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You are here: Home / Recipes / Fall

Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

📋 Modified: Feb 15, 2025 Published: Sep 28, 2024 by 👩🏻‍🍳 Jami Powell · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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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.

Easy unstuffed cabbage soup one pot recipe hero image close up in dutch oven

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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.

Jump to:
  • Why We Love This Recipe
  • Unstuffed Cabbage Soup Ingredients
  • Substitutions & Variations
  • How to Make Unstuffed Cabbage Soup
  • Expert Tips for Success
  • Storage
  • Recipe FAQs
  • More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
  • 📖 Recipe
  • 💬 Share Your Thoughts

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

Easy unstuffed cabbage soup one pot recipe ingredients shot.
  • 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

Easy unstuffed cabbage soup one pot recipe process shot 1 browning the ground beef

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.

Easy unstuffed cabbage soup one pot recipe process shot 2 sauteeing vegetables

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.

Easy unstuffed cabbage soup one pot recipe process shot 3 adding diced tomatoes and cabbage

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.

Easy unstuffed cabbage soup one pot recipe process shot 4 spoon in bowl

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

What makes cabbage soup low carb?

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.

Can you lose weight eating low carb cabbage soup?

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.

How do you make low carb cabbage soup more flavorful?

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.

Easy unstuffed cabbage soup one pot recipe feature image close up in dutch oven

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Did You Like Unstuffed Cabbage Soup Recipe?

  • Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think this cabbage soup with ground beef is amazing!

📖 Recipe

Easy unstuffed cabbage soup one pot recipe feature image close up in dutch oven

Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

Jami Powell
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!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 40 minutes mins
Total Time 55 minutes mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 266 kcal

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

Strict Keto For strict keto, reduce or omit the carrots, as they can add extra carbs. Use a low-sugar or sugar-free version of diced tomatoes to keep it low carb.
Storage Store leftover ground beef cabbage soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze Cabbage soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Substitutions
  • 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.
Adjustments Cooking time may need to be adjusted based on the geography of the area (high vs. low elevation), cookware (stoneware vs traditional bakeware), and outdoor temperature if grilling.
Nutrition information is only an estimate

Nutrition

Calories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 17gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 54mgSodium: 823mgPotassium: 728mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 3741IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 61mgIron: 3mg
Did you make this recipe?Tag @powell.family.cooking on Instagram

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