Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup (Keto) and (Instant Pot, Crockpot, or Stovetop)

If you’ve ever made traditional cabbage rolls, then you already know they are delicious! BUT they’re also an event and loaded with carbs. Rolling, stuffing, layering, simmering and that’s if nothing falls apart in the process. As much as I love the flavor of classic cabbage rolls, I just don’t have the time (or desire!) to spend an hour rolling them on a busy weeknight. So instead, I make this Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup which is a cozy, rich, low-carb version that gives you every bit of the flavor without the work.

It’s honestly one of my favorite low-carb “comfort meals” because it tastes like home, fills you up, and won’t kick you out of ketosis since it doesn’t send your blood sugar on a rollercoaster ride.

And the best part? Whether I make it in my Instant Pot, slow cooker, or on the stove, it’s always quick, easy, and makes great leftovers. As a busy mom who’s been cooking low-carb for over 10 years, that’s exactly the kind of recipe I rely on. Added bonus: my kids LOVE this recipe. When the kids love a low-carb recipe, it’s a keeper!

Why This Soup Works for Low-Carb Living (and Busy Lives!)

There are two reasons this recipe is always on repeat in my kitchen:

1. It’s genuinely low carb without the weird ingredients.

This soup is full of:

• ground beef
• green cabbage
• tomatoes
• seasonings

Everything is simple and keto-friendly. No special fancy flours, no expensive products (I think we all appreciate this right now!). Just real ingredients you probably already have.

At only 4.3 net carbs per cup, it’s a no-guilt comfort food that will keep you full.

2. It saves SO much time compared to cabbage rolls.

Instead of rolling cabbage leaves like you’re prepping for a big Thanksgiving meal at your grandmother’s house, you literally toss everything into the pot and walk away. Um, this homeschool mom says…yes please!

It’s the perfect meal for:

• busy weeknights
• cold weather
• meal prep
• Anyone trying to eat healthier without spending hours cooking

This is truly the “all the flavor and none of the work” version of a keto cabbage roll.

My Personal Tips

After making this soup more times than I can count, here are a few things that I do to take it up a notch:

1. Brown the beef really well before adding anything else. The little browned bits make the soup taste richer.
2. Use fire-roasted tomatoes if you want a deeper flavor.
3. Season at the end. Cabbage absorbs salt as it cooks, so wait before adjusting.
4. If you want a thicker, more “stuffed cabbage” feel, simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes.
5. Add cauliflower rice if you miss the white or brown rice that goes in traditional cabbage rolls. It’s a great swap for white rice.

I’ve learned these tips through years of low-carb cooking and dozens of batches of this exact soup. This makes the difference between “good” and “wow.”

Ingredients

You don’t need anything fancy:

• Small yellow onion – adds sweetness and depth
• Garlic cloves – boosts savory flavor
• Ground beef – hearty protein base
• Beef broth – gives a rich hearty flavor
• Diced tomatoes – adds acidity and classic flavor
• Tomato sauce – thickens and enriches
• Bragg’s Aminos (or coconut aminos) – deep umami taste
• Chopped cabbage – provides bulk and texture
• Worcestershire sauce – enhances tangy richness
• Parsley – adds a fresh, bright finish
• Salt & black pepper – enhances flavors and adds warmth to the dish

What Is Bragg’s Aminos?

Bragg’s Liquid Aminos is my go-to for adding depth without carbs. It gives this soup that “simmered all day” flavor without soy sauce or sugar. If you’re avoiding soy, coconut aminos works too. Think “good for you” soy sauce!

If you love this low-carb soup, try my Keto Stuffed Pepper Soup recipe.

Carbs in This Low Carb Cabbage Roll Soup

Per 1-cup serving:

6.4g total carbs
2.1g fiber
= 4.3g net carbs

Not bad for a big, hearty bowl of comfort food.

What to Serve With Easy Cabbage Roll Soup

This soup is filling on its own (this is how I usually eat it), but if you want something with it:

• A garden salad
• Keto garlic chaffles
• A spoonful of sour cream
• A sprinkle of cheese
• Crispy bacon on top

How to Make a Low Carb Unstuffed Cabbage Soup (3 Ways)

🅐 Instant Pot Instructions

(I use the Instant Pot Duo60, but any model is fine.)

1. Turn on Sauté and brown the ground beef with onions and garlic; drain.
2. Add everything back into the pot and stir.
3. Lock the lid.
4. Press Soup and set to 15 minutes.

Once it’s done, quick-release.

🅑 Crockpot / Slow Cooker Instructions

1. Brown the beef, onion, and garlic on the stovetop; drain.
2. Add everything to the Crockpot and stir.
3. Cook 3–4 hours on high or 6–7 hours on low, until cabbage is tender.

🅒 Stovetop Instructions

1. Brown beef with onion and garlic; drain.
2. Add everything else.
3. Bring to a boil and simmer covered for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until cabbage softens.

Additional Protein Swaps (Easy Ways to Customize)

One of the things I love about this soup is how flexible it is. If you don’t have ground beef on hand or just want to switch things up, here are some protein swap ideas that work so good and still keep the soup low carb:

• Ground turkey – A lighter option that still absorbs all the cabbage-roll flavors.
•  Ground pork – Adds a rich depth and pairs perfectly with the cabbage.
• Italian sausage (mild or spicy) – Gives the soup a bolder, more savory flavor without extra steps.
• Ground chicken – Leaner and milder; great if you prefer a lighter broth.
• Half beef + half sausage – A favorite combo for extra flavor with the same cook time.
• Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken – A fast option; just stir it in during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Sirloin bites

These swaps work in all three versions, and the cooking time stays the same no matter which protein you choose.

Storing Keto Unstuffed Cabbage Soup

Refrigerator:

You can store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen as it sits! Your leftovers will taste even better the next day.

Freezer:

This soup freezes so good. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Expert Tip: Freeze in 1–2 cup portions for quick lunches or easy weeknight meals.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Warm your leftovers over medium heat until hot. You can add a splash of broth or water if it thickens.
Microwave: Heat in short 1-minute increments. Make sure you stir between each burst.
From frozen: Thaw it overnight in the fridge or reheat gently on the stovetop from frozen. Add extra broth as needed.
Cabbage continues to soften as it sits so reheating low and slow gives you the best texture.

Why You Can Trust This Unstuffed Cabbage Roll Soup Recipe

• I’ve been cooking keto and low carb for over 10 years, and everything I share is tested in my own kitchen.
• I’ve made this specific soup dozens of times because it’s affordable, filling, and family-friendly. My kids go bananas over this one.
• I focus on recipes that work for real families. Simple ingredients, budget-friendly, and no hours-in-the-kitchen required.
• My site has been visited and recipes have been tried, tested, and loved by millions of readers over the years.
• I don’t just create recipes. I cook them regularly for my own family. My hubby and oldest daughter are Type 1 diabetics, so low-carb has been our life for years.

FAQ

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely. It freezes great for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute turkey?

Yep! It’s lighter but still flavorful. Now, I hate turkey, but go for it!

Does this soup taste like real cabbage rolls?

Absolutely! That’s the whole point! All the flavor, none of the carbs or extra time rolling.

Can I make it spicier?

A pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick. OR multiple pinches if you’re my hubs! lol!

Can I add cauliflower rice?

Definitely. It gives that “stuffed cabbage” texture and adds bulk.

Love Low Carb Soups? Try These Next:

Keto Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup

Explore my full Keto Recipe Index for more easy meals!

If you love my simple low-carb cabbage soup, then I know you will enjoy checking out all of my family’s favorite recipes in my Keto Recipes Index.