Weight Loss Cabbage Soup

Weight Loss Cabbage Soup – but make it actually taste good. Our mom and we lost over 80 pounds collectively, and this is one of our go-to lunches. It comes in at only 277 calories and still manages to keep us satisfied for hours. Plus, it’s packed with lean ground turkey (translation: 29 grams of protein!) for long lasting energy. It’s the anti-diet weight loss soup – one that’s shouting from the rooftops, “You can have your soup, and eat it, too!”

If you’re looking for more detox soup recipes – and 40+ low-cal, high-protein meals – then check out our Weight Loss Recipes guide!

Before you start

• Weight Loss Cabbage Soup is low calorie at only 230 calories and high-protein with 24 grams per serving.
• This detox soup is suited to meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it all week with minimal effort.
• You can easily customize the recipe by swapping proteins or making it vegetarian with white beans or chickpeas.
• Best served with options like No Knead Bread or Roasted Sweet Potatoes for a complete meal.
• You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months or adjust thickness by simmering uncovered.

What stands out

⬇ It’s low calorie: This healthy cabbage soup recipe keeps you full for hours but comes in at only 277 calories.

It’s great for meal prep: Make it once, enjoy it all week – when you want something satisfying and healthy without the extra work. Takeout who?

It’s high protein: We know, we know, when you think ‘cabbage’ you think ‘fiber.’ But this soup is hiding a secret weapon – 29 grams of protein!

Kitchen tip

Rice continues to absorb liquid as it sits. To keep the soup balanced, add a splash of water to the pot when reheating, or reduce the amount of rice to 1/3 cup.

Swaps

1. Swap lean ground turkey for proteins such as ground chicken or lean ground beef.
2. If you’re vegetarian then swap ground turkey for white beans or chickpeas.
3. For a thicker soup, use less water or simmer uncovered a little longer to reduce the broth.
4. Add a squeeze of lemon or a handful of dill to brighten up the flavors.
5. Stir in a parmesan rind for savory umami flavor.

Serve it with

• No Knead Bread
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Simple Green Salad
• Fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon, and a dollop of yogurt

Questions

Can you freeze cabbage soup?

Yes! Let it cool completely, then add to a freezer safe airtight container (or bag) and freeze for up to 3 months.

Is Weight Loss Cabbage Soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This is the meal prep soup – make it once and store in the fridge for 4-5 days to enjoy all week long.

Can we make this vegetarian?

Of course! Instead of ground turkey, swap for white beans or chickpeas to make a vegetarian-friendly version.

How do we thicken cabbage soup?

If you want thicker soup, then simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the broth.

What’s the best low-carb substitute for rice in soup?

Cauliflower rice is the most popular low-carb substitute. It absorbs flavor well and keeps the soup light yet satisfying.

Ingredients

Makes 5 servings

• ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 450 grams lean ground turkey
• 2 onions, finely diced
• 3 small carrots, finely diced
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• salt, taste and adjust
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ cup jasmine rice, rinsed
• 4.5 cups chopped green cabbage
• 5 cups unsalted broth
• 5 cups water
• big handful of fresh dill, chopped

Equipment

• Measuring Cups + Spoons
• Large Pot
• Cutting Board
• Nakiri Knife

Method

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for about 8–10 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks, until fully cooked through.
2. Add the onions and carrots and sauté for a few minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook just until fragrant.
3. Add the salt and the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring, until it deepens in colour.
4. Add the rinsed rice and stir, followed by the chopped cabbage, broth, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil.
5. Once boiling, reduce to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the cabbage is soft.
6. Finish with a big handful of fresh dill, give it a final stir, and taste to adjust the salt if needed. A fresh squeeze of lemon juice will brighten it up.
7. Top with a scoop of yogurt or sour cream if you wish! Serve warm and enjoy.

Kitchen notes

• Rice tip: The rice continues to absorb liquid as it sits — add a splash of water when reheating leftovers.
• Storage: Keeps in the fridge for up to 4-5 days.
• Protein swap: Ground chicken or extra-lean ground beef work great too.
• Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end is highly recommended — it brightens everything up!
• Make it thicker: Use less water, or simmer uncovered a little longer.