I can almost smell the ground beef sizzling in the pan, a memory forever etched from my childhood. My mom used to make the BEST cheeseburgers, and this recipe? It’s my way of capturing that comfort in a bowl, but totally keto-friendly! I’ve tweaked it, tested it, and perfected it, so you don’t have to. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most unbelievably delicious Keto Cheeseburger Soup you’ll ever make – get ready to ditch the bun and grab a spoon!
Keto Cheeseburger Soup: All the Flavor, None of the Guilt
Okay, let’s be honest. Who doesn’t love a good cheeseburger? But when you’re trying to stick to a keto or low-carb lifestyle, that beloved burger can feel like a forbidden fruit. That’s where this Keto Cheeseburger Soup comes in! It’s a creamy, cheesy, meaty masterpiece that delivers all the satisfying flavors of a classic cheeseburger, without the carbs. Seriously, this soup is a game-changer. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, a quick lunch, or even meal prepping for the week.
What makes this soup so special? It’s the combination of rich, savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and all your favorite burger toppings. We’re talking bacon, pickles, onions – the works! And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. So, let’s get cooking, shall we?
Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Keto Cheeseburger Soup
- It’s Keto-Friendly: Packed with healthy fats and minimal carbs, this soup fits perfectly into your keto lifestyle.
- It’s Delicious: Seriously, every spoonful is bursting with cheeseburger flavor. You won’t even miss the bun!
- It’s Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this soup comes together in no time.
- It’s Versatile: Customize it with your favorite burger toppings for a soup that’s truly your own.
- It’s Comfort Food: Warm, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying, this soup is the ultimate comfort food without the guilt.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this keto-friendly cheeseburger sensation. Don’t be intimidated by the list – most of these are pantry staples!
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, preferably 80/20 for extra flavor.
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled. Because, bacon!
- Onion: 1 medium, diced. Adds that essential savory base.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. For that aromatic punch.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups. The foundation of our delicious soup.
- Cream Cheese: 4 ounces, softened. This is what makes it incredibly creamy.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup. Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, shredded. Sharp cheddar is my favorite, but feel free to experiment.
- Pickles: 1/2 cup, diced. Adds that signature cheeseburger tang.
- Mustard: 1 tablespoon. Yellow mustard is classic, but Dijon works too.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 teaspoon. For a little umami boost.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be shy!
- Optional Toppings: Chopped tomatoes, green onions, avocado, sour cream, more bacon (because why not?).
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Make Some Soup!
Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a bowl of creamy, delicious Keto Cheeseburger Soup in no time.
- Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble once cooled. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease. You want it nicely browned and crumbly.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma at this point is heavenly!
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
- Melt the Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Don’t worry if it takes a minute or two – just keep stirring!
- Add the Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream to make the soup even richer and creamier.
- Melt the Cheddar Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it’s melted and the soup is perfectly cheesy. Make sure the cheese is fully melted before adding more.
- Stir in the Pickles: Stir in the diced pickles for that classic cheeseburger tang. This is a key ingredient, so don’t skip it!
- Add Bacon (Some of It!): Stir in about half of the crumbled bacon, reserving the rest for topping.
- Simmer and Serve: Simmer the soup for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, green onions, avocado, or any other of your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
Success Tips for the BEST Keto Cheeseburger Soup EVER!
Want to make sure your Keto Cheeseburger Soup is absolutely perfect? Here are my top tips for success!
- Don’t Skip the Bacon Grease: Using bacon grease to cook the ground beef adds a TON of flavor. Trust me on this one!
- Use High-Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the better the soup. I recommend using a sharp cheddar for the most authentic cheeseburger flavor.
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the soup. This will help it melt smoothly and prevent any lumps.
- Don’t Boil After Adding Dairy: Once you’ve added the cream cheese and heavy cream, avoid boiling the soup. This can cause the dairy to separate.
- Customize Your Toppings: The beauty of this soup is that you can customize it with your favorite burger toppings. Get creative and have fun!
Variations to Make It Your Own
This Keto Cheeseburger Soup is delicious as is, but feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Double the bacon for an extra-bacony treat!
- Mushroom Cheeseburger Soup: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy flavor.
- Jalapeño Popper Cheeseburger Soup: Add diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
- Add Some Veggies: While it isn’t traditional “cheeseburger” topping, feel free to add in some cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini for extra vegetables!
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Cheeseburger Soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas for serving it:
- With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the rich soup.
- With Keto Bread or Crackers: Dip some keto-friendly bread or crackers into the soup for a satisfying bite.
- As a Topping: Use the soup as a topping for baked chicken or pork chops.
Storing and Reheating
This Keto Cheeseburger Soup is even better the next day! Here’s how to store and reheat it:
- Storing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Can I Freeze Keto Cheeseburger Soup?
Yes, you can freeze Keto Cheeseburger Soup, but the texture may change slightly due to the dairy. Here’s how to do it:
- Freezing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the soup will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- Thawing: Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat the thawed soup in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or cream to restore the original consistency.
If you are looking for other potato free soups, you might like this Sausage Potato Chowder. It is creamy and comforting without all the carbs! Speaking of creamy, another great option is Broccoli Cheese Soup. That is another great way to get some vegetables and comfort in one bowl.
Why This Soup Works for Keto
The key to making this a truly Keto Cheeseburger Soup is all in the ingredients and their proportions. We’re focusing on high-fat, moderate protein, and very low carb counts.
- Ground Beef Selection: Opting for 80/20 ground beef ensures a higher fat content, crucial for keto. The fat adds flavor and helps keep you satiated.
- Cheese, Cheese, and More Cheese: Cream cheese and cheddar are keto staples. They provide the creamy texture and cheesy flavor we crave, while remaining low in carbohydrates.
- Limiting Carbs: We avoid carb-heavy ingredients like potatoes or excessive amounts of onions. The small amount of onion provides flavor without significantly impacting the carb count.
- No Flour Thickening: Traditional soups often use flour to thicken, which is a big no-no on keto. We rely on the cream cheese and heavy cream for a rich, thick consistency.
- Toppings Strategy: Be mindful of your toppings! Opt for low-carb choices like avocado, bacon, sour cream (in moderation), and chopped tomatoes. Avoid high-carb toppings like croutons or sweet pickles.
By carefully selecting ingredients and avoiding common carb-laden additions, this Keto Cheeseburger Soup allows you to enjoy the familiar comfort of a cheeseburger while staying true to your ketogenic goals. It’s a win-win!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go awry. Here are a few common issues you might encounter and how to fix them:
- Soup is Too Thick: If your soup is too thick, simply add a little more beef broth or heavy cream until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Soup is Too Thin: If your soup is too thin, you can simmer it for a longer period of time to allow it to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a small amount of xanthan gum (a keto-friendly thickener) – but use it sparingly!
- Cheese Isn’t Melting Smoothly: This is usually due to the cheese being too cold. Make sure your cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the soup. You can also try shredding the cheese finer.
- Soup is Bland: Taste, taste, taste! Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your liking. A little extra Worcestershire sauce or mustard can also add a boost of flavor.
- Separation Occurs: Dairy can sometimes separate when reheated. To prevent this, reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling.
Keto and Beyond: Nutritional Benefits
Beyond its delicious flavor and keto-friendliness, this soup also offers a range of nutritional benefits:
- High in Protein: The ground beef provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Rich in Healthy Fats: The cheese, heavy cream, and bacon contribute healthy fats that keep you feeling full and satisfied, while also supporting hormone production.
- Source of Vitamins and Minerals: The beef broth provides electrolytes, while the vegetables (onions, tomatoes, etc.) offer vitamins and minerals.
- Low in Carbs: This soup is designed to keep your carb intake low, helping you stay in ketosis and burn fat for fuel.
This Keto Cheeseburger Soup isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s also a nutritious choice that supports your overall health and well-being. By focusing on whole, unprocessed ingredients, you’re nourishing your body from the inside out.
While this Cheeseburger Soup is delicious on it’s own, consider making some of my other favorite soups like Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup, or even the regular Crockpot Potato Soup.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Keto Cheeseburger Soup Life!
There you have it – my ultimate Keto Cheeseburger Soup recipe! I truly believe this is one of the most satisfying and delicious ways to enjoy the flavors of a cheeseburger while staying true to your keto or low-carb lifestyle. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and always a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to experience cheeseburger bliss in a bowl. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!
What makes this Keto Cheeseburger Soup keto-friendly?
This soup is keto-friendly because it focuses on high-fat ingredients like 80/20 ground beef, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese while limiting carb-heavy ingredients like potatoes or flour. It relies on these high-fat ingredients for flavor and thickening, ensuring a low carb count suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Can I freeze this Keto Cheeseburger Soup, and will it affect the quality?
Yes, you can freeze Keto Cheeseburger Soup for up to 2-3 months. However, the texture may change slightly due to the dairy content. It’s recommended to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, adding a little extra broth or cream if needed to restore the original consistency.
What are some variations I can make to customize the Keto Cheeseburger Soup?
You can customize the soup by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy kick, doubling the bacon for extra bacon flavor, sautéing sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor, adding diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a jalapeño popper twist, or incorporating low-carb veggies like cauliflower rice or chopped zucchini.
What are some tips to prevent issues like the cheese not melting smoothly or the soup being too thick?
To prevent cheese from not melting smoothly, ensure the cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the soup and shred it finely. If the soup is too thick, add more beef broth or heavy cream. Avoid boiling the soup after adding dairy to prevent separation.
Keto Cheeseburger Soup Heaven
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Paper towels
- Bowls for serving
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced pickles
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: chopped tomatoes, green onions, avocado, sour cream
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Crumble once cooled. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion to the pot with the ground beef and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the heavy cream to make the soup even richer and creamier.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it’s melted and the soup is perfectly cheesy.
- Stir in the diced pickles for that classic cheeseburger tang.
- Stir in about half of the crumbled bacon, reserving the rest for topping.
- Simmer the soup for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, green onions, avocado, or any other of your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
