Unstuffed Cabbage Soup is a hearty, one-pot meal packed with tender cabbage, savory ground beef, and a rich tomato broth. It has all the comforting flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls—without the extra work!
Want more comfy soup recipes? Check out our 12 Cozy Soups for Winter! Love the comforting flavors of ground beef in a rich tomato broth? Try our Cheesy Pasta with Ground Beef or our Southern Goulash.
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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.
If you love this soup, try our Southern Fried Cabbage with Sausage for a quick and delicious Southern skillet meal packed with smoky, savory flavors.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Diet-Friendly: Perfect for maintaining a low-carb lifestyle while still being hearty and satisfying.
- Hearty and Filling: The ground beef adds richness and depth, making it a complete meal.
- One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in one pot or a Dutch oven for easy cleanup.
- Great for Meal Prep: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day—just like this Old Fashioned Skillet Cornbread for the perfect pairing!
Unstuffed Cabbage Soup Ingredients
- Ground beef: The heart of this dish, adding deep, savory richness—just like in our Dutch Oven Chili.
- 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.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- 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 to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Soup
STEP 1: 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 2: 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 3: 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 4: 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.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Brown the ground beef thoroughly to get the most flavor out of the dish.
Storage
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. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Recipe FAQs
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.
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📖 Recipe
Unstuffed Cabbage Soup
Equipment
- Dutch oven or large pot
- Wooden spoon
- 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).
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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.
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