Low-Carb Cabbage Lasagna Recipe with Ground Turkey (High Protein)
By: Toya. L
This low-carb cabbage lasagna recipe with ground turkey is a comforting, cheesy dinner made without pasta. Layers of tender cabbage leaves, flavorful turkey, a delectable cream cheese sauce, and rich tomato sauce come together for an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy
Watching carbs doesn’t mean giving up comfort food, and this cabbage lasagna is proof. Like so many of us, I grew up loving traditional lasagna, but once I started paying attention to carbs, that classic noodle heavy version became something I could only enjoy occasionally. I missed the layers, the cheesiness, and that cozy, baked-dinner feeling.
Then I tried cabbage lasagna… and honestly? I get the hype. I can understand why it went viral.
The tender cabbage layers soak up all the flavor from the seasoned ground turkey, tomato sauce, shredded cheese, and I just had to add my favorite cream cheese sauce to this, giving you everything you love about lasagna without the heaviness. It’s lighter, more satisfying, and you don’t get that post meal sluggish feeling. The cabbage adds a subtle sweetness that actually makes the dish taste richer and more balanced than pasta.
This recipe quickly earned its viral status for a reason. It’s simple, affordable, low-carb, and unbelievably comforting. Whether you’re watching carbs, eating low-carb, or just looking for a healthier twist on a classic favorite, this cabbage lasagna delivers big flavor without sacrifice.
Sometimes the healthier version really is better ,and this one proves it.
❤️What’s to love about Low-Carb Cabbage Lasagna Recipe❤️
- Low-carb & keto-friendly – All the comfort of classic lasagna without pasta or excess carbs.
- Tastes better than the original – Tender cabbage absorbs the sauce and seasoning beautifully, making every bite rich and flavorful.
- High in protein – Made with ground turkey and cheese to keep you full and satisfied.
- Light but comforting – You get that cozy, baked-dinner feeling without the heaviness.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients, easy layers, and no complicated steps.
- Budget-friendly – Cabbage is affordable and stretches the meal further.
- Meal-prep friendly – Stores and reheats well, making it perfect for leftovers.
- Viral-worthy – There’s a reason this recipe keeps popping up, it actually delivers.
- The whole family will love it – Even picky eaters won’t miss the pasta.
Low-Carb Cabbage Lasagna Recipe with Ground Turkey Recipe Ingredients:
Low-Carb Cabbage Lasagna Recipe with Ground Turkey Instructions:
- Prepare the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage in half, then cut each half into two sections so you have 4 large wedges.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage and boil for about 3 minutes, just until tender and flexible.
- Remove the cabbage from the water and drain well. Set aside.
- Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and jalapeños and sauté until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and stir-fry for another minute.
- Add the ground turkey, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is fully browned. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat.
- Make the cream cheese sauce: In a saucepan, add butter and cream cheese and heat gently until melted. Add the milk, salt, black pepper, and oregano, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spoon a small amount of meat sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Layer the cabbage leaves over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Top with meat sauce, add small dollops of cottage cheese mix into the meat, and drizzle with cream cheese sauce.
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Low-Carb Cabbage Lasagna Recipe with Ground Turkey (High protein)
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Silicone spoon
Ingredients
- 1 large Head of cabbage
Meat Sauce
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/2 cup Chopped onion
- 1 Jalapeno minced
- 1 tbsp Garlic minced
- 1/4 cup Bell pepper
- 1 lb Ground Turkey
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2 cups Tomato sauce
Cream cheese sauce
- 2 tbsp Butter
- 8 oz Cream cheese
- 1 cup Milk
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Oregano
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1/4 cup Cottage Cheese
- 2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Cabbage: Cut the cabbage in half, then cut each half into two sections so you have 4 large wedges.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cabbage and boil for about 3 minutes, just until tender and flexible.
- Remove the cabbage from the water and drain well. Set aside.
Meat Sauce
- Prepare the meat sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, and jalapeños and sauté until fragrant. Add the bell pepper and stir-fry for another minute.
- Add the ground turkey, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook until the turkey is fully browned. Stir in the tomato sauce and simmer for a few minutes. Remove from heat.
Cream cheese sauce
- Make the cream cheese sauce: In a saucepan, add butter and cream cheese and heat gently until melted. Add the milk, salt, black pepper, and oregano, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Lasagna assembly
- Assemble the lasagna: Spoon a small amount of meat sauce into the bottom of a baking dish. Layer the cabbage leaves over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Top with meat sauce, add small dollops of cottage cheese mix into the meat, and drizzle with cream cheese sauce
- Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 45–55 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
- Let cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Tips for Low-Carb Cabbage Lasagna Recipe with Ground Turkey:
- Pre-cook the cabbage slightly – Roasting or blanching the cabbage until just tender helps prevent excess moisture and keeps the layers from getting watery.
- Drain the turkey well – After cooking the ground turkey, drain off any excess liquid to keep the lasagna rich and not soupy.
- Season every layer – Lightly seasoning the cabbage, turkey, and cheese layers builds flavor throughout the dish.
- Use a thick sauce – A thicker tomato sauce helps the lasagna hold its shape and enhances the overall texture.
- Let it rest before slicing – Allow the lasagna to rest 10–15 minutes after baking so the layers set nicely.
Flavor Variations:
- Italian Classic – Use Italian seasoning, garlic, and basil with mozzarella and parmesan for a traditional lasagna flavor.
- Cheesy Alfredo Style – Swap the tomato sauce for a low-carb Alfredo or cream sauce for a rich, white-sauce version.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the ground turkey for a little heat.
- Beef or Sausage Swap – Replace ground turkey with ground beef or Italian sausage for a bolder, heartier flavor.
- Veggie-Loaded – Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini between layers for extra nutrients.
- Mexican-Inspired – Season the meat with taco seasoning and layer with pepper jack cheese for a fun twist.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions:
- Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Let the lasagna cool completely, then wrap tightly or place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Cover loosely to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make cabbage lasagna ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
- Do I need to cook the cabbage before layering? Yes. Lightly roasting or blanching the cabbage helps soften it and removes excess moisture so the lasagna doesn’t turn watery.
- Can I use a different protein besides ground turkey? Absolutely. Ground beef, chicken, or Italian sausage all work well in this recipe.
- Is this cabbage lasagna keto-friendly? Yes, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly when made with low-carb sauce and full-fat cheese.
- How do I keep cabbage lasagna from being watery? Precook the cabbage, drain the meat well, and let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.
- Can I freeze cabbage lasagna? Yes, this lasagna freezes well. Let it cool completely before freezing for best texture and flavor.
Leave a Reply