There is something incredibly satisfying about a rich, hearty bowl of comfort food that feels indulgent yet keeps you on track with your health goals. This Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe perfectly balances velvety creaminess, savory ground beef, and sharp cheddar cheese in a way that tastes like your favorite cheeseburger melted into a luscious soup. It’s a delightful twist that brings all the best flavors of a burger night with none of the carbs, making it a go-to recipe for cozy dinners or meal prep. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a staple in your keto recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients is all it takes to create this Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. Each element plays a crucial role—whether it’s adding rich texture, depth of flavor, or that inviting golden color you crave.
- Olive oil: Perfect for browning the beef and adding a smooth, fruity undertone without overpowering the other flavors.
- Lean ground beef: The main ingredient, bringing hearty protein and classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and a delicate crunch that melts beautifully into the soup.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to release just the right intensity of aroma and warmth.
- Dried mustard: A sharp, tangy accent that boosts the complexity of the soup.
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every other flavor layer.
- Worcestershire sauce: Adds savory umami depth and a subtle tang that mimics burger condiments.
- Beef broth: Forms the hearty, savory base for the soup’s rich body.
- Heavy whipping cream: Contributes luxurious creaminess without adding carbs.
- Cream cheese: Melts smoothly to thicken the soup and add silky richness.
- Freshly shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that rounds out the soup’s classic cheeseburger flavor.
- Crumbled bacon: Adds smoky crunchiness that contrasts perfectly with the creamy texture.
- Chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped pickles (optional): These garnishes bring color, freshness, and that burger-style finish to every bowl.
How to Make Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and cook it thoroughly for about 7 to 10 minutes. As it browns, break it up with your spoon or spatula for that delicious, crumbly texture. Once cooked, be sure to drain any excess grease to keep the soup from feeling too oily.
Step 2: Soften the Onion
Next, add diced yellow onion to the beef. Cook for approximately 5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. This step releases natural sweetness that beautifully balances the soup’s savory notes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Spices
Stir in minced garlic, dried mustard, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the mixture to cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant, infusing the base with layers of flavor that anchor everything else.
Step 4: Pour in Worcestershire Sauce and Broth
Now it’s time to add that savory kick—pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth, then bring the pot to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
Step 5: Incorporate Cream and Cream Cheese
Lower the heat and carefully stir in heavy whipping cream and cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cream cheese melts completely into a smooth, luscious texture that thickens the soup beautifully.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese and Bacon
Add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon directly to the pot. Stir until the cheese melts, creating a creamy, cheesy consistency, with bacon bits offering bursts of smoky flavor throughout.
Step 7: Ladle and Garnish
Finally, scoop the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and pickles if you like. These toppings aren’t just for looks—they add fresh crunch, vibrant color, and those burger-like finishing touches that make this soup so delightful.
How to Serve Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions add a subtle sharpness and bright green color that livens up each spoonful. Diced tomatoes bring juicy sweetness, while chopped pickles provide a tangy contrast reminiscent of classic burger toppings. Don’t hesitate to pile on extra cheddar cheese for an ultra-rich finish.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple keto-friendly sides such as a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or even a handful of veggie sticks. If you want something warm and chewy, try serving it alongside low-carb almond flour bread for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in miniature bread bowls made from keto bread for a fun twist. You can also offer garnish toppings separately so everyone can customize their bowl exactly how they like it—a great idea for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone’s tastes vary.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for quick reheats and lunches throughout the week.
Freezing
This Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe freezes well. Let the soup cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It keeps nicely for up to 2 months, giving you a comforting meal ready whenever you need it.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid scorching and to restore its creamy texture. Avoid boiling once the cheese is added to keep the soup smooth and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
While this recipe relies heavily on dairy for its signature creaminess, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cream cheese and shredded vegan cheese alternatives. The flavor will change, but it can still be delicious and keto-friendly.
Is this soup suitable for meal prepping?
Absolutely! Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is perfect for meal prep since it refrigerates and freezes well. Just portion it out into meal-sized containers so you can enjoy a quick, hearty lunch or dinner anytime.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, but keep in mind turkey is leaner and may yield a slightly different flavor and texture. Adding a bit more seasoning or a touch of bacon fat can help retain that rich profile.
What are some keto-friendly garnish alternatives?
Besides green onions, tomatoes, and pickles, try shredded lettuce, jalapeño slices for heat, or even crumbled pork rinds for extra crunch and that burger-like quality without carbs.
How spicy is this soup?
This Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is mild by default. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to give it a bit of a kick if you like.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort food that fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle, this Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is a total winner. It’s easy to make, incredibly satisfying, and loaded with flavors that bring that nostalgic cheeseburger feeling into a warm, creamy bowl. Give it a try, invite your friends or family to share, and watch it quickly become a favorite on your recipe rotation.
Print
Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Keto Cheeseburger Soup is a rich and creamy low-carb dish that captures all the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a comforting soup form. Featuring ground beef, cheddar cheese, and a creamy base made with heavy cream and cream cheese, it’s perfect for a satisfying keto-friendly meal that’s both hearty and delicious.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ¾ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
Toppings and Garnishes
- ¼ cup crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
- Diced tomatoes (optional for garnish)
- Chopped pickles (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. Drain off any excess grease to keep the soup from becoming too fatty.
- Sauté the onions: Add the diced yellow onion to the pot with the cooked beef and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, dried mustard, salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Cook for 1–2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant, releasing all the savory flavors.
- Simmer with broth: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Incorporate cream and cream cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy whipping cream and cream cheese. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cream cheese is fully melted and the soupbase is smooth and creamy.
- Add cheddar and bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely creating a rich and creamy texture throughout the soup.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional garnishes such as chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, chopped pickles, and extra shredded cheddar cheese. Serve warm to enjoy this comforting keto meal.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the soup.
- Heavy cream and cream cheese give the soup a rich texture that fits perfectly with a keto diet.
- Optional garnishes like pickles and diced tomatoes enhance the cheeseburger flavor profile.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
- For a dairy-free version, consider substituting with coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives, though flavor will differ.
