Recipe notes and tips
What is million dollar cabbage?
Million dollar cabbage is a rich, comforting dish that transforms simple cabbage into something special with a creamy, savory sauce.
This low carb version features golden cabbage wedges baked with seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes. The cabbage becomes tender and naturally sweeter as it cooks, balancing the richness of the sauce.
What kind of cabbage works best?
Green cabbage is ideal for this recipe. Choose a firm, compact head with tightly packed leaves, as it will hold together better when cut into wedges.
Keep part of the core attached to each wedge to prevent the leaves from falling apart during searing and baking.
Why should I sear the cabbage before baking?
Searing the cabbage creates a delicious golden surface and adds depth of flavor through caramelization.
It also helps develop the cabbage’s natural sweetness, making the finished dish more flavorful.
Don’t worry if the cabbage isn’t tender after searing. It will soften during baking in the creamy beef sauce.
Can I use another type of ground meat?
Absolutely! Ground pork, turkey, chicken, or sausage can all work well in this recipe.
If using sausage, choose one without added sugar and adjust the seasoning and salt as needed, since sausage is often already well seasoned.
If using lean ground turkey or chicken, you may need a little extra olive oil when browning the meat.
Can I make this without bacon?
Yes! The bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor, but you can leave it out if you prefer.
Use a little olive oil or butter to sear the cabbage and brown the beef. For a similar smoky note, you can add a small pinch of extra smoked paprika.
Can I use a baking dish instead of an oven-safe skillet?
Yes! If your skillet isn’t large enough to hold the cabbage wedges and beef sauce, prepare everything on the stovetop as directed.
Transfer the beef sauce to a large baking dish, nestle the seared cabbage wedges into the sauce, and cover tightly with foil before baking.
Make sure the dish is deep enough to hold the sauce without overflowing.
How do I know when the cabbage is done?
The cabbage should be very tender when pierced with a fork, especially near the thickest part of the core.
Cooking time may vary depending on the size and density of the cabbage wedges. If the cabbage is still firm after the recommended baking time, continue cooking and check every 5–10 minutes.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prepare the ground beef sauce and sear the cabbage ahead of time.
Store them separately in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when ready to serve. You may need to add a little extra baking time if the ingredients are cold.
Can I freeze million dollar cabbage?
The cooked beef sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months, although the creamy texture may change slightly after thawing.
The cabbage itself is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can make it softer and more watery.
For the best results, freeze the sauce separately and prepare fresh cabbage when ready to serve.
Storage and leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C), covered with foil, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of beef broth or water before reheating.