If you're looking for a hearty, low-effort, and genuinely healthy cabbage soup that fits into your low-carb goals, this low-carb crockpot cabbage soup with ground turkey hits the mark. It’s a delicious twist on traditional cabbage vegetable soup—savory, satisfying, and surprisingly comforting for something this simple. This soup checks all the boxes: a nutritious dish loaded with vegetables, lean protein, and warmth without the carb overload. It’s one of those cabbage soup crockpot recipes that feels like a big hug in a bowl.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a cabbage soup diet recipe or just want to eat more whole foods with fewer carbs, this crock pot cabbage soup delivers without sacrificing flavor. Let’s dive in.
Low-Carb Crockpot Cabbage Soup with Ground Turkey
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 hours hrs
Total Time 6 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American
6-quart Crockpot/Slow Cooker Ideal for making large batches; you can also use an Instant Pot on the “slow cook” setting.
Skillet For browning the ground turkey before adding to the crockpot.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula For stirring.
Chef’s knife & cutting board To prep your veggies.
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small head of green cabbage chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 3 medium carrots diced
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 medium zucchini diced (optional but adds variety)
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
Protein
- 1 lb ground turkey lean, 93% recommended
Broth & Seasonings
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for heat
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce adds umami
Garnishes (Optional but Recommended)
- Fresh parsley chopped
- Grated parmesan cheese or a swirl of sour cream for creaminess without carbs
Prep the Ingredients
Chop all vegetables and set aside. Rinse the cabbage well to avoid any residual grit, especially between the leaves.
Brown the Turkey
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until no longer pink. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks and season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Load Up the Crockpot
To your slow cooker, add the cooked turkey, chopped cabbage, onions, carrots, celery, zucchini (if using), garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and all seasonings and herbs. Pour in the chicken broth and add the Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything gently to combine.
Set and Forget
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld. The cabbage will become tender and slightly sweet, which pairs beautifully with the savory ground turkey and broth.
Taste and Adjust
Once cooked, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the soup has thickened too much for your liking, you can stir in a bit more broth.
Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley. Add parmesan or sour cream for a little creaminess if desired.
Pairings
This low-carb cabbage soup is a meal in itself, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to build out the meal, here are a few pairing ideas:
For a Heartier Meal
- Keto Cheddar Biscuits: These almond flour-based biscuits make a buttery, satisfying addition.
- Parmesan Crisps: A crunchy, salty topping or side that doesn’t mess with the low-carb theme.
For a Light Side
- Simple Arugula Salad: Tossed in olive oil and lemon juice, a peppery salad cuts through the richness of the soup.
- Pickled Veggies: A tangy counterpoint to the comforting warmth of the soup.
For Drink Pairings
- Lemon-infused Water or Herbal Tea: Clean and fresh to balance the savory notes.
- Dry White Wine: Something crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc pairs well without overpowering the dish.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?
Absolutely. If you’re aiming for something like a cabbage soup with ground beef, swap the turkey for lean ground beef. Just brown it first and drain excess fat.
2. Can I add potatoes to this soup?
You can, but keep in mind it won’t be low-carb anymore. It will lean more toward a cabbage and potato soup, which is delicious in its own right. Consider swapping potatoes for rutabaga or turnips if you want something similar in texture without the carbs.
3. How does this compare to cabbage roll soup?
Very similar! In fact, this dish is like a low-carb cabbage roll soup recipe without rice. You could even call it a “deconstructed cabbage roll” in a bowl.
4. Can I make this creamy?
Yes—after cooking, stir in a splash of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a creamy cabbage soup variation. Keep it light so the soup doesn’t get too rich or lose its clean profile.
5. Is this recipe good for the cabbage soup diet?
It’s an excellent fit if you're looking for a cabbage soup diet or cabbage soup diet recipe. Just be mindful of sodium and omit the Worcestershire sauce if you’re watching additives.
