Keto Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

Keto Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

If you’re following a keto diet and craving something hearty, yet low-carb, look no further than this Keto Unstuffed Cabbage Soup. It combines the warm flavors of a traditional cabbage roll but without the hassle of stuffing cabbage leaves. This soup is not only keto-friendly but also incredibly filling and flavorful—perfect for those chilly days when you want something cozy and nourishing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

To make this keto unstuffed cabbage soup, you’ll need the following ingredients, which are all keto-approved and pack a ton of flavor into each bowl:

• 1 lb ground beef (you can also use ground turkey or sausage)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium green cabbage, chopped (about 6 cups)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
• 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon ground paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
• 1 bay leaf
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the ingredients
   Begin by dicing your onion and mincing the garlic. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to incorporate into the soup. Having all your ingredients prepped will make the cooking process smoother.
2. Cook the meat
   In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables
   In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. This step is crucial for building the base flavors of the soup.
4. Add the cabbage
   Once the onion and garlic have softened, add the chopped cabbage to the pot. Stir the cabbage with the onion and garlic, letting it cook for about 5 minutes until it begins to soften and release its natural moisture.
5. Combine the rest of the ingredients
   Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot with the cabbage mixture. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), beef broth, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Season the soup
   Add the oregano, thyme, paprika, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a boil.
7. Simmer to perfection
   Once the soup has reached a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes. The cabbage will continue to soften, and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
8. Final touches
   After simmering, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaf and discard it.
9. Serve and enjoy
   Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired. This keto unstuffed cabbage soup is perfect on its own or served with a side of low-carb bread for dipping.

Cook’s Note

If you’re looking to make this recipe even more customizable, consider the following:

• Protein variations: Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to beef. For more flavor, try swapping in a spicy sausage.
• Extra vegetables: For more texture and variety, you can add additional low-carb veggies like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms. Just chop them finely and toss them in during the sautéing step.
• Slow cooker option: If you prefer a slow-cooked approach, combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The result will be a rich, flavorful soup.
• Spicy kick: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup while it simmers.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 300
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 4g
• Net Carbs: 6g
• Sodium: 800mg

This keto unstuffed cabbage soup is a perfect choice for those on a low-carb, high-protein diet. With only 6 grams of net carbs per serving, it fits seamlessly into the keto lifestyle while still satisfying your hunger. Plus, the hearty portion of protein will keep you feeling full for hours!

This Keto Unstuffed Cabbage Soup is a hearty, nutritious meal that provides all the flavors you love from a cabbage roll, minus the carbs. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and an excellent option for meal prepping. Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Happy cooking!