This Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Soup: One Pot Recipe is the ultimate comforting dish for busy weeknights. If you're looking to stay on track with a low-carb lifestyle or simply want a satisfying meal, this one-pot recipe delivers big on flavor while keeping things healthy. Packed with tender ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a light broth, it’s perfect for a family dinner or even meal prep!
Cabbage soup is a well-loved classic, but this unstuffed version takes it to the next level by incorporating ground beef for extra flavor. Often featured in diets like keto, unstuffed cabbage soup is not only nutritious but also a filling and comforting meal that’s ideal for families.
Why We Love This Recipe:
- Diet: Perfect for maintaining a low-carb lifestyle.
- Hearty and Filling: The ground beef adds richness, making it a satisfying meal.
- One-Pot: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one pot or Dutch oven.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day.
If you like this soup recipe, you may also love our stuffed cabbage rolls or keto-friendly beef stew.
Jump to:
What Ingredients Will You Need?
- Ground beef: The star of the dish, giving it a rich, meaty flavor.
- Cabbage: A nutrient-packed, low-carb vegetable that adds texture.
- Onion and celery: Helps build the flavor base.
- Carrots: Add a touch of sweetness. For strict keto, you can reduce or omit.
- Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and depth. Opt for a no-sugar-added version to keep it lower in carbs.
- Better than Beef Bouillon base (not shown): Adds flavor.
- Beef broth: Choose a low-sodium variety.
- Paprika and thyme: Improves the overall flavor.
- Bay leaves: Bring a subtle depth to the soup.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Soup
STEP ONE: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef, drain, and set it aside.
STEP TWO: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, sauté the onions, celery, and garlic until in olive oil until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the carrots and cook for another 2 minutes.
STEP THREE: Add Cabbage and Tomatoes
Stir in the chopped cabbage, Better than Beef Bouillon base, and diced tomatoes. Cook until the cabbage begins to soften, about 3-5 minutes.
STEP FOUR: Simmer the Soup
Return the ground beef to the pot. Add the broth, bay leaves, paprika, thyme, and any additional salt and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for 25-30 minutes until all the vegetables are tender.
What Are Some Good Substitutions?
- Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Cabbage: Use kale for a different texture, though cabbage holds up best in soup.
- Broth: Substitute vegetable stock for a vegetarian version if you omit the meat.
How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
- Keto-friendly: Omit the carrots and rice entirely or replace them with more low-carb vegetables like zucchini and cauliflower.
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage in place of ground beef.
- Tomato Base: Add 1-2 teaspoons of tomato paste for a richer tomato flavor that mimics the taste of cabbage rolls.
- Family-friendly: For kids, top the soup with shredded cheese or serve with a side of grilled cheese to make it more appealing.
What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
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- Dutch oven or large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
How Should You Store This?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze the soup in air-tight containers for up to 3 months.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
What Are Some Expert Tips?
To get the most flavor out of this dish, be sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly in the beginning.
If you're making this for meal prep, double the recipe and freeze individual portions.
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Have Leftover Ingredients?
- Use leftover cabbage in stir-fries or salads.
- Diced tomatoes can be added to this Dutch Oven Chili: Cincinnati Style or pasta sauce.
- Extra stock can be frozen in ice cube trays for later use.
Need Something To Pair This With?
- A grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with the cabbage soup and adds a comforting side.
- Cauliflower rice is a low-carb side to keep the meal keto-friendly.
- A simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.
In The Mood For a Similar Dish?
- Keto-Friendly Chili
- Cabbage Rolls
- Low-Carb Beef Stew
- Easy Classic French Onion Soup Recipe without Wine
- Creamy Roasted Tomato Soup with Sourdough Grilled Cheese
Related
More soup recipes you will love:
FAQ
Cabbage is naturally low in carbohydrates, and this soup is made with healthy ingredients such as ground beef, tomatoes, and vegetables. For strict keto, reduce or omit the carrots and use a low-sugar or sugar-free version of diced tomatoes.
While this low carb cabbage soup is not a "magic" weight loss solution, it can be part of a healthy diet. The soup is filling and nutrient-dense, which may help you feel satisfied while consuming fewer calories.
To boost the flavor of low carb cabbage soup, consider adding spices like paprika and thyme. You could even add a splash of vinegar for acidity. Using a rich beef or chicken stock, fresh herbs, and a dash of red pepper flakes can add to the soup's taste without adding carbs.
📖 Recipe
Easy Low Carb Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef: One Pot Recipe
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 carrots sliced (reduce or omit for stricter keto)
- 3-4 cups green cabbage chopped
- 4-5 cups beef broth
- 1 14.5 oz can diced or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon beef base
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste
- freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- fresh parsley garnish
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove the beef from the pot, drain, and set it aside.
- In the same pot, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion and celery until they begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and stir in the carrots. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften.
- Stir in the diced or crushed tomatoes and Better than Beef bouillon base, followed by the chopped cabbage. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the cabbage starts to wilt slightly.
- Pour in the beef broth and return the browned ground beef to the pot. Add the bay leaves, paprika, thyme, and any remaining salt. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve over white rice or cauliflower rice (optional).
Notes
- Ground beef: Swap with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Cabbage: Use kale or spinach for a different texture, though cabbage holds up best in soup.
- Stock: Substitute vegetable stock for a vegetarian version if you omit the meat.
Nutrition
This Easy Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef is a fantastic one-pot meal perfect for busy families. With its hearty flavors and low-carb ingredients, it's a recipe you can feel good about serving.
Try it today and share your results in the comments below, or explore more low-carb and family-friendly recipes!
Important Food Safety Tips
Always make sure your ground beef is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours of cooking.
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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