There’s just something about a steaming bowl of Keto Cabbage Soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly Texas night. Maybe it’s the hearty mix of ground beef, cabbage, and tomatoes simmering away in one pot—or maybe it’s the smell that fills the kitchen while you’re wrangling kids’ homework and laundry at the same time. Either way, this recipe checks all the boxes: quick, healthy, comforting, and keto-friendly.
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Why You’ll Love This Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever wished for a dinner that’s both easy on carbs and big on comfort, this Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero.
- Ready in just 35 minutes (perfect for those “what’s-for-dinner?” moments)
- Uses simple ingredients you probably already have on hand
- One pot = fewer dishes (and more time to relax)
- Great for meal prep—flavors deepen beautifully overnight
I first started making this soup when I wanted something cozy but not carb-heavy after the holidays. Now, it’s my go-to whenever the weather dips or my family just needs a warm, hearty meal that doesn’t weigh us down.
What Does Keto Cabbage Soup Taste Like?
Think comfort food meets clean eating. The cabbage turns buttery soft, soaking up the rich beef broth, while the ground beef adds depth and heartiness. Tomatoes bring a gentle tang that balances the savory spices perfectly. Every spoonful tastes like a lighter version of your grandma’s cabbage roll—but without all the fuss of rolling.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe
Here’s what makes this simple soup shine:
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for that rich sauté base
- 1 large onion, chopped – sweet and aromatic
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – flavor’s best friend
- 1 lb ground beef – choose lean or higher fat for your preferred richness
- 6 cups shredded cabbage – the star of the show
- 15 oz diced tomatoes – for tang and texture
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf – adds depth of flavor
- 5 cups beef broth – go for low-sodium if preferred
Halal note: This recipe is completely halal-friendly—just be sure to use halal-certified ground beef and broth.
Instructions: How to Make Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe (Step-by-Step Guide)
There’s something truly satisfying about making Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe from scratch. It’s simple, soul-warming, and full of nourishing flavor that never disappoints. Whether you’re prepping dinner for your family or making a big batch to last all week, this soup fits right in with your low-carb lifestyle. Let’s walk through every step together — from that first sizzle of onions in the pot to your first cozy spoonful.
Step 1: Heat the Olive Oil and Build Your Flavor Base
Start by placing a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. You’ll hear that gentle sizzle—that’s your cue to add the chopped onion.
Let the onion cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally until it softens and turns slightly translucent. This is where the flavor begins. Add in the minced garlic next and cook for just 30–45 seconds. Garlic burns quickly, so keep an eye on it—you’re looking for that fragrant aroma, not browning.
This step might seem simple, but it’s where the Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe gets its depth. A slow sauté at the beginning creates a richer, more aromatic broth later on.
Tip: If you love the comforting base flavor this creates, you might also enjoy the warm, savory aroma in my Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe — it uses a similar method that layers flavor beautifully.
Step 2: Add and Brown the Ground Beef
Now, it’s time for the hearty part. Add 1 pound of ground beef directly into the pot with your onions and garlic. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat apart as it cooks. Allow it to brown evenly for about 6–8 minutes.
As it cooks, you’ll notice the beef releasing its natural juices and fat, which will later enrich the broth. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. Once the meat is no longer pink, you can spoon off any excess fat if you prefer a lighter version of the Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe.
Want a deeper, more robust flavor? Try using 80% lean beef. For a lighter option, go with 90% lean beef—it gives you a cleaner broth while still tasting delicious.
Pro Tip: Browning is key. Don’t rush this step! When you let the beef sear just a little longer, those browned bits (also called “fond”) at the bottom of the pot become liquid gold when you add broth later. That’s where all the magic flavor lives.
Step 3: Add Your Seasonings and Tomatoes
Once your beef is browned, it’s time to layer in the flavor. Sprinkle in the following:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon thyme
Stir well, coating the meat evenly with those spices. The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Now, pour in one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes (juice included). Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for 2–3 minutes. This gives the tomatoes a chance to release their acidity and sweetness, balancing the richness of the beef.
Flavor Boost: For a deeper umami kick, you can add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce (use a low-sodium, gluten-free version to keep it keto-friendly). Both will add a savory depth without compromising the carb count.
If you enjoy tomato-based soups, you’ll love how this step mirrors the comforting layers found in my Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup — it’s another hearty, flavor-packed meal made easy.
Step 4: Add the Star Ingredient – Cabbage!
Here’s where the magic happens. Add 6 cups of shredded cabbage into the pot. It might look like too much at first, but don’t worry — cabbage wilts down beautifully as it cooks. Give it a good stir to mix it into the tomato and beef base.
As the cabbage begins to soften, it’ll absorb all those savory juices and transform into tender, flavorful bites that make this Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe so satisfying.
If you’re cooking for a larger crowd or doing meal prep, you can double the batch — the soup reheats wonderfully, and the flavors intensify overnight.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth and Add the Bay Leaf
Next, pour in 5 cups of beef broth (or bone broth for extra protein and nutrients). Add 1 bay leaf, which adds a subtle earthiness to balance the tangy tomatoes.
Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot — that’s where all the flavor is hiding!
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
During this time, your kitchen will smell like pure comfort. This slow simmering step is what transforms simple ingredients into something cozy and deeply flavorful.
Pro Tip: If you prefer a slightly thicker soup, remove the lid for the last 5 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid reduce.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
Once your cabbage is perfectly tender, give the soup a taste. Does it need more salt? A little extra black pepper? Go ahead and adjust it to your liking. Cooking isn’t just about following a recipe—it’s about making it your own.
Remove the bay leaf, and you’re ready to serve. Ladle that rich, hearty soup into bowls and top it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if you’d like (just a touch for flavor—still perfectly keto).
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
And that’s it! Your Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe is ready to warm your soul. Pair it with a crisp green salad or a few slices of keto-friendly garlic bread for a complete meal.
I love making a big pot of this on Sunday evenings. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but still fits into a healthy lifestyle—especially when the week gets busy and you want something quick but nourishing.
If you enjoy this recipe, you might also fall in love with my Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup — another one-pot wonder that’s wholesome, hearty, and simple to make.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Keto Cabbage Soup
- Don’t rush the simmer. Letting the soup cook low and slow brings out the deep flavors.
- Add variety. Toss in a few celery stalks or diced zucchini for extra nutrition (just keep an eye on the carb count).
- Lean or rich? Lean ground beef keeps it light, but fattier beef adds richness. Choose based on your mood!
- Make it ahead. The soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Instant Pot method: Brown the beef using the sauté function, add everything else, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes. Quick release, taste, and enjoy.
Storage for Keto Cabbage Soup
Leftovers are a dream here.
- Refrigerate: Up to 5 days in an airtight container.
- Freeze: Cools beautifully—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
FAQs
1. How many calories are in each serving?
About 145 calories per cup, with around 5 net carbs—perfect for a low-carb lifestyle.
2. Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the beef for lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead.
3. What’s the best broth to use?
Beef bone broth adds a rich, collagen-packed base, but regular low-sodium beef broth works great too.
4. Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken lightens the flavor while keeping it keto-friendly.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying meal that doesn’t derail your low-carb goals, this Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe will quickly find its way into your regular dinner rotation. It’s the kind of dish that proves simple ingredients can still deliver big comfort.
And if you love cozy soups like this one, you might also enjoy my Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe or Slow Cooker Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls.
Warm up a bowl tonight and see why this humble soup has become one of my family’s favorite ways to nourish well.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Keto Cabbage Soup Recipe: Easy, Healthy, and Family-Approved
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Keto Cabbage Soup is a quick and hearty one-pot dish made with cabbage, ground beef, and tomatoes. It’s low in carbs, full of flavor, and perfect for cold weather or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 cups shredded cabbage
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 cups beef broth
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a pot. Sauté onion and garlic for 2–3 minutes.
2. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
3. Add paprika, oregano, thyme, diced tomatoes, and cabbage. Stir well to combine.
4. Pour in the beef broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.
5. Simmer uncovered for 25 minutes or until the cabbage is tender.
6. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve warm, with grated Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use lean beef for a lighter version or higher-fat beef for a richer flavor.
Add optional veggies like carrots, celery, or zucchini for variety (note: may increase carbs).
Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes at the end to thicken the broth.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
To make in an Instant Pot, cook on High Pressure for 20 minutes after browning ingredients on Sauté mode.
