Keto & Low-Carb Cabbage Soup Recipe

This low-carb cabbage soup is a delicious, cozy meal perfect for anyone looking to stay on track with their keto lifestyle. It’s packed with nutrient-rich veggies, hearty ground beef, and a flavorful broth. This soup is satisfying, easy to prepare, and ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

  • 1 large cabbage, chopped into bite-sized pieces
    Cabbage is an excellent low-carb veggie, full of fiber and great for soups.
  • 2 small onions, diced
    (Optional, or substitute with 1 tsp onion powder for fewer carbs)
  • 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each, no sugar added)
    The no-sugar-added variety keeps it keto-friendly while adding a nice acidity and richness.
  • 1 large celery stalk, chopped finely
    Celery adds crunch and depth of flavor, plus it’s low-carb.
  • 1-2 pounds ground beef (preferably 80/20)
    The richness of the ground beef adds flavor, but you can also use ground turkey or pork.
  • 1 packet of keto-friendly onion soup mix
    (You can make your own if avoiding processed ingredients. Recipe below.)
  • 6 cups beef or chicken broth
    For a richer soup, beef broth works best. If you prefer a lighter flavor, use chicken broth.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
    For browning the ground beef.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Additional seasonings (optional)
    Garlic powder, paprika, red pepper flakes, or thyme are excellent additions.

Onion Soup Mix Substitute:
(Use this if you’re avoiding store-bought mixes)

  • 2 tbsp dried onion flakes
  • 2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: ¼ tsp celery salt for extra flavor

Instructions

  1. Prep the Meat:
    • Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil or butter. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
    • Season with a bit of salt and pepper as the meat browns for extra flavor. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
    • Once the meat is fully cooked, drain off any excess fat. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Vegetables:
    • In a large stockpot, bring 6 cups of beef or chicken broth to a boil.
    • Add the chopped cabbage, celery, and onions (if using) to the pot.
    • Reduce the heat to low and let the vegetables simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage becomes tender and the celery softens. The low heat helps the vegetables absorb the broth’s flavors.
  3. Add the Flavor:
    • Stir in the diced tomatoes (including the juice from the cans) to the soup pot. These will add a subtle sweetness and richness to the soup.
    • If you’re using a store-bought keto-friendly onion soup mix, add that now. If you’re making your own, whisk together the ingredients from the keto onion soup mix substitute, and stir it into the soup.
    • Add salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you enjoy. Garlic powder, paprika, and red pepper flakes are excellent choices for a spicier kick.
  4. Combine the Meat and Simmer:
    • Add the cooked ground beef to the pot, stirring well to combine.
    • Let the soup simmer on low for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
  5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
    • After simmering, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or spices at this point.
  6. Serve and Enjoy!
    • Ladle the cabbage soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup pairs beautifully with a drizzle of olive oil on top, or you can garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. For a creamy variation, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese just before serving.

Tips and Customizations

  • Add more veggies: While cabbage is the star, you can easily add other low-carb vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or green beans for more bulk and texture.
  • Boost the fat: If you want to increase the fat content for a more keto-friendly ratio, you can stir in heavy cream or cream cheese. This will add richness and make the soup creamier.
  • Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.
  • Make it more hearty: If you’d like a heartier soup, try adding cooked, shredded chicken or using a mix of ground sausage and beef.

Storage and Meal Prep

  • Refrigerator: This cabbage soup stores wonderfully in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. The flavors only get better as it sits!
  • Freezer: Cabbage soup also freezes well. Portion it into individual servings and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving, Approximate based on recipe)

  • Calories: 250-300 kcal
  • Fat: 18g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Carbs: 8g (net)
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Net Carbs: 4g

This Keto Cabbage Soup is perfect for when you’re craving something warm, filling, and healthy. Whether you make it for meal prep or enjoy it right away, this soup is sure to become a staple in your keto meal rotation.