If youโre craving a comforting Italian classic but want something a little lighter and endlessly simple, The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna will be your new favorite go-to. Imagine all the hearty flavors of traditional lasagna layered with tender cabbage leaves in place of pasta, bringing a fresher bite and a wink of nutrition to your weeknight table. You wonโt miss the noodles for a second. This recipe saves time, effort, and dishes, yet never skimps on the cheesy, saucy goodness that makes lasagna so irresistible. Whether youโre after a family-friendly dinner or meal-prep marvel, this dish shines with its clever shortcut and wholesome twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna keeps things gloriously simple, spotlighting just a handful of unfussy, flavorful ingredients you likely already have on hand. Each one earns its spotโworking together to build luscious layers of richness, zest, and irresistible meltiness.
- Green cabbage: Swapping in for lasagna noodles, cabbage leaves get perfectly supple and sweet as they bake, holding everything together while adding a delicious, lighter touch.
- Ground beef or turkey: Pick your favorite protein! Either one makes the filling hearty and satisfying, with ground turkey making a leaner option.
- Marinara sauce: Jarred or homemade, this brings all that classic tomato richness and a pop of herby flavor to every bite.
- Ricotta cheese: Creamy and decadent, it melts among the layers, offering that signature lasagna silkiness.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into those glorious cheesy strands on top and between the layersโfor the ultimate gooey finish.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty depth and creates a golden-bubbly top thatโs totally tempting.
- Egg: Mixed into the ricotta, it helps everything set so you can slice neat servings once baked.
- Garlic and onion: Sautรฉed with the meat to deliver that aromatic, Italian flavor foundation you canโt skip.
- Italian seasoning: A sprinkle of herbs infuses the whole dish with extra warmth and complexity.
- Salt and pepper: These kitchen classics tie everything together, making the flavors pop perfectly.
How to Make The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna
Step 1: Prep the Cabbage Leaves
Begin by gently removing the leaves from a head of green cabbage and trimming any tough stems. Blanch them in boiling water for just a few minutes until theyโre flexible and bright greenโthis simple step ensures they roll and layer beautifully, hugging all that saucy filling together.
Step 2: Sautรฉ the Meat and Aromatics
Heat a drizzle of oil in a large skillet. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sautรฉ until softened and fragrant. Next, crumble in ground beef or turkey, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Brown everything together so the savory flavors really meld. When cooked through, stir in about half of your marinara sauce and simmer for a few minutes to infuse the meat.
Step 3: Mix the Cheesy Filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta, the egg, and a handful of Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamyโthis will transform into that wonderfully rich, cheesy layer nestled between the meat and cabbage.
Step 4: Assemble the Layers
Spoon a little marinara sauce over the bottom of your baking dish to prevent sticking, then start layering: a bed of cabbage leaves, a portion of the meat sauce, dollops of the ricotta mixture, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat the layersโjust like a traditional lasagnaโfinishing with a final flourish of mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Step 5: Bake to Bubbly Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake at 375ยฐF (190ยฐC) for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Let The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna rest for at least 10โ15 minutes before slicing, giving it just enough time to set up for perfect portions.
How to Serve The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil, parsley, or even extra grated Parmesan right before serving gives The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna a vibrant finish. Donโt underestimate that fresh pop of herbsโjust a pinch transforms each bite and makes the dish totally dinner party worthy.
Side Dishes
This lasagna pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some simply roasted vegetables. If youโre craving full Italian comfort, serve it alongside a slice of toasted garlic bread to soak up any extra sauceโbecause everyone always wants more of that.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress or change up the classic casserole style, cut the lasagna into squares and stack them on individual plates with a swipe of sauce or a drizzle of basil pesto. Or, try baking single-serving portions in ramekins for a โpersonal panโ dinnerโfun for guests and easy for kids!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna makes perfect leftovers. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with foil or move the slices to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days, letting the flavors meld together for even better next-day enjoyment.
Freezing
This recipe is fantastic for freezing! Wrap portions or the whole lasagna securely in plastic wrap and foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, so everything stays moist and delicious.
Reheating
To reheat, place slices on a baking sheet or in a covered dish. Warm in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven for 20โ25 minutes until hot throughout and the cheese is melty again. For a quick single serving, the microwave works just fineโsimply cover and heat at medium power to avoid drying out those tender cabbage leaves.
FAQs
Can I make The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the meat for sautรฉed mushrooms, spinach, lentils, or a medley of your favorite veggies. Just make sure to add extra herbs and a dash of salt to keep all the flavors robust and satisfying.
Do I need to cook the cabbage ahead of time?
Blanching the cabbage for a few minutes is key. It softens the leaves, making them pliable enough to layer without breaking, and ensures that The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna bakes up fork-tenderโnot crunchy.
What type of marinara sauce works best?
Any quality jarred marinara or your homemade tomato sauce works beautifully here. If you want a little extra zing, choose a sauce with garlic or herbs already blended inโor add your own pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick.
Can I assemble The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna in advance?
Yes, and itโs a total timesaver! You can build the lasagna a day ahead, store it covered in the fridge, and simply bake when ready. This trick also helps the flavors deepen, making each bite even more delicious.
Whatโs the best cheese combination?
The classic trio of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan is unbeatable for stretch, creaminess, and flavor. If youโre feeling adventurous, try mixing in a smoky provolone or adding a little extra sharp cheddar for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
Once you give The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna a try, youโll wonder why you ever made it the old way. Itโs cozy, clever, and guaranteed to win over lasagna lovers and veggie skeptics alike. Donโt waitโgather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and let this ultra-satisfying comfort food take center stage at your next dinner. Enjoy every melty, saucy forkful!
Print
The Easiest Cabbage Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This cabbage lasagna is a delicious and easy twist on the classic Italian dish. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients
Cabbage Layer:
- 1 head of cabbage, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Meat Sauce:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Cabbage Layer: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced cabbage, season with salt and pepper, and cook until softened, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Meat Sauce: In the same skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Assemble: In a baking dish, layer half of the cabbage, followed by half of the meat sauce, and half of the cheese mixture. Repeat the layers. Top with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef for a lighter option.
- Feel free to add your favorite herbs and spices to customize the flavors.
- This lasagna can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
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