The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna Recipe

If you’re craving all the bold, comforting flavors of classic lasagna without the carbs — or the fuss of boiling noodles — The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna is truly about to become your weeknight hero. Imagine tender cabbage leaves standing in for pasta, cozied up with a rich, savory meat sauce, creamy ricotta, and gooey, melty mozzarella. Each layer holds all the nostalgia of Grandma’s lasagna but puts a fun, wholesome spin on the traditional dish you know and love.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you need for The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna is probably already in your kitchen and every ingredient really makes a difference! Simple swaps like cabbage instead of pasta create something uniquely delicious, while classic cheeses and spices tie the whole dish together.

• Green cabbage: Use whole leaves for your “noodle” layers; look for a medium head with crisp, springy leaves.
• Ground beef or turkey: Go for lean meat for a lighter lasagna, but beef adds classic flavor punch.
• Onion: Finely chopped for a sweet, aromatic foundation in your sauce.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings a savory depth you just can’t get from powder.
• Crushed tomatoes (canned): The base for your sauce — opt for fire-roasted if you like a hint of smokiness.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of basil, oregano, and thyme brightens up the sauce.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds ultra-creamy richness to the layers; full-fat tastes best.
• Egg: Helps bind the ricotta layer and gives structure.
• Mozzarella cheese (shredded): The melty magic that finishes your lasagna.
• Parmesan cheese: Don’t skip it — grated Parmesan brings sharp, salty flavor to the top.
• Salt & pepper: Season everything to taste because every layer matters!
• Fresh basil (optional): For that final pop of herbaceous color and freshness.

How to Make The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna

Step 1: Prep the Cabbage

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Peel whole leaves off your cabbage, trimming the stem if needed for flexibility. Blanch the cabbage leaves for 2–3 minutes to soften, then lay them on a towel to dry. This step gives you pliable “noodle” layers that are sturdy enough to hold everything together, but still tender after baking.

Step 2: Cook the Savory Meat Sauce

While the cabbage cools, heat a drizzle of oil in a skillet and sauté your chopped onion until golden, then stir in garlic. Add the ground beef or turkey, browning and breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10–12 minutes so all those savory flavors meld. If you’re in a hurry, even a quick simmer will taste great, but a little patience here goes a long way!

Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling

Grab a bowl and combine ricotta, a beaten egg, a big handful of mozzarella, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This rich, creamy mixture tucks between the layers and brings everything together — it’s the secret to that lasagna “hug” in every bite.

Step 4: Layer the Lasagna

Start with a generous spoonful of sauce on the bottom of your baking dish to keep things from sticking. Add a single layer of cabbage leaves, spread over some of the ricotta mixture, more sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat, building glorious layers, until all your components are used up, finishing with sauce and a generous shower of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Step 5: Bake to Golden, Bubbly Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is irresistibly golden-brown and bubbly. Let the The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes; this makes it much easier to slice and serve.

How to Serve The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna

Garnishes

Fresh basil ribbons, a scattering of extra Parmesan, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add color and punch. For classic Italian flair, a drizzle of good olive oil just before serving is magic!

Side Dishes

The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna is hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables turn dinner into a real feast. If you miss the bread, garlic knots or focaccia on the side are always welcome.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties or meal prep, cut The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna into neat squares and serve stacked with a little basil on top. You can even layer it in individual ramekins for adorable personal portions — a guaranteed crowd pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to four days. The flavors get even better as they rest, making for delicious lunches or next-day dinners!

Freezing

The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap cooled squares in plastic wrap and foil, or freeze the whole pan, tightly covered. It will keep for up to three months with flavors still spot-on when you reheat.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat slices in a 350°F oven until heated through and bubbly. Quick lunches can go straight into the microwave, but a little time in the oven brings back that fresh-from-the-oven vibe.

FAQs

Can I make The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the ground meat for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite vegetarian crumble, and keep everything else the same for tons of flavor and great texture.

Does the cabbage taste strong in this recipe?

Once blanched and layered with sauce and cheese, the cabbage becomes mild, sweet, and tender. Even folks who aren’t big cabbage fans are surprised by how subtle and comforting it is in this dish.

What’s the best way to keep cabbage layers from falling apart?

Blanching the leaves just until pliable makes them easy to layer. Also, don’t worry if they tear a bit — overlapping leaves in each layer helps hold everything together once baked.

Can The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna be made ahead?

Yes! You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking. It’s perfect for meal prep or entertaining since all you have to do is pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Is this recipe low-carb and gluten-free?

It sure is. Swapping out lasagna noodles for cabbage means this dish is naturally low in carbs and gluten-free, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dig into The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna! Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, it’s warm, cheesy comfort you can feel good about — no pasta required. Give it a try, share a slice, and watch it become a repeat favorite at your dinner table.

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