Are you looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe that's both healthy and delicious? Do you follow a ketogenic diet? Then look no further! This keto cabbage soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and surprisingly simple to make. Get ready to enjoy a hearty and healthy meal that won’t derail your keto progress!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium head of green cabbage, chopped
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups beef broth (or bone broth for extra flavor and nutrients)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for extra heat
Instructions:
Get started:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. This simple step builds the flavor base of your soup.
Brown the meat:
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. Using lean ground beef or turkey helps keep this recipe healthy and within your keto macros.
Add the flavor:
- Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, pepper, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute until fragrant. The aromatic herbs will infuse the soup with incredible depth of flavor.
Simmer to perfection:
- Add the chopped cabbage, beef broth, and diced tomatoes (undrained) to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 20-25 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. Don't be afraid to let it simmer a little longer if you prefer a softer cabbage.
Serve and enjoy:
- Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot and enjoy this easy keto meal!
Tips for the Best Keto Cabbage Soup:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone broth instead of regular beef broth.
- Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other keto-friendly vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a little kick.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or sour cream before serving for a richer texture. Remember to factor this into your daily macros.
- Meal prep friendly: This soup is perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch on the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week.
Variations:
- Sausage Cabbage Soup: Replace ground beef with Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Chicken Cabbage Soup: Substitute ground chicken for the beef for a lighter option.
- Spicy Cabbage Soup: Add a generous amount of red pepper flakes for a fiery kick.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size. For a precise calculation, use a nutrition calculator and input your specific ingredients and quantities. However, a general estimate per serving would be:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Net Carbs: Approximately 5-7 grams
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
This keto cabbage soup recipe is a fantastic addition to your healthy eating plan. It's a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal perfect for those following a ketogenic diet or anyone looking for a healthy and quick dinner option. Enjoy!