Hearty Cabbage & Sausage Bake (Low-Carb & High Protein)
This Hearty Cabbage & Sausage Bake is a delicious and satisfying one-pan meal, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner! Tender cabbage “steaks” are topped with seasoned sausage patties and a savory, herbed yogurt sauce, then baked until golden and bubbly. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, low-carb meal with minimal cleanup.
Yields: 4 servings Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 medium head of cabbage, sliced into 4-6 (1-inch thick) “steaks”
- 2 pounds ground sausage (or ground meat of choice, like pork, beef, or turkey)
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon Herbs de Provence
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (about 2 cloves)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 7 ounces (about ¾ cup) plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended; see note for strict keto)
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 teaspoons fresh green onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Equipment:
- Large baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium mixing bowl (for sauce)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prep Cabbage: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cabbage steaks in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle the cabbage with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Prepare Sausage Patties: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground sausage (or meat of choice). Add the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, paprika, nutmeg, Herbs de Provence, minced garlic, and diced onion. Using your hands, mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Form & Place Patties: Divide the seasoned meat mixture into 4-6 equal portions (matching the number of cabbage steaks). Form each portion into a large, flat patty, similar in size to your cabbage steaks. Carefully place one meat patty on top of each seasoned cabbage steak on the baking sheet.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate medium mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, fresh dill, fresh green onion, and tomato paste. Mix well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are incorporated.
- Top & Bake: Spoon an equal amount of the prepared yogurt sauce over the top of each sausage patty, spreading it gently to cover.
- Bake for 45 minutes, or until the sausage is cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F / 71°C for pork/beef, 165°F / 74°C for turkey), the sauce is bubbly, and the cabbage is tender.
- Serve & Enjoy! Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification
This Cabbage & Sausage Bake is a delicious, flavorful, and generally healthy option!
- High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Ground sausage/meat and Greek yogurt are excellent protein sources, making this a very satisfying and filling meal.
- Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is low-carb. Cabbage, ground meat, and most seasonings are naturally low in carbohydrates. The amount of carbs from the onion, garlic, and tomato paste is minimal when spread across servings.
- Keto: This recipe is keto-friendly with a minor adjustment for strict adherence:
- Ground Sausage/Meat, Cabbage, Spices, Garlic, Onion, Dill, Green Onion: All are keto-compliant. Always check ground sausage labels for hidden sugars or fillers.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: While low in fat, Greek yogurt contains lactose (milk sugar), contributing some carbohydrates. For those on a strict ketogenic diet, consider substituting the Greek yogurt with full-fat sour cream or a combination of full-fat sour cream and a touch of cream cheese to lower the carb count.
- Tomato Paste: This is generally low-carb in small amounts, but always check the label for any added sugars.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
