Looking for a healthy, low-carb meal that’s perfect for your keto lifestyle? This Keto Cabbage Soup is a flavorful, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that checks all the boxes. Packed with nutritious vegetables, a hint of spice, and wholesome ingredients, it’s ideal for those seeking comfort food without breaking their carb count.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Cabbage Soup
- Low in Carbs: Each serving is keto-friendly, with minimal net carbs to help you stay in ketosis.
- High in Nutrients: Loaded with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from cabbage, tomatoes, and other vegetables.
- Simple & Versatile: Customize it with your favorite proteins like ground beef, chicken, or sausage.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious keto cabbage soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 small head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium zucchini, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Add cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, or crumbled sausage for extra protein.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetables
- Wash and chop the cabbage, zucchini, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic.
2. Sauté the Base
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices
- Stir in the cabbage, zucchini, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for flavor.
4. Simmer the Soup
- Pour in the chicken or beef broth and diced tomatoes. Mix well.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
5. Optional Protein Boost
- For a heartier soup, add cooked ground beef, chicken, or sausage in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values based on basic recipe without added protein.
- Calories: 90
- Net Carbs: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 5g
Tips for the Perfect Keto Cabbage Soup
- Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for tang and heat.
- Thicker Texture: Blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in for a creamier consistency.
- Protein Options: Swap chicken broth for beef broth when adding ground beef or sausage for a richer taste.
Why Cabbage Soup is a Keto Star
Cabbage is a keto powerhouse. It’s low in carbs and high in fiber, making it ideal for those on a ketogenic diet. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, widely available, and incredibly versatile.
Make It Today!
This Keto Cabbage Soup is a perfect addition to your weekly meal plan. It’s healthy, easy to prepare, and packed with flavor—ideal for lunch, dinner, or as a light snack. Give it a try and enjoy a guilt-free bowl of comfort food that fits seamlessly into your keto lifestyle!
Serving and Storage Tips for Keto Cabbage Soup
Serving Tips
- Perfect Pairings: While this soup is a complete meal on its own, you can pair it with a keto-friendly side like:
- A slice of almond flour bread or low-carb crackers.
- A simple green salad with olive oil and vinegar dressing.
- Garnishes for Extra Flavor: Add a little flair and taste by garnishing your soup with:
- Fresh parsley or cilantro.
- A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- A dollop of sour cream or a swirl of heavy cream for a creamy finish.
- Crispy bacon bits for crunch and added fat.
- Custom Spice Levels: Serve with a side of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to let diners adjust the spice to their preference.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration:
- Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freezing:
- Keto Cabbage Soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into individual freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Pro Tip: Lay freezer bags flat for easier stacking and faster thawing.
- Reheating:
- Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge if frozen.
- Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For quick reheating, microwave individual portions on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute or two.
Meal Prep Tips
- Batch Cooking: Double or triple the recipe to stock up on this soup for busy days.
- On-the-Go: Store in portioned mason jars or containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Refreshing Leftovers: Add freshly cooked protein (like chicken or sausage) or extra seasoning when reheating to bring new life to leftovers.
With these serving and storage tips, your Keto Cabbage Soup will remain delicious and convenient throughout the week!
1. Can I add more protein to this soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile and works well with added protein. You can stir in cooked ground beef, shredded chicken, crumbled sausage, or even diced tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasoning if needed to complement the protein.
2. Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, Keto Cabbage Soup freezes beautifully! Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Definitely! To prepare in a slow cooker:
- Sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet first for added flavor.
- Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
4. Can I customize the vegetables in this soup?
Of course! While cabbage is the star, you can add or swap vegetables like spinach, kale, bell peppers, or cauliflower. Just ensure the vegetables you choose are keto-friendly to keep the carb count low.
PrintKeto Cabbage Soup Recipe
Keto Cabbage Soup is a delicious low-carb, high-fiber soup perfect for a keto-friendly meal. Packed with cabbage, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth, this soup is both comforting and filling. It’s easy to make and great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cups green cabbage, chopped
- 2 medium zucchini, diced
Broth & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth (low-sodium)
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Add-ins & Garnish
- 1/2 lb ground beef, chicken, or turkey (optional for added protein)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Brown the Meat (Optional): If using ground meat, add it to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add Cabbage and Zucchini: Stir in the cabbage and zucchini, cooking for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, cumin, thyme, and chili flakes. Stir well and bring to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or cilantro.
Notes
- This soup is versatile—add mushrooms, spinach, or kale for extra nutrients.
- For more flavor, use bone broth instead of regular broth.
- To make it vegetarian, skip the meat and add more vegetables or tofu.