the trick:

Cheese Alternatives:

• Cottage cheese instead of ricotta (lower fat, still creamy)
• Dairy-free cheese shreds (look for almond or coconut-based with zero sugar)

Sauce Variations:

• Keto alfredo sauce (cream + parmesan + garlic)
• Pesto sauce (low-carb and full of healthy fats)

Protein Swaps:

• Ground chicken or pork
• Mushroom or tofu crumbles (for a vegetarian version)
• Lentils (in moderation) – may suit low-carb but not strict keto

Add-Ins:

• Spinach or kale layers
• Zucchini slices for texture
• Crushed red pepper for heat

Don’t miss our list of power bowl vegan recipes for other low-carb flavor-packed ideas.

A little planning and smart substitution go a long way in keeping your cabbage lasagna deliciously keto.

Step-by-Step Cabbage Lasagna Keto Recipe

Preparing the Cabbage “Noodles”

Your first job? Turn that cabbage into the perfect low-carb pasta sheet. Here’s how to prep it for layering without falling apart:

1: Core and Steam the Cabbage

• Remove the outer leaves and cut around the stem to loosen the core.
• Place the whole head in boiling water for 5–7 minutes, or steam it in a large pot with 1 inch of water until the leaves soften.
• Carefully peel off the leaves one by one using tongs. You’ll need about 10–14 large leaves.
• Pat the leaves dry to avoid excess moisture in your lasagna.

Pro Tip: Trim the thick part of the rib with a knife or rolling pin so the cabbage layers lay flat.

Layering and Baking Instructions

This is where the magic happens. Let’s build your cabbage lasagna keto masterpiece.

2: Brown the Meat

• Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
• Add ground beef or turkey, cook until browned.
• Season with garlic powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
• Drain excess fat, then stir in 1½ cups of keto marinara sauce.

3: Mix the Cheese Filling

• In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, egg, and a pinch of salt.
• Mix until creamy and smooth.

4: Assemble the Lasagna

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
• In a 9×13” baking dish, start with a spoonful of marinara sauce
• Layer 3–4 cabbage leaves
• Spread half the ricotta mixture
• Add half the meat sauce
• Sprinkle a handful of mozzarella
• Repeat layers once more
• Top with final cabbage leaves, marinara, and the remaining mozzarella + Parmesan

5: Bake It to Perfection

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes
• Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top
• Let rest 10 minutes before slicing—this helps it set and stay together

Discover great ideas like this pink salt diet recipe to round out your keto meal.

Serving Tip: Slice with a serrated knife and use a flat spatula to lift each portion cleanly. Serve hot with a side salad or roasted zucchini.

Sauce Options for Keto Cabbage Lasagna

Keto White Sauce vs. Keto Marinara: What to Choose

A good sauce can make or break your cabbage lasagna keto recipe. You have two standout options—and both can be made keto-friendly.

1. Keto Marinara Sauce (Classic Red)

This is your go-to for traditional lasagna vibes. It’s tomato-based but low in sugar and carbs.

What to Look For:

• No added sugars
• 100% tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• Herbs like basil, oregano, garlic
• Less than 4g net carbs per ½ cup

You can also make your own:

• Sauté garlic in olive oil
• Add crushed tomatoes + Italian seasoning
• Simmer for 15–20 minutes

2. Keto White Sauce (Creamy Alfredo Style)

Perfect for a cheesy, richer twist. This pairs especially well if you’re using chicken or spinach layers.

Easy Keto White Sauce Recipe:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste

Heat all in a saucepan until thick and creamy. That’s it.
Swap it in for half (or all) of your marinara layers for a decadent variation.

Don’t miss our banana protein pancakes for a keto breakfast that pairs well the next day!

Homemade Low-Carb Sauce Recipes You Can Try

Creamy Pesto Sauce (Great for Layering)

• ¼ cup olive oil
• ½ cup fresh basil
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Blend until smooth. Use between cabbage layers or swirl into marinara for bold flavor.

Spicy Tomato Kick

• Add red pepper flakes to your keto marinara
• Stir in 1 tsp apple cider vinegar and a pinch of smoked paprika
• Balance heat with a touch of monk fruit sweetener

TIP: Always let your sauce cool slightly before layering to avoid watery lasagna.

These sauce options help you customize your cabbage lasagna keto recipe based on your taste, mood, or macros.

Tips, Tricks & Variations to Make it Even Better

Making It Vegetarian, Dairy-Free or Carnivore-Friendly

Your cabbage lasagna keto recipe doesn’t have to look one way. With just a few tweaks, you can tailor it to fit your dietary style without sacrificing flavor.

Vegetarian Keto Version

• Skip the meat: Use sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant as filling
• Add protein: Add cottage cheese, tofu crumbles, or eggs
• Boost flavor: Use sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or feta

Dairy-Free Keto Lasagna

• Use nut-based cheese (like almond or cashew-based mozzarella)
• Swap ricotta for a blended tofu mix seasoned with lemon juice, salt, and garlic
• Make a coconut cream white sauce instead of dairy-based alfredo

Carnivore-Friendly Version

• Skip the cabbage if needed—yes, seriously! Use sliced chicken or beef as layers
• Go heavy on the meats: ground beef, sausage, chicken, bacon
• Ditch sauces and focus on melted cheese between meat layers

No matter the variation, you can always stick to your macros while getting a flavor-packed lasagna experience.

Meal Prep and Freezing Instructions for Busy Weeks

Meal Prep

This recipe is a meal prep hero. Here’s how to make your week easier:

• Build & Chill: Assemble lasagna fully and refrigerate uncooked for up to 3 days
• Bake & Store: After baking, cool completely and cut into portions
• Keep It Fresh: Store individual servings in airtight containers

Freezing Tips

Cabbage lasagna freezes better than you think.

• Before Baking: Wrap your unbaked dish tightly in foil, then plastic wrap. Freeze up to 3 months.
• After Baking: Let cool, portion, and freeze slices in airtight freezer bags
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat at 350°F for 15–20 minutes or microwave until hot

Learn more about prepping smart, freezer-friendly meals in our guide to cheap meal prep ideas for the week.

This recipe is perfect for planning ahead while keeping your carb count in check.

Nutritional Breakdown & Carb Count

How Many Carbs Are in Cabbage Lasagna?

One of the most common questions about this dish is: “How many carbs are in cabbage lasagna?” Let’s break it down.

A typical serving of traditional lasagna contains 35–40 grams of net carbs, mostly from pasta. But in this cabbage lasagna keto recipe, swapping noodles for cabbage slashes the carb content drastically.

Here’s a rough breakdown for one serving (1/6 of a 9×13 pan):

So yes—cabbage lasagna is totally keto with only ~8g net carbs per serving, well within most keto daily limits. And it’s loaded with protein and healthy fats to keep you full and energized.

Calories, Protein, and Fiber Comparison with Classic Lasagna

Let’s see how cabbage lasagna stacks up against traditional versions.

Discover even more protein-packed comfort foods in our ground beef crock pot recipes.

Cabbage lasagna doesn’t just cut carbs—it boosts nutrition, flavor, and fullness. It’s a win-win.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Keto Cabbage Lasagna

Overcooking the Cabbage Noodles

One of the biggest pitfalls in a cabbage lasagna keto recipe is turning those tender leaves into soggy mush.

Avoid this by:

• Steaming or boiling for no more than 5–7 minutes
• Letting them cool before peeling off
• Patting the leaves completely dry before layering

If the cabbage is too soft when you start, it won’t hold up during baking. Slightly undercooked is better—because the oven will finish the job.

Sauce Separation and Soggy Layers Fixes

Too much moisture = watery lasagna. This is a common issue with cabbage, sauces, or even ricotta cheese.

Here’s how to fix it:

• Drain all cooked meat well before mixing it with sauce
• Use thicker sauces—avoid watery marinara or cream sauces
• Don’t skip the resting time after baking (10–15 minutes). This allows the layers to set and the moisture to redistribute

Also, be cautious with vegetable add-ins like mushrooms or zucchini. These hold a lot of water and can make the lasagna pool at the bottom.

Other Mistakes to Watch For

• Using too much sauce: It overwhelms the delicate cabbage and ruins the texture
• Skipping the egg in cheese mix: This helps your layers stick together
• No pre-cooking for cabbage: Raw cabbage won’t bend—it’ll break or stay too firm
• Cutting too early: Always let it cool before slicing

By avoiding these common errors, you’ll get a cabbage lasagna keto dish that’s flavorful, firm, and beautifully layered every time.

Looking for inspiration? Try this simple air fryer Amylu meatball recipe for a tasty side or protein option.

Real User Reviews, Feedback, and Adjustments

Testimonials from Keto Home Cooks

Real keto enthusiasts have tried and tested this cabbage lasagna keto recipe, and the feedback is overwhelmingly positive:

“I didn’t miss the noodles at all! The cabbage holds up so well and actually gives it a slight crunch. Even my husband, who isn’t keto, went back for seconds.” – Lana M.

“This is now in my weekly rotation. I batch-freeze it for lunches, and it reheats perfectly.” – Kevin S.

“I swapped the ground beef for turkey and used a creamy alfredo sauce—total game-changer!” – Sophie G.

Best Pairings and Side Dishes from Reader Tips

Here’s what readers are pairing with their cabbage lasagna to keep it keto and delicious:

• Garlic roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Avocado side salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Cauliflower mash with melted butter
• Cucumber tomato salad with feta and olive oil
• Zoodles tossed in olive oil and parmesan

If you’re meal prepping, some recommend doubling the recipe and freezing half—you won’t regret it later in the week.

Check out this halal chicken wrap with garlic sauce as a flavor-packed companion meal.

Now that you’ve got the process, the tips, and even some variations, let’s wrap things up with some clarity on common questions.

FAQ Section: Frequently Asked Questions

How many carbs are in cabbage lasagna?

A single serving of keto cabbage lasagna contains about 6–9g net carbs, depending on the ingredients used. It’s significantly lower than traditional lasagna, making it perfect for low-carb and keto diets.

Is cabbage allowed on keto diet?

Yes! Cabbage is a keto-friendly vegetable rich in fiber, vitamins, and very low in carbs—only 2–3g net carbs per 100g.

Can you put cabbage in lasagna with white sauce?

Absolutely. Cabbage works great with keto white sauces, like cream-based Alfredo or cheese sauces. It soaks up flavor while maintaining structure.

How many carbs are in keto lasagna?

That depends on the recipe, but most keto lasagnas range between 5–10g net carbs per serving, especially when using low-carb sauces and vegetables like cabbage or zucchini.

Conclusion: Why This Cabbage Lasagna Keto Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Meal Plan

If you’re living the low-carb life or simply want a lighter, healthier version of a classic favorite, this cabbage lasagna keto recipe is an absolute winner. With just a few whole-food ingredients, you can recreate all the richness, comfort, and layered goodness of traditional lasagna—without the carb crash.

From its nutrient-packed cabbage layers to customizable fillings and sauces, this recipe is proof that keto cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor. It’s flexible, meal-prep friendly, freezer-approved, and a total crowd-pleaser—even for carb lovers.

Ready to give your lasagna night a low-carb makeover? Roll up your sleeves and get cooking—you won’t miss the pasta, and your macros will thank you.

Don’t miss our guide to natural Mounjaro-inspired recipes for weight loss if you’re doubling down on healthy choices.

Cabbage Lasagna Keto Recipe: The Best Low-Carb Comfort Food Ever

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• Author: Asmaa Nour
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This cabbage lasagna keto recipe is a low-carb twist on the classic Italian favorite—made with cabbage leaves, cheesy layers, and rich keto marinara. It’s the perfect comfort food for your ketogenic meal plan.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium green cabbage (whole leaves separated)

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey (85% lean)

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (full-fat)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese

• 1 large egg

• 2 cups keto marinara sauce (no added sugar)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

• Steam cabbage leaves for 5–7 minutes until pliable. Pat dry and set aside.

• Brown ground beef in olive oil with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add marinara sauce and simmer for 10 minutes.

• Mix ricotta cheese, egg, and parmesan in a bowl.

• In a 9×13” baking dish, layer: marinara, cabbage, ricotta mix, meat sauce, and mozzarella. Repeat layers twice.

• Top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan.

• Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes more.

 

• Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.

• You can freeze assembled lasagna (unbaked) for up to 3 months.

• Make it vegetarian by swapping meat for mushrooms or spinach.

• Letting the lasagna rest before slicing helps it set cleanly.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Keto / Low-Carb Italian-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
• Calories: 431 kcal
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 98mg