Keto Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef

Why This Is Strictly Keto

This soup is made entirely from ground beef, cabbage, tomatoes, and broth — naturally low in carbs without any need for rice, pasta, or thickeners. A hearty, comforting one-pot meal that fits easily within keto macros.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
• 4 cups (1 litre) beef broth
• 4 cups green cabbage, shredded (about half a medium head)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• Grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned, about 6–8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Sauté aromatics: Add the onion and garlic directly to the pot with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent.

3. Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes, smoked paprika, oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for 1–2 minutes to let the spices toast slightly.

4. Add broth and cabbage: Pour in the beef broth and add the shredded cabbage. Stir well to combine.

5. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the flavors have melded.

6. Adjust seasoning: Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve: Ladle into bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley and, if desired, a sprinkle of Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream.

Nutritional Info (per serving, approximate)

Tips

• Browning the beef thoroughly before adding other ingredients builds a much deeper, richer flavor — don’t rush this step.
• This soup tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop in the fridge.
• Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months — a great option for batch cooking.