The Best Hearty Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe You’ll Love

Cabbage roll soup brings a cozy twist to traditional Eastern European comfort food without weighing you down.

Packed with savory flavors, this nutrient-dense meal transforms humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Lean proteins and vibrant vegetables dance together in a rich, warming broth that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal produce makes this recipe adaptable and budget-friendly for any home cook.

Each spoonful delivers robust nutrition and complex taste profiles that satisfy deep hunger.

Fragrant herbs and tender meat mingle beautifully, creating a bowl that nourishes both body and soul.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this warming culinary experience.

What Makes Cabbage Roll Soup So Meal-Prep Friendly

• Quick and Easy Meal Prep Champion: Slice through busy weeknights with this lightning-fast soup that prepares in under 40 minutes.
• Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with lean protein from ground beef and fiber-rich cabbage, this low-carb recipe delivers maximum nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.
• Zero-Fuss Cooking Method: Single-pot preparation means minimal cleanup, making this soup a dream for home cooks seeking convenience and simplicity.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Hearty, warming, and adaptable enough to please both picky eaters and health-conscious family members with its classic, satisfying taste profile.

Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup Ingredients

• Ground Beef: Classic protein that gives the soup heartiness and rich flavor, choose lean or extra-lean for healthier option.
• Beef Broth: Provides deep, savory liquid foundation for the soup.

• Cabbage, Onion, Garlic: Core vegetable mix that creates a traditional soup base, fresh cabbage works best for crisp texture.
• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and slight acidity to enhance overall soup flavor.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and provides thickness to the soup.

• Dried Basil, Dried Oregano: Classic herbs that complement beef and vegetable flavors.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for balanced taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Optional tangy ingredient for brightness.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial cooking and preventing ingredients from sticking.

Cabbage Roll Soup Low-Carb Cooking Directions

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Grab a large pot and heat up some olive oil.

Toss in ground beef and break it into delicious crumbles.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich golden-brown color, releasing those amazing flavors.

Drain any extra fat to keep things light and healthy.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

Introduce chopped onions and minced garlic to the pot.

Let them dance and sizzle, becoming soft and releasing their incredible fragrance.

This step builds the flavor foundation of your soup.

Step 3: Welcome the Cabbage

Slide chopped cabbage into the pot.

Stir and let it soften and mingle with the meat and aromatics.

The cabbage will start to become tender and absorb all those delicious underlying flavors.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Magic

• Beef broth
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste

Sprinkle in dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the ingredients get to know each other for 20-25 minutes.

Step 5: Final Flavor Boost

Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangy kick.

Taste and adjust seasonings until the soup sings with flavor.

Your low-carb comfort meal is ready to devour!

Meal Prep Pointers for Low-Carb Cabbage Soup

• Carefully drain or blot away extra grease from browned beef to keep the soup lighter and prevent oily texture.
• Toast dried herbs briefly in the pot before adding liquids to release their full aromatic potential and intensify the soup's taste profile.
• Chop cabbage into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent bite throughout the soup.
• Allow soup to cool completely before storing in airtight containers, which helps flavors meld and makes reheating easier.
• Use low-sodium beef broth and taste before adding extra salt, allowing individual seasoning preferences.

Storing Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and maintain soup's texture.
• Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Smart Matches for Cabbage Roll Soup

• Enhance Dining Experience: Pair Cabbage Roll Soup with Crisp White Wine to cut through the rich, hearty flavors and refresh the palate.
• Complement Protein-Rich Dish: Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread to soak up the savory broth and add textural contrast.
• Match Rustic Soup Style: Add Tangy Side Salad with light vinaigrette to balance the soup's depth and provide fresh, bright notes.
• Create Robust Meal: Introduce Aged Cheddar Cheese Sprinkle on top to enhance umami and provide creamy, sharp undertones that elevate the soup's complexity.

Cabbage Soup With Ingredient Twists

• Vegetarian Cabbage Roll Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a protein-packed meatless option. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Reduce onion quantity and use cauliflower rice as an additional low-carb base. Add extra fatty ingredients like butter or cream to increase fat content and maintain ketogenic macros.
• Spicy Mexican-Inspired Soup: Incorporate diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder. Top with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Verify broth and tomato paste labels carefully. Consider adding extra herbs like thyme or rosemary to boost overall taste complexity.

FAQs

• Why is cabbage a great ingredient for low-carb soups?

Cabbage is incredibly low in carbohydrates, packed with nutrients, and adds amazing texture and volume to soups without significantly increasing calorie content. It’s also rich in fiber and helps create a filling meal.

• Can I use a different type of meat in this soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken work perfectly as alternatives to beef. They provide similar protein content and blend well with the cabbage and seasonings while keeping the soup low-carb.

• Is this soup keto-friendly?

Yes, this soup is keto-friendly. It’s low in carbohydrates, high in protein, and uses ingredients that align with ketogenic diet guidelines. The combination of ground beef, vegetables, and broth makes it a nutritious, diet-compatible meal.

• How can I make this soup more protein-rich?

You can increase protein by adding extra ground meat, incorporating shredded rotisserie chicken, or stirring in some cubed cream cheese or shredded cheese during the final cooking stage for added richness and protein.

Hearty Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savor Polish-inspired “Hearty Low-Carb Cabbage Roll Soup” without compromising comfort or flavor. Packed with tender meat, nutritious vegetables, and rich seasonings, this soup delivers satisfying nutrition while keeping carbohydrates minimal for health-conscious diners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Vegetables:

• 1 medium head of cabbage, chopped
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

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Instructions

1. Initiate the base by browning ground beef in a spacious cooking vessel, methodically crumbling the meat while it caramelizes over medium thermal intensity.
2. Introduce finely diced onions and aromatic garlic, sautéing until translucent and releasing their fragrant essence throughout the culinary landscape.
3. Incorporate shredded cabbage, allowing the verdant leaves to soften and meld with the savory meat foundation, creating textural complexity.
4. Cascade beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes, and concentrated tomato paste into the evolving mixture, stirring to integrate each component seamlessly.
5. Elevate the flavor profile by sprinkling dried basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper, transforming the liquid into a robust and nuanced broth.
6. Reduce thermal energy and allow the soup to gently simmer, covered, enabling ingredients to harmonize and cabbage to become delicately tender.
7. Optional: Enhance the soup’s depth by introducing a splash of apple cider vinegar, which provides a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich, meaty foundation.
8. Perform a final seasoning assessment, adjusting salt and pepper to cultivate a perfectly balanced culinary experience.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter protein options that maintain the soup’s hearty texture.
• Enhance low-carb profile by adding extra non-starchy vegetables like zucchini or spinach for increased nutrition without carbohydrate load.
• Freeze individual portions in sealed containers for convenient meal prep, maintaining soup quality for up to 3 months with proper storage.
• Balance flavors by adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika for deeper, more complex taste without extra calories.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Eastern European

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg