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Keto Turkey Taco Cabbage Rolls - A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Dinner

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head green cabbage (about 12 large leaves)
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground turkey (93% lean works well)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, finely diced (optional for sweetness and crunch)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup sugar-free salsa (mild or medium)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (plus more as needed)
  • 1–2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey jack, or pepper jack)
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (about 1/4 cup, plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4–1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • 3/4 tsp kosher salt

Method
 

  1. Prep the cabbage leaves. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Core the cabbage and gently peel off 12 large leaves. Blanch leaves for 2–3 minutes until pliable, then transfer to a towel-lined tray to drain. Pat dry.
  2. Sauté aromatics. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium. Add onion and bell pepper; cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Brown the turkey. Add ground turkey, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Add seasoning and sauce. Stir in the taco seasoning, tomato paste, salsa, and chicken broth. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thick and saucy. Stir in lime juice and cilantro. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or heat as needed.
  5. Preheat and prepare the pan. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spoon a thin layer of salsa or broth onto the bottom to prevent sticking.
  6. Assemble the rolls. Lay a cabbage leaf flat, thicker stem end closest to you. Add 1/4–1/3 cup turkey mixture near the base, sprinkle with a little cheese, then roll up, tucking in sides like a burrito. Place seam-side down in the dish. Repeat.
  7. Bake. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil, sprinkle remaining cheese over the top, and bake 5–10 more minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  8. Finish and serve. Let rest 5 minutes. Garnish with cilantro, and serve with sour cream, avocado, extra salsa, and lime wedges.