🥬 Stuffed Cabbage Rolls (Healthy, Low-Point Version)
Servings: 8 rolls
WW Points: ~4–5 per roll (depends on meat choice)
These healthy stuffed cabbage rolls are a lighter twist on a classic comfort dish. Instead of rice, finely riced cauliflower keeps the carbs and WW points low while still giving great texture. Lean ground turkey or chicken makes them high in protein, while a simple tomato sauce keeps everything juicy and flavorful. Perfect for meal prep, weight loss plans, or a cozy, guilt-free dinner.
🛒 Ingredients
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1 medium head of cabbage (leaves separated)
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1 lb (450 g) lean ground turkey or chicken (or lean beef)
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1/2 cup riced cauliflower
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp Italian herbs or oregano
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1 cup tomato sauce (no sugar added)
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1 tsp olive oil
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the cabbage
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add cabbage leaves and blanch for 2–3 minutes until soft and pliable. Drain and let cool. Trim the thick stem if needed to make rolling easier.
2. Make the filling
In a large bowl, mix:
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Ground meat
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Riced cauliflower
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Onion
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Garlic
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Paprika
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Herbs
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Salt and pepper
Mix until well combined (don’t overmix).
3. Assemble the rolls
Place 2–3 tablespoons of filling near the base of each cabbage leaf.
Fold in the sides, then roll tightly like a burrito.
4. Arrange and sauce
Place rolls seam-side down in a baking dish.
Drizzle with olive oil and pour tomato sauce evenly over the top.
5. Bake
Cover with foil and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 30–35 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes to lightly brown the tops.
6. Serve
Serve hot with extra sauce or a spoon of low-fat yogurt if desired.
❓ Q&A (Helpful Tips)
Q: Can I use beef instead of turkey or chicken?
Yes. Use lean ground beef (90–95%) to keep WW points lower. Flavor will be richer.
Q: Can I replace cauliflower with rice?
Yes, but it will increase calories and WW points. Use about 1/2 cup cooked rice if preferred.
Q: How do I keep the rolls from falling apart?
Make sure to:
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Roll tightly
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Place them seam-side down
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Pack them snugly in the baking dish
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the rolls and refrigerate (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze stuffed cabbage rolls?
Yes!
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Freeze before or after cooking
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Store up to 2–3 months
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Thaw overnight and reheat in the oven
Q: Why are my cabbage leaves tearing?
They may not be soft enough. Blanch a little longer (another 1–2 minutes) until flexible.
Q: How can I make it more flavorful without adding calories?
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Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill
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Use smoked paprika
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Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to the sauce
💡 Optional Variations
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Add chili flakes for spice 🌶️
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Top with a spoon of Greek yogurt (healthy sour cream swap)
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Mix in chopped spinach or zucchini for extra veggies