How Many Carbs Are in Beef and Cabbage? A Nutritional Breakdown

October 31, 2025 •

4 min read

While lean beef contains zero carbohydrates, the carb content of a beef and cabbage meal can vary significantly depending on the recipe's additional ingredients. Simple versions can be very low-carb and keto-friendly, while traditional preparations often include higher-carb additions like potatoes or sugary sauces.

Quick Summary

The carbohydrate count of a beef and cabbage dish depends on the recipe and added ingredients, as beef is carb-free and plain cabbage is very low-carb. Simple keto-friendly recipes contain minimal carbs, whereas traditional stews or casseroles often have a higher count due to other components.

Key Points

Beef is carb-free: Plain, unseasoned beef contains zero carbohydrates, making it a great protein source for low-carb diets.
Cabbage is low-carb: Raw cabbage is high in fiber and contains only about 5 grams of total carbs per cup, resulting in approximately 3g net carbs.
Recipe determines carb count: The total carbohydrate content of a beef and cabbage meal is primarily based on additional ingredients like potatoes, carrots, and high-sugar sauces, not the core components.
Keto-friendly options exist: Low-carb versions, often called 'crack slaw,' use minimal carb ingredients and are a suitable option for keto dieters.
Traditional recipes vary: Dishes like corned beef and cabbage prepared with potatoes can contain significantly higher carbs compared to simpler skillet meals.

Understanding the Carb Content of the Base Ingredients

To accurately determine the carbohydrate count of a beef and cabbage dish, it's essential to first look at the nutritional profile of the two core components individually. This foundation explains why this combination can be so flexible for various dietary needs, from keto to balanced eating plans.

Beef: A Zero-Carb Protein Source

By itself, beef is a protein-rich food that contains no carbohydrates. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked, lean ground beef, for example, contains 0 grams of carbs. This makes it an ideal ingredient for low-carb and ketogenic diets, as it contributes protein and fat without impacting your daily carb macro count.

Cabbage: A Low-Carb, High-Fiber Vegetable

Cabbage is a non-starchy vegetable known for being low in calories and carbohydrates, yet high in fiber. A single cup of chopped raw cabbage contains only about 5 grams of total carbohydrates, with around 2 grams coming from fiber. This results in a net carb count of approximately 3 grams per cup, making it a very carb-efficient addition to any meal. Cabbage also adds volume, nutrients like Vitamin C and K, and can help promote better digestion.

How Recipes Alter the Carb Count

Since the base ingredients are naturally low in carbs, the overall carbohydrate count of a beef and cabbage meal is determined almost entirely by how it is prepared and what is added to it. There can be a wide range of carb counts, from very low to quite high.

Low-Carb and Keto Preparations

Recipes designed for low-carb or keto diets, such as a ground beef and cabbage skillet (sometimes called "crack slaw"), typically use minimal added ingredients that contain carbs. These versions rely on flavor from spices, garlic, onion, and a binder like coconut aminos or tamari, which are low-carb substitutes for soy sauce. A typical serving of a keto-friendly skillet can have as few as 7 to 10 grams of total carbohydrates.

Example ingredients for low-carb beef and cabbage:

Ground beef
Shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
Onion and garlic
Olive oil or butter
Herbs and spices (e.g., cumin, paprika, Italian seasoning)
Low-carb sauces (coconut aminos, vinegar)
Melted cheese for extra flavor

Traditional, High-Carb Variations

Traditional stews, casseroles, or regional dishes often use ingredients that increase the carb content significantly. For example, corned beef and cabbage, particularly when served with potatoes, can have a high carbohydrate count. The addition of starchy vegetables, tomato-based sauces with added sugar, or thickeners like flour will all drive the total carb count up.

Example ingredients that increase carb content:

Potatoes or carrots
Tomato sauce or ketchup
Thickeners (flour, cornstarch)
Sweet sauces or condiments

Comparison of Carb Counts: Keto vs. Traditional

The table below demonstrates the stark contrast in carbohydrate content between two common preparations of beef and cabbage, highlighting how ingredient choices affect the final nutritional value.


Ingredient/Meal Type	Simple Keto Beef & Cabbage Skillet	Traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage	Net Carbs (Estimated)
Beef	~1 lb Ground Beef	~1 lb Corned Beef Brisket	0g (plain beef)
Cabbage	~7 cups Shredded Cabbage	~1 head Chopped Cabbage	~3g net carbs per cup
Potatoes	None	Yes	High Carb
Sauce	Low-carb (Coconut Aminos)	Often Tomato-based	Varies
Other Veg	Onions, Garlic	Onions, Celery, Carrots	Low to Medium
Approx. Net Carbs Per Serving	~7-10g	~61g (with potatoes)

Customizing Your Dish to Control Carbs

Fortunately, it's easy to control the carb count of your beef and cabbage meal by focusing on the ingredients you add. Here are a few tips:

Stick to low-carb vegetables: Use low-carb vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms in your skillet instead of high-carb potatoes or carrots.
Choose your sauce wisely: Avoid sugary sauces. Opt for low-carb alternatives like coconut aminos, apple cider vinegar, or simply use herbs and spices for flavor.
Mind your portions: Even low-carb ingredients can add up. Be mindful of your portion size to keep the total carb count in check.
Use low-carb binders: If a sauce needs thickening, use a low-carb option like xanthan gum sparingly instead of flour.

Conclusion

The amount of carbs in a beef and cabbage dish is almost entirely dependent on how you prepare it. While the base ingredients of lean beef and plain cabbage are naturally low in carbohydrates, adding starchy vegetables, sugary sauces, or other high-carb components will increase the total. For a genuinely low-carb meal, focus on simple, keto-friendly recipes and choose your additional ingredients carefully. This versatile combination can fit into a variety of dietary plans, provided you customize the recipe to your specific needs.

For more nutritional information and recipe ideas, consider exploring reputable health and food blogs that focus on low-carb eating. For instance, sites like Healthline offer useful resources on vegetable nutrition.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, plain beef is a pure protein and fat source and contains zero carbohydrates.

Yes, cabbage is a very low-carb and high-fiber vegetable. A cup of chopped, raw cabbage contains about 5 grams of total carbs and 2 grams of fiber, for a net carb count of 3 grams.

To make a low-carb version, use ground beef and sauté it with shredded cabbage and other non-starchy vegetables like onion and garlic. Season with spices and low-carb condiments like coconut aminos, and avoid starchy additions.

The higher carb content in some recipes is due to the inclusion of starchy vegetables like potatoes and carrots, or from sugary sauces and gravies.

A traditional corned beef and cabbage meal, especially when prepared with potatoes, can be high in carbs. For example, one serving can contain upwards of 61 grams of net carbs.

A keto-friendly beef and cabbage skillet dish typically has a low carb count, often around 7-10 grams of net carbs per serving, as it omits high-carb ingredients.

Yes, beef and cabbage can be a very healthy and nutritious part of a balanced diet. It is a great source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The key is to choose your preparation method and additional ingredients wisely.