Are you craving a mouthwatering Mexican dish that won't derail your healthy eating goals? Look no further! These Low Carb Enchilada Cabbage Rolls are about to become your new obsession. Imagine all the bold, spicy flavors of traditional enchiladas wrapped in tender cabbage leaves, creating a protein-packed meal that's both incredibly delicious and surprisingly nutritious. Whether you're following a low-carb diet or just looking for a lighter twist on a classic favorite, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds and leave you feeling completely fulfilled.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup enchilada sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your enchilada cabbage rolls cook evenly.
- Prepare the cabbage by carefully removing the core. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the whole head of cabbage and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the outer leaves are tender and pliable. Use tongs to remove the cabbage from the pot and set it aside to cool.
- While the cabbage is cooling, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 7-10 minutes.
- Once the turkey is browned, stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the spices with the meat. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and add 1/2 cup of the enchilada sauce to the turkey mixture. Stir until the sauce is evenly distributed throughout the turkey.
- Carefully peel off the outer leaves of the cabbage. You will need about 8-10 leaves for the rolls. If the leaves are still too firm to roll, you can return them to the boiling water for another minute or so.
- On a clean surface, lay a cabbage leaf flat. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the turkey mixture onto the center of the leaf. Fold the sides of the leaf over the filling, then roll it up from the bottom to the top, securing the filling inside. Repeat this process for all the cabbage leaves and turkey mixture.
- In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of the remaining enchilada sauce on the bottom to prevent sticking. Place the cabbage rolls seam-side down in the dish, packing them closely together.
- Once all the rolls are in the dish, pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the top, ensuring that all the rolls are coated. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the rolls set and make them easier to serve.
- Serve the enchilada cabbage rolls warm, garnished with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños, if desired.
Tips
- Cabbage Leaf Preparation: For the most pliable leaves, choose a fresh cabbage and remove the core before blanching. This makes separating the leaves much easier.
- Moisture Management: Pat your cabbage leaves dry after boiling to prevent excess water from making your rolls soggy.
- Seasoning Secrets: Don't be afraid to adjust the spices. If you like it spicier, add a bit more chili powder or some red pepper flakes to the turkey mixture.
- Cheese Selection: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, experiment with different varieties like pepper jack for an extra kick or a Mexican blend for more complexity.
- Make-Ahead Magic: These cabbage rolls can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if baking from cold.
- Portion Control: Use an ice cream scoop or measuring spoon to ensure consistent filling in each cabbage roll for even cooking.
- Leftovers Love: These rolls reheat beautifully and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
