Diabetic-Friendly Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Diabetic-Friendly Stuffed Cabbage Rolls
Soft cabbage leaves wrapped around savory, juicy meat and baked in a rich, lightly sweetened tomato sauce — all without the carbs that usually come from rice and sugary sauce.
Perfect for anyone watching their carbs, including diabetics.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Rolls
- 1 large green cabbage
- 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef, turkey, or beef/pork mix
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (or ¼ cup for lower carbs)
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
- ½ cup cauliflower rice (instead of regular rice)
- Use raw cauliflower rice, not cooked — helps absorb juices.
For the Low-Carb Tomato Sauce
- 2 cups tomato passata (no added sugar)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
- ½–1 tsp sweetener (erythritol, monkfruit, or stevia blend)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian herbs (optional)
Important: Use tomato sauce with no added sugar — it’s available everywhere.
🥣 Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Cabbage
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- Add the whole cabbage and boil 8–10 minutes.
- As leaves soften, remove them one by one with tongs.
- Keep 10–12 large leaves.
2️⃣ Mix the Filling
In a bowl, combine:
- Beef
- Onion
- Egg
- Cauliflower rice
- Spices
Mix until combined — do not overmix or meat becomes dense.
3️⃣ Roll the Cabbage
- Place 2–3 tbsp of filling onto each leaf.
- Fold sides in.
- Roll tightly like a burrito.
- Place seam-side down in a baking dish.
4️⃣ Make the Diabetic Sauce
Whisk together:
- Tomato passata
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Sweetener
- Salt + pepper
Taste and adjust sweetness — just enough to balance acidity.
Pour evenly over cabbage rolls.
5️⃣ Bake
Cover baking dish with foil and bake:
350°F (175°C) — 1 hour 15 minutes
Until tender and juicy.
🍽️ How to Serve
Serve with:
- Steamed veggies
- Mashed cauliflower
- A dollop of Greek yogurt (instead of sour cream for lower fat)
📌 Nutrition Per Roll
(Based on 10 rolls, with cauliflower rice)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Fat | 7 g |
| Total Carbs | 3.5 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Net Carbs | 2 g |
Very blood-sugar friendly — low carb, moderate fat, and high protein.
