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High-Protein WW Cabbage Soup

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High-Protein WW Cabbage Soup

Description: This hearty cabbage soup is loaded with lean ground turkey, tender cabbage, tomatoes, carrots, and flavorful seasonings. It is warm, filling, and packed with protein and fiber, making it a great option for meal prep, lighter dinners, or busy weekdays. The vegetables add plenty of volume without making the soup heavy, while the ground turkey helps support a satisfying, protein-focused meal. WeightWatchers Points can vary depending on the ingredients and personal plan, so enter the exact brands and quantities into your WW app for an accurate calculation.
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or extra-lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large head green cabbage, roughly chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, optional

Optional Garnish

  • Chopped fresh parsley
  • Sliced green onions
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the meat: Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until the meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess liquid or fat if necessary, then transfer the cooked turkey to a plate.
2. Sauté the vegetables: Add the olive oil to the same pot if needed. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the cabbage: Place the chopped cabbage into the pot. It may look like a lot at first, but it will cook down considerably. Stir and cook for 4–5 minutes, allowing the cabbage to soften slightly.
4. Build the soup: Return the cooked turkey to the pot. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, thyme, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, and bay leaf. Stir everything together well.
5. Simmer: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and simmer for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cabbage and carrots are tender. Add a little extra broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
6. Taste and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or green onions.

Tips and Notes

For even more protein, add one can of drained white beans, chickpeas, or kidney beans. This will also add carbohydrates and may change the WW Points. Extra-lean ground turkey keeps the soup lighter, but lean ground chicken or beef can also be used. To reduce sodium, choose no-salt-added tomatoes and low-sodium broth. The soup tastes even better the next day because the flavors have more time to develop.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot. The soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before placing it into freezer-safe containers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes. Brown the meat first, then add it and the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Is this soup low-carb? It is naturally lower in carbohydrates than soups made with pasta, rice, or potatoes. For the lowest-carb version, do not add beans.
Can I make it vegetarian? Leave out the meat, use vegetable broth, and add beans or lentils for plant-based protein.

Approximate Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 190 | Protein: 20g | Carbohydrates: 16g | Fat: 5g | Fiber: 5g
Nutrition will vary depending on the meat, broth, and brands used.

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