Keto Cabbage Roll Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef and cook for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. If necessary, drain any excess fat from the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, releasing a fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Add the Cabbage and Seasoning

1. Add the Cabbage: Stir in the chopped cabbage, allowing it to soften slightly for about 3 minutes.
2. Season the Soup: Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir everything to combine well with the beef and cabbage.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

1. Add the Tomatoes: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Stir until everything is well mixed.
2. Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth and stir the soup to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer.

Step 5: Simmer and Serve

1. Simmer the Soup: Cover the pot and let the soup simmer on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the cabbage to become tender.
2. Adjust the Flavor: After 30 minutes, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in the apple cider vinegar for a tangy finish.
3. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with sour cream, fresh parsley, or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

Tips for Making the Best Keto Cabbage Roll Soup

• Use a Good Quality Ground Beef: The fat content in ground beef contributes to the rich flavor of the soup, but if you prefer a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken.
• Customize the Seasoning: For a bit more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce. For extra smokiness, smoked paprika works wonders.
• Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This soup stores beautifully and even tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

Keto-Friendly Variations

• Add More Veggies: For extra nutrition, toss in some keto-friendly vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
• Keto Cabbage Roll Stew: For an even heartier option, cut back on the broth and allow the soup to cook down into a thicker, stew-like consistency.
• Spicy Cabbage Roll Soup: Amp up the spice by adding diced jalapeños or more red pepper flakes to the soup for a kick of heat.

Why This Soup Fits Perfectly into a Keto Diet

This soup is naturally low in carbs, thanks to the use of cabbage instead of rice. It’s also high in fiber from the cabbage and tomatoes, which helps keep you feeling full without spiking your blood sugar. The ground beef provides a substantial amount of protein and healthy fats, making it a filling and satisfying meal while staying within your daily keto macros.

What to Serve with Keto Cabbage Roll Soup

While this soup is already filling, you can serve it alongside other keto-friendly dishes to round out your meal:

• Keto Garlic Bread: Use almond flour or coconut flour to make a low-carb garlic bread to dip into the soup.
• Cauliflower Rice: For extra texture, serve the soup over a bed of cauliflower rice.
• Avocado Slices: Top your soup with fresh avocado slices for a creamy, nutritious addition.

Storing and Reheating

• Storing: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Let the soup thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened, you can add a bit more beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

A Keto Twist on a Classic Favorite

This keto cabbage roll soup delivers all the hearty flavors you love from traditional cabbage rolls in an easy, low-carb, one-pot meal. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a healthy and filling soup, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping you on track.

Need a quick, comforting meal that’s low in carbs? This Keto Cabbage Roll Soup is the perfect blend of savory beef, tender cabbage, and rich tomato broth—all with minimal carbs. Try it today!