If you’re on a keto journey and craving something hearty, warming, and ridiculously easy to make, this Keto Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup is about to be your new obsession. It’s everything you love about traditional cabbage rolls—savory, beefy, and perfectly seasoned—but served up in a cozy, soupy twist. Plus, it’s slow-cooked, so the flavors get to hang out and party while you get on with your day.

Let’s dive right into why this recipe is about to become your family favorite, how to make it step by step, and all the little tips to take it from great to chef’s kiss.

Why You’ll Love This Keto Cabbage Roll Soup

Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Toss everything in the crockpot, and you’re golden. No tedious rolling or prepping required!
Keto-Friendly: Packed with low-carb veggies and just the right amount of fat, this soup hits all the marks for a ketogenic diet.
Meal Prep Gold: It’s freezer-friendly and reheats like a dream, so you can batch-cook your way to easy weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Ground beef is the go-to here, but you can easily swap it for turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you’re feeling adventurous.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this bowl of keto perfection:

The Basics

1 lb ground beef: Choose 80/20 for a little extra flavor and fat, but leaner works too.
1 medium onion, diced: Skip this if you’re aiming for super low-carb.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Don’t skimp here—garlic is non-negotiable.
1 small head of cabbage, chopped: About 4-5 cups. Green cabbage works best, but savoy can be a fun twist.

Flavor Boosters

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes: Look for ones without added sugar.
1 cup tomato sauce: Again, check the label to keep it keto.
4 cups beef broth: Homemade is amazing, but store-bought works in a pinch.
2 tbsp olive oil or butter: For sautéing the aromatics.

Seasonings

1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
½ tsp ground cinnamon: Trust me, it adds a surprising depth.
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Extras

1 medium green bell pepper, diced: Adds a bit of sweetness without going off keto.
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Balances the flavors beautifully.
¼ cup heavy cream or sour cream: If you like it creamy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Grab a skillet and heat up your olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned and crumbly. Toss in the diced onion and garlic, letting them soften and mingle with the beef for 2-3 minutes. Drain any excess grease, and set it aside.

Pro tip: Browning the beef before it hits the crockpot adds layers of flavor. Don’t skip this part unless you’re in a serious rush.

Step 2: Layer the Ingredients

In your crockpot, start with the cabbage as the base layer. Next, add the browned beef mixture, followed by the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle the smoked paprika, oregano, basil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper on top.

No need to stir yet—let the crockpot work its magic!

Step 3: Set It and Forget It

Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will meld, so patience pays off here.

Pro tip: About halfway through, give the soup a gentle stir to make sure everything’s cooking evenly.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

When the timer’s up, give the soup a taste test. If it feels like it’s missing something, it probably needs a touch more salt or a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten things up.

If you’re going the creamy route, stir in the heavy cream or sour cream just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Scoop your steaming soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, shredded parmesan, or a dollop of sour cream. Pair it with a side of keto-friendly garlic bread or just enjoy it on its own—it’s hearty enough to be the main event.

If you’ve got non-keto family members, serve this with a crusty baguette, and watch them devour it.

Variations to Keep Things Fresh

This soup is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to get creative:

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño.
Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, pork, or chicken instead of beef.
Low-Carb Rice: Stir in some cauliflower rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Extra Veggies: Zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms are excellent low-carb additions.

Storage and Freezing Tips

Storing

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, and the flavors only get better over time.

Freezing

This soup freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion. It’ll last up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.

The Keto Macros Breakdown

One generous bowl of this soup (about 2 cups) comes in at:

Calories: ~200
Carbs: ~7g net
Protein: ~15g
Fat: ~10g

Disclaimer: These numbers can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use, so always double-check if you’re tracking macros closely.

A Little Backstory: Why This Recipe Rocks

Growing up, my grandmother made cabbage rolls every holiday. They were delicious but such a labor of love—she’d spend hours stuffing, rolling, and baking. When I stumbled on this soup idea, it felt like cheating in the best way possible. All the nostalgia and flavor, none of the hassle.

Now, every time I make this, it feels like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen. Plus, it fits perfectly into my keto lifestyle without missing a beat.

Conclusion

This Keto Crockpot Cabbage Roll Soup is everything you want in a comfort food recipe: easy, flavorful, and totally guilt-free. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a crowd, or just need a dinner that feels like a hug in a bowl, this one’s a winner.

So, grab your crockpot, chop some cabbage, and let the magic happen. Don’t forget to snap a pic for Pinterest—it’s too good not to share!