Ingredients
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500 g ground beef
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½ medium head green cabbage, chopped
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small bell pepper, chopped
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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400 g canned diced tomatoes, preferably no added sugar
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4 cups beef broth, preferably low-sodium
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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½ teaspoon dried thyme
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
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1 bay leaf
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt to taste
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1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the olive oil and ground beef.
Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly browned.
If there is a large amount of excess fat, carefully drain some of it, leaving a little behind for flavor.
2. Add the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the browned beef. Cook for approximately 3–4 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds. Avoid burning the garlic.
3. Add the Tomato and Seasonings
Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, oregano, thyme, black pepper, and optional chili flakes.
Cook for about 1 minute, stirring continuously. This helps develop the flavor of the tomato paste and spices.
4. Add the Cabbage
Add the chopped cabbage to the pot. It may initially appear to fill the pot, but cabbage will shrink considerably as it cooks.
Stir the cabbage into the beef mixture and cook for approximately 3 minutes.
5. Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth and canned tomatoes. Add the bay leaf.
Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for approximately 25–35 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have developed.
Stir occasionally during cooking.
6. Finish the Soup
Remove the bay leaf.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add salt if needed, remembering that broth and canned tomatoes may already contain sodium.
For a brighter flavor, add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice just before serving.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over each bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the soup hot in large bowls. Because it contains meat and cabbage, it can work well as a complete meal without bread, pasta, or rice.
For additional fat and flavor, you can add a small spoonful of sour cream or grated cheese if these fit your dietary preferences and carbohydrate target.
Variations
Spicy Keto Cabbage Soup
Add extra chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a small amount of chopped jalapeño for a spicy version.
Creamy Version
After the soup has finished cooking, stir in a small amount of heavy cream or cream cheese. Keep the heat low and stir until smooth.
Beef and Sausage Version
Replace part of the ground beef with a low-carb sausage. Check the nutrition label carefully because processed sausages can contain added carbohydrates and substantial sodium.
Chicken Version
Ground chicken or chopped chicken can be substituted for beef. Chicken generally produces a lighter-tasting soup.
Storage
Allow leftover soup to cool appropriately before refrigerating. Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days.
The soup can also be frozen in individual portions. Thaw safely in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition Notes
This soup is naturally rich in protein and contains relatively few carbohydrates compared with cabbage soups made with potatoes, noodles, or rice. The exact carbohydrate content depends on the tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and other ingredients used.
For a stricter ketogenic diet, check the labels of canned tomatoes, broth, and seasonings for added sugars and carbohydrates.
Final Tips
For the best flavor, allow the soup to simmer slowly rather than boiling it aggressively. Fresh cabbage gives the soup a pleasant texture, while the browned beef provides richness.
If you want a thicker soup, simmer it uncovered for the final 5–10 minutes. If you prefer a more broth-heavy soup, add an extra cup of beef broth.
This Keto Meaty Cabbage Soup is an easy, satisfying one-pot meal that works especially well for meal preparation. You can make a large batch and divide it into individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
