This keto unstuffed cabbage roll soup recipe offers a healthy and comforting alternative to traditional cabbage rolls. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this soup is perfect for those following a low-carb, keto, paleo, Whole30, or grain-free diet. It's a simple and delicious way to enjoy the classic taste of cabbage rolls without the added carbs and labor-intensive preparation.
Inspiration and Adaptation
Inspired by classic stuffed cabbage rolls, this recipe retains the key ingredients of ground beef, tomato sauce, and spices. However, it replaces the traditional high-carb white rice with cauliflower rice, making it a suitable option for various dietary needs. This swap-out is similar to using radishes instead of potatoes in traditional Hungarian Goulash, maintaining the essence of the dish while catering to specific dietary preferences.
Why Choose Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup?
Traditional cabbage rolls involve blanching cabbage leaves and carefully rolling them around a mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices. This recipe simplifies the process by chopping the cabbage and combining all the ingredients in a pot for a hearty soup. This approach offers all the flavor of cabbage rolls without the time and effort required for rolling.
Ingredients
Besides the main ingredients of cabbage, ground beef, and riced cauliflower, this recipe calls for a few other ingredients. You will need spices such as paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper, plus some cayenne for heat. Canned tomato products help the broth become deep in color plus some acid and richness. Lastly, the beef broth. If you do not have broth, you can use bouillon to mix up the desired amount.
Cooking Methods
Slow Cooker
The slow cooker method is ideal for those who prefer a hands-off approach. The ingredients are simply combined in a Crock-Pot and left to cook for several hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
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Stovetop
For a quicker option, this soup can also be made on the stovetop. The ingredients are combined in a large stockpot and simmered until the cabbage is tender and the cauliflower rice is cooked.
Nutritional Benefits
This keto soup recipe is low-carb. Since it is an unstuffed cabbage roll soup recipe that uses cauliflower rice, the calorie and carb count is very low. Without regular white or brown rice, this version is grain-free and keto-approved. There are only 207 calories and 6.7 net carbs per serving of this cabbage roll soup. This big batch of soup makes 6 large servings that are very filling.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Ground Beef
- Place the ground meat in a medium-sized pot.
- Add water to cover the meat.
- Turn the heat to medium and bring to a simmer.
- Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the meat is cooked and brown.
- Drain and set aside.
Preparing the Vegetables
- Cut the cabbage into medium-sized ribbons or shreds, then chop into smaller pieces.
- Dice the onion.
- If using cauliflower florets, chop them in a food processor until they resemble rice.
Slow Cooker Method
- Add all ingredients, including the cooked ground beef, chopped vegetables, spices, tomato products, and beef broth, into the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 8-10 hours.
Stovetop Method
- Boil the meat in a large stockpot as instructed and then drain.
- Add all remaining ingredients in with the meat.
- Bring to a boil on high heat.
- Once it has reached a rolling boil, turn the heat down to medium-low to simmer.
- Let it simmer for about 30 minutes or until the cabbage is tender and the cauliflower rice is cooked but still a bit firm.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a complete meal in itself, thanks to the combination of meat, vegetables, and flavorful broth. It's hearty enough for lunch or a light dinner.
Variations and Customizations
Vegan Option
To make a vegan version, use MorningStar crumbles or a vegan ground beef substitute and vegan mushroom broth.
Spice Level
Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level of the soup.
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Additional Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, for added flavor and nutrition.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
This unstuffed cabbage roll soup is a great make-ahead recipe. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Refrigerating
Place any leftovers in an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
Store in an air-tight container or ziplock bag that is sealed well. Freeze for up to 3 months. To defrost, place it in the refrigerator to thaw over 2-3 days.
Reheating
To reheat the soup, place it in a small pot on the stove. Heat on medium heat for 10 minutes so that it heats thoroughly. You may need to add a touch more broth, as the cauliflower and cabbage may soak up a lot of the broth during storing and freezing.
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Tips and Tricks
- Meat Preparation: Boiling the ground beef before adding it to the soup results in a more tender and finely ground texture.
- Cabbage Selection: Green cabbage holds up well to simmering, becoming tender without getting soggy.
- Flavor Enhancement: Slow cooking the soup allows the spices and broth to deeply flavor the ground beef, cabbage, and cauliflower.
- Fat Content: If desired, spoon off some or all of the fat from the ground meat after browning to reduce greasiness.
- Alternative to Miracle Rice: Instead of Miracle Rice, you can always use cauliflower rice, or leave both options out entirely.
Addressing Common Questions
Will this cabbage soup fill me up?
Yes, this cabbage soup is surprisingly filling, even in small portions. It can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a main meal.
Are tomatoes keto-friendly?
Yes, tomatoes are relatively low in carbs and can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet. They add great flavor and nutrition to this cabbage soup without adding too many carbs.