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This delicious and satisfying Low Carb Cabbage Soup is a great option for those following a keto lifestyle. It only offers 7.4 grams of net carbs, it’s low-calorie, dairy-free, high-protein, Paleo, Whole30, and gluten-free.
Who doesn’t love cabbage? It’s a great vegetable that’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a perfect option for those who want to follow a low-carb diet. And it provides a delicious crunch to your meals, making it an ideal ingredient for a soup.
If you are looking for a great meal to warm up your family, this is going to be your best option. Most people do chicken soup, and while it is a great choice, it’s often high in potatoes and pasta, both of which are not keto-friendly.
This cabbage soup is a great chicken soup replacement but with fewer carbs.
So, you’ll keep your family warm and happy without having to worry about getting off track from your meal plan.
Another thing I love about this recipe is its flexibility.
You can easily adapt it based on your dietary preference. For example, if you follow a plant-based keto diet, you can replace ground beef with a plant-based protein alternative.
Pin this now to find it later
Pin ItAnd you can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Now, if you are low on your fat intake (which needs to be high on a keto diet), you can easily add fats like drizzling some olive oil or a dollop of cream cheese to make the soup extra creamy.
This recipe is also a great option for meal prepping.
Ingredients and Substitutes
Olive oil (1 tbsp) – You can also use avocado or coconut oil.
Large onion, finely chopped (1) – You can use yellow, white, or red onions, whichever you enjoy the most. I typically use yellow onions, but they are all good. If you don’t have any, you can use onion flakes or shallots.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves) – If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use garlic flakes, garlic powder, or garlic paste.
Lean ground beef (1 lb) – For more variety, you can use chicken or ground turkey. For a plant-based option, you can use a plant-based alternative.
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Chopped tomatoes (14 oz can) – This adds some nice acidity to the soup. You can also use fresh tomatoes or tomato puree.
Shredded cabbage (6 cups) – This is the star of the dish. You can use different types of cabbages to have some variety.
Try using Napa once and savoy cabbage another time. You can then decide which is your favorite one.
Paprika (1 tsp) – You can use smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder for a different flavor.
Garlic powder (1 tsp) – You can also use garlic flakes.
Onion powder (1 tsp) – You can also use onion flakes.
Oregano (1/2 tsp) – If you don’t have oregano, you can use thyme or basil.
Thyme (1/2 tsp) – For those who don’t have thyme, you can use rosemary. However, keep in mind that it may have a stronger flavor.
Bay leaf (1)
Beef broth (5 cups) – For a plant-based option, you can use vegetable broth, or for a different flavor profile, you can use chicken broth.
Garnish
Parsley, chopped
How to Make Low Carb Cabbage Soup
Step 1. Grab a large pot and place it over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and the chopped onion. Cook until the onions become translucent, which should take roughly 2-3 minutes.
Step 2. Add the pressed garlic cloves, ground beef, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3. Break the ground beef apart with a spoon or spatula and cook for 7-8 minutes.
Step 4. Add the chopped tomatoes and shredded cabbage.
Step 5. Add the paprika, garlic, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and bay leaf.
Step 6. Mix until everything is well-blended.
Step 7. Pour in the beef broth into the pot.
Step 8. Let the soup simmer for 25 minutes or until the cabbage gets fully cooked.
Step 9. Once it’s ready, season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with parsley before serving.
Sides for Low-Carb Cabbage Soup
This soup is great on its own. However, there are some sides that can elevate your dining experience.
- Green salad with light vinaigrette
- Potatoes (if you are not on a low carb diet)
- Cooked butternut squash
- Roasted vegetables (mushrooms, zucchini, carrots, and eggplant)
- Kale salad
- Keto garlic bread
Other Ingredients You Can Use
While I love the original recipe as it is, there is always some room for creativity. Here are some ingredients you can use to create different flavors.
- Vegetables (roasted bell peppers, zucchini, kale, and spinach)
- Turmeric
- Bacon bits
- Sausage
Storage and Leftovers
When you are ready to store the leftovers, place them in airtight containers. You can keep them in the fridge for 3-4 days and 3-4 months in the freezer.
When you are ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Other Soups for You
Low Carb Cabbage Soup
3 Cals: 216 Protein: 20 Carbs: 11 Fat: 11
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 14 oz can chopped tomatoes
- 6 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 cups beef broth
Garnish
- Parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat up a large pot to medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add in chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until they have slightly softened.
- Press in garlic cloves, add in ground beef, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking the meat apart with a spatula.
- Add chopped tomatoes, shredded cabbage, paprika, garlic, onion powder, oregano, thyme and bay leaf. Mix it all together very well.
- Pour in the beef broth, stir it, and let it simmer for 25 minutes or so until the cabbage fully cooks.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.