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Are you craving a comforting, hearty meal that fits into your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further than this keto goulash with cabbage! This recipe is a delicious and satisfying twist on traditional goulash, replacing noodles with cabbage for a keto-friendly alternative.
What is Goulash?
Traditionally, goulash is a Hungarian stew made with meat, vegetables, and lots of paprika. The Americanized version often includes noodles and chunks of tomatoes.
Why Cabbage in Keto Goulash?
This recipe substitutes regular noodles with thinly sliced cabbage. Cabbage cooks up nicely and provides a similar texture to noodles, making it a perfect low-carb alternative.
A Personal Journey to Keto Comfort Food
Like many embarking on a keto journey, certain comfort foods are missed. "Noodleroni," a simple dish of macaroni noodles, tomato juice, and margarine, was one such craving. It was a staple, especially when sick, and a favorite within the family.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
After being diagnosed with diabetes, the choice was between insulin and a keto diet. Choosing keto led to significant health improvements: normal blood sugar within three months, remission of autoimmune disease, and normalized cholesterol and blood pressure, along with a weight loss of 45 pounds.
The challenge was to recreate the comfort of "noodleroni" without the carbs. Cabbage emerged as an excellent noodle substitute, leading to the creation of this keto goulash recipe. It's a dish that rivals the original in taste and satisfaction, even loved by picky eaters. This goulash is perfect for when you're feeling under the weather, craving comfort food, or looking to save money.
Keto Goulash with Cabbage Recipe
This keto goulash is a comforting, flavorful, and low-carb twist on the traditional Hungarian goulash. With savory ground beef, tender cabbage, and a rich tomato-based sauce, this dish hits all the marks for a satisfying keto meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. ground beef or venison
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
- 1 (25 oz.) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 1/2 tablespoons coconut aminos (or soy sauce)
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 cabbage, cored and sliced thin
Instructions:
- Cook the meat in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces.
- When the meat is no longer pink, add the onion and garlic, sauteing until tender.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients, except cabbage, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the cabbage, a handful at a time, stirring well after each addition.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until cabbage is soft.
Variations and Tips
- Meat: Ground turkey, ground pork, or chicken can be substituted for ground beef or venison. For a richer flavor, consider using a slow-cooking cut of beef like chuck roast or stewing meat. Dry-aging the beef in the refrigerator for a couple of days can also enhance its flavor.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like bell peppers or jalapeños for extra flavor and nutrients. However, keep in mind that adding veggies will affect the number of net carbs per serving.
- Seasoning: Adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and other spices to your liking. Consider adding a packet of "pizza parm" (Parmesan cheese) or fire-roasted green chiles for an extra flavor boost.
- Texture: If you prefer a thicker goulash, cook it without a lid on the stove until it reduces to your desired consistency.
- Cheese: Sprinkle cheese on top and broil for a minute or two until melted for a cheesy topping.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this goulash with cauliflower rice, keto bread, or bacon cabbage slaw.
Making it Your Own
This recipe is highly adaptable to your preferences and dietary needs. Here are some ideas:
- Less Tomato, More Meat: If you prefer a meatier flavor, reduce the amount of tomato sauce and diced tomatoes. Consider using a drained can of Rotel and adding tomato juice for texture.
- Grilled Cabbage: For a unique twist, slice the cabbage into thick "steaks," grill them first, and then add them to the goulash during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Health and Dietary Considerations
This keto goulash recipe is suitable for individuals following a ketogenic, low-carb, gluten-free, or diabetic-friendly diet. It can also be adapted to meet other dietary needs, such as heart-healthy or kidney-friendly diets.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Quick and Easy One-Pan Cabbage Casserole Variation
For an even simpler version, try this one-pan cabbage casserole:
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add chopped cabbage and a can of tomatoes with green chiles (do not drain!).
- Stir well, cover, and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 15 minutes, then stir and check the cabbage for tenderness. Cook longer if needed, checking every 3 minutes.
- Cover with cheese and place the lid back on for a minute or two until melted.
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