Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot: Retains heat evenly and provides ample volume for browning beef and simmering cabbage.
- Wooden Spoon or Meat Chopper: Easily breaks ground beef into fine, uniform crumbles while searing.
- Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board: Chops cabbage, onions, and garlic quickly for fast meal assembly.
- Ladle: Serves hot soup cleanly into meal prep containers or soup bowls without spills.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs (680g) 90/10 Lean Ground Beef (Note: Lean beef reduces excess grease while maintaining high protein density).
- 6 cups (approx. ½ medium head) Green Cabbage (Note: Chopped into bite-sized 1-inch ribbons).
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (Note: Diced finely).
- 3 cloves Garlic (Note: Minced).
- 1 can (14.5 oz / 400g) Diced Tomatoes (Note: Unsalted, with juices).
- 1 can (8 oz / 225g) Tomato Sauce (Note: Unsweetened, zero-added-sugar).
- 4 cups (1 Liter) Beef Bone Broth or Beef Stock (Note: Bone broth adds extra collagen protein and rich depth).
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar (Note: Stirs in at the end to balance flavors).
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- Salt & Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs ground beef and diced yellow onion. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until browned. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper to the browned beef. High-protein cooking tip: Searing spices directly with lean beef locks in savory notes without needing added fats.
- Pour in 1 can diced tomatoes (with juices), 1 can tomato sauce, and 4 cups beef bone broth. Stir thoroughly to deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any delicious browned bits.
- Add 6 cups of chopped green cabbage to the pot. It will look bulky initially, but it will quickly wilt down into the hot broth as it heats.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then turn heat down to medium-low. Cover with a lid and simmer for 15 to 18 minutes until the cabbage is tender and sweet.
- Remove from heat and stir in 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Storage Tip: Store in individual glass containers for quick grab-and-go low-carb lunches all week. Reheating Instruction: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat for 5 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot. Allergy Note: Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, nut-free, and keto-compliant. Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or top with a spoonful of shredded sharp cheddar or grated parmesan before serving. Storage Tip: Store in individual glass containers for quick grab-and-go low-carb lunches all week. Reheating Instruction: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat for 5 minutes or microwave in 1-minute intervals until hot. Allergy Note: Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, nut-free, and keto-compliant. Flavor Boosts: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or top with a spoonful of shredded sharp cheddar or grated parmesan before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 280 kcal · Protein: 28 g · Fat: s: 12 g Cholesterol: 70 mg · Carbohydrates: 10 g · Fiber: 3 g · Sugar: 5 g · Sodium: 580 mg
