There’s just something magical about a warm, comforting bowl of soup, especially when it’s super easy to make and fits perfectly into a keto lifestyle. My Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup is exactly that! I came up with this recipe on one of those chilly evenings when I just wanted something hearty and satisfying without all the fuss. It’s become a regular in my rotation because it’s packed with flavor, incredibly filling, and takes hardly any time to whip up. Seriously, if you’re looking for that perfect go-to meal, you’ve found it!
Why You’ll Love This Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup
This soup is an absolute winner for so many reasons:
- It’s ridiculously easy to make – seriously, a few steps and you’re done!
- The flavor is out of this world, thanks to that savory sausage mingling with tender cabbage.
- It’s perfectly keto-friendly, keeping you satisfied without the carb overload.
- And honestly, it’s just pure comfort in a bowl. Perfect for when you need a hug from the inside out.
Ingredients for Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness simmering! You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff for this soup, just good, honest ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for getting things started)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (I like mild, but hot works too if you like a kick!)
- 1 medium onion, chopped up nice and fine.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t skip the garlic, it’s flavor town!
- 6 cups chicken broth. Low-sodium is great because we can control the saltiness ourselves.
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded. Just shred it up like you’re making coleslaw!
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme. It adds that lovely earthy warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Freshly ground is always best!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness simmering! Seriously, this soup comes together so fast, you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner. Just follow these easy steps:
Browning the Sausage and Sautéing Aromatics
First things first, grab a big pot or a Dutch oven and get it nice and warm over medium heat with that tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your Italian sausage (casings removed, remember!) and get to browning it. I like to break it up with my spoon as it cooks, just so it gets nice and evenly cooked. Once it’s all browned and delicious, drain off any extra grease – we want flavor, not a grease slick! Now, add in your chopped onion and let it soften up for about 5 minutes. You’ll see it start to look a little translucent. Then, stir in your minced garlic and cook for just about a minute until you can really smell it. Careful, garlic burns fast!
Simmering the Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Now for the magic! Pour in those 6 cups of chicken broth and bring the whole pot up to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling a bit, toss in your shredded cabbage, the dried thyme, your salt, and that pinch of black pepper. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything is well combined. Pop a lid on the pot and let it simmer away for about 15 to 20 minutes. You just want to cook it until the cabbage is nice and tender – not mushy, but soft enough to eat easily.
Final Touches and Seasoning Adjustments
This is the most important part, folks! Before you serve, give your soup a taste. Does it need a little more salt? A bit more pepper? This is your chance to make it perfect for *your* taste buds. Trust me, a little adjustment here makes all the difference!
And that’s it! See? So simple. You can even check out this awesome sausage and potato dish if you’re looking for more hearty ideas, but this soup is truly a winner on its own!
Tips for the Best Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Okay, so making this soup is already a breeze, but let me give you a few little secrets to make it absolutely spectacular! A few tweaks here and there can really take it from good to “wow, I can’t believe I made this!”
Choosing the Right Sausage for Your Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup
The sausage is really the star here, so pick one you love! I usually go for a good quality mild Italian sausage because it has just the right amount of savory goodness without being too spicy. But hey, if you’re like me and sometimes crave a little heat, totally go for the hot Italian sausage! It really kicks things up a notch. Just make sure it’s a type that’s good for keto – usually, the fresher stuff has fewer fillers and carbs.
Adding Other Low-Carb Vegetables
While cabbage and sausage are amazing, don’t be afraid to load in some other low-carb veggies! Diced celery adds a nice subtle flavor and texture, and a bit of chopped green bell pepper can bring a touch of sweetness. Zucchini is another great option that just kind of melts into the soup. Just chop them up small and toss them in when you add the cabbage – they’ll cook up perfectly and make your soup even heartier and more delicious. It’s a great way to use up what’s in the fridge!
And if you’re looking for other amazing cabbage recipes, you’ve gotta check out this weight loss cabbage soup – it’s a classic for a reason! Or try this different take on weight loss cabbage soup too. They’re all fantastic ways to enjoy this versatile veggie!
Storing and Reheating Your Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup
One of the best things about this Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup is how incredibly well it stores and reheats! Honestly, I think it tastes even better the next day. Once it’s cooled down a bit, I like to package leftovers in airtight containers. You can easily keep it in the fridge for about 3-4 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches during the week! And if you want to make a big batch and freeze some for later, that works too. Just pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it should be good for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s nice and hot all the way through. Try not to boil it too vigorously when reheating, so the cabbage stays nice and tender!
Frequently Asked Questions about Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Got questions about this yummy soup? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?
You can totally adapt this for a vegetarian or vegan diet! Just swap out the Italian sausage for crumbled plant-based sausage or even some extra mushrooms and maybe some smoked paprika for that savory flavor. For the chicken broth, use a good quality vegetable broth instead. It’ll change the flavor a bit, but it’ll still be super delicious!
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
Great question! If chicken broth isn’t your favorite or you don’t have any on hand, a good quality vegetable broth works just beautifully. Beef broth can also add a different, richer dimension to the soup if you have that. Just make sure whatever broth you use is pretty low in carbs to keep it keto-friendly!
How can I make this soup spicier?
Oh, I love a little kick! The easiest way is to use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic and onions, or even stir in a little bit of sriracha (check the carb count on that!) or a dash of your favorite hot sauce right at the end. Experiment and find your perfect level of heat!
Can I add other low-carb ingredients?
Absolutely! This soup is super versatile. Feel free to toss in some chopped celery with the onions, or some finely diced bell peppers. Mushrooms would also be delicious! Just make sure whatever you add is low in carbs. If you love the idea of a deconstructed egg roll, you might also enjoy checking out my egg roll in a bowl recipe – it has similar flavors!
Nutritional Information for Keto Cabbage & Sausage Soup
Just so you know, the nutrition info is always an estimate because brands and ingredients can vary a bit! But for a serving of about 1.5 cups of this amazing soup, you’re looking at roughly 350 calories. It’s got about 25g of fat (mostly good stuff!), right around 10g of carbs with 3g of fiber (so the net carbs are pretty low, score!), and a solid 20g of protein to keep you full. You’ll also find about 800mg of sodium. It’s a pretty great low-carb option!
Print
Keto Cabbage and Sausage Soup
- Total Time: 45 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and flavorful low-carb soup featuring cabbage and sausage, perfect for a keto diet.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 head of cabbage, shredded
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add shredded cabbage, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- For a spicier soup, use hot Italian sausage.
- You can add other low-carb vegetables like celery or bell peppers.
- This soup freezes well.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 30 min
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: keto, cabbage, sausage, soup, low carb, hearty, easy