Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup
Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup 🥬🍝 is a easy Italian‑American recipe that serves 4. 340 calories per serving. Recipe by Sammy Rose on YouTube.
Prep: 12 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 57 min
Cost: $13.96 total, $3.49 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Lean Ground Beef (90% lean, break up while cooking)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for browning the beef)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (optional but recommended)
- 2 cups No‑Sugar‑Added Tomato Sauce (low‑sugar marinara or crushed tomatoes with herbs)
- 2 cups Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (adds depth, can replace with more beef broth)
- 1 cup Water
- 1 head Green Cabbage (medium size, core removed, shredded)
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat for best texture)
- 1 large Egg (room temperature)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated, for topping)
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook until fully browned, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium‑high
Season the Beef
Stir in salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes to let the spices bloom.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Prepare the Cabbage
While the beef cooks, rinse the cabbage head, remove the core, and shred it on a cutting board using a chef’s knife or a shredder.
Time: PT5M
Add Cabbage to the Pot
Add the shredded cabbage to the pot with the browned beef. Stir to combine and let the cabbage wilt for about 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Liquids
Pour in the no‑sugar‑added tomato sauce, beef broth, chicken broth, and water. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: medium
Simmer the Soup
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let it cook for 15 minutes, or until the cabbage is tender and flavors have melded.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: simmer
Prepare Ricotta Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, the egg, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Add Ricotta Dollops
Drop spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture around the surface of the soup. Cover the pot again and let it heat through for 5 minutes; the ricotta will set into soft clouds.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: low
Finish and Serve
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top, give a final gentle stir, and ladle into bowls. Serve hot.
Time: PT1M
Temperature: hot
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 340
- Protein
- 24g
- Carbohydrates
- 6g
- Fat
- 17g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Low Carb, Keto Friendly, Gluten Free (if sauce is gluten‑free), High Protein
Allergens: Dairy, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Lean Ground Beef: ground turkey, ground chicken
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil, canola oil
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: dried oregano and basil blend
- Instead of No‑Sugar‑Added Tomato Sauce: unsweetened crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Beef Broth: chicken broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Chicken Broth: beef broth, vegetable broth
- Instead of Green Cabbage: Savoy cabbage, Napa cabbage
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: cottage cheese, goat cheese
- Instead of Egg: egg replacer
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Grater
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the ground beef until fully cooked
- Simmer the cabbage until tender
- Drop ricotta mixture without stirring to keep distinct pockets
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red‑pepper flakes with the seasonings
- Use a mix of green and red cabbage for a colorful presentation
- Finish with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil for richness
Troubleshooting
Cabbage is still crunchy after simmering
Continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 5‑10 minutes until tender.
Ricotta pockets dissolve into the broth
Add the ricotta mixture after the soup has simmered and lower the heat; do not stir after adding.
Soup is too thick or too thin
If too thick, add a splash of water or broth; if too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the ricotta‑egg mixture up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
- The soup can be fully cooked a day in advance; reheat gently on the stove
- Portion into freezer bags for quick meals
- Add fresh Parmesan just before serving for best texture
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup in Italian‑American cuisine?
While traditional lasagna is layered with pasta, Italian‑American home cooks have long adapted the dish for low‑carb diets by substituting cabbage for noodles, creating a soup‑like version that retains the flavors of meat, tomato sauce, and cheese. This adaptation reflects the modern health‑conscious twist on classic comfort food.
What are the traditional regional variations of cabbage‑based lasagna soups in Italian cuisine?
In northern Italy, especially in the Veneto region, cabbage is sometimes used in hearty soups with pork or beef. The low‑carb lasagna soup borrows that concept but adds Italian seasoning and ricotta, blending northern soup traditions with southern lasagna flavors.
How is Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil. Some families add a side of crusty low‑carb bread or a simple green salad.
What occasions or celebrations is Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
This soup is popular for weeknight dinners and family gatherings where a comforting, low‑carb option is desired, especially during colder months or after holiday feasts when a lighter yet satisfying dish is welcomed.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup?
Pair it with a crisp Caesar salad, roasted garlic broccoli, or a low‑carb antipasto platter featuring olives, cured meats, and marinated vegetables for a balanced meal.
What makes Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
It replaces carb‑heavy pasta sheets with nutrient‑dense cabbage, keeping the classic lasagna flavor profile while dramatically lowering carbs and calories, making it ideal for keto and low‑carb diets.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup?
Common errors include under‑cooking the ground beef, over‑stirring after adding the ricotta (which dissolves the pockets), and not allowing the cabbage to soften enough before adding the cheese topping.
Why does this Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup recipe use ricotta mixed with an egg instead of adding cheese directly?
The egg acts as a binder, allowing the ricotta to hold its shape as soft clouds in the broth, mimicking the layered cheese pockets of traditional lasagna without melting completely into the soup.
Can I make Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the soup fully, let it cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed, and add fresh Parmesan just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup?
The cabbage should be tender but still retain a slight bite, the broth should be rich and slightly thick from the tomato sauce, and the ricotta dollops should appear as soft, creamy clouds that hold their shape.
How do I know when Low Carb Cabbage Lasagna Soup is done cooking?
When the cabbage is fork‑tender, the beef is fully browned with no pink, and the ricotta pockets are set and slightly puffed after the final 5‑minute heat‑through, the soup is ready.
What does the YouTube channel Sammy Rose specialize in?
The YouTube channel Sammy Rose focuses on quick, health‑focused home cooking, offering low‑carb, keto‑friendly, and family‑friendly recipes that simplify classic comfort foods for everyday meals.
What is the cooking philosophy and style of the YouTube channel Sammy Rose?
Sammy Rose emphasizes simple ingredient lists, minimal prep, and adaptable techniques that allow busy home cooks to create nutritious meals without sacrificing flavor, often featuring low‑carb twists on traditional dishes.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
