Introduction: Ready for a Hearty, Low-Carb Comfort Soup?
Craving the bold, savory flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, cozy bowl? This Keto Cheeseburger Soup is your ultimate comfort food! Packed with juicy ground beef (or turkey), creamy cheeses, and a rich broth, this soup captures the essence of a cheeseburger while keeping carbs low. The crumbled bacon adds a smoky crunch, making it perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or game-day gatherings. Inspired by your love for savory, low-carb dishes like Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Soup and Keto Cauliflower & Ham Soup, this gluten-free, keto-friendly recipe is quick to make and sure to satisfy. Ready to simmer a pot of cheesy goodness? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Overview: Why Keto Cheeseburger Soup is a Must-Try
This Keto Cheeseburger Soup combines the hearty satisfaction of a cheeseburger with a creamy, low-carb broth. The blend of cheddar, cream cheese, and heavy cream creates a velvety texture, while the bacon and seasonings deliver classic burger flavors. What makes it special? It’s keto-friendly, gluten-free, and ready in under 30 minutes, offering a comforting, one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Time Requirement: About 25 minutes total (5 minutes prep, 20 minutes cooking).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Ideal for beginners or busy weeknights.
- Why It’s Special: It’s a low-carb, gluten-free soup with cheeseburger-inspired flavors, perfect for keto-friendly comfort meals.
This soup is a rich, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to warm you up. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Keto Cheeseburger Soup. Each ingredient adds to the creamy, savory, and burger-inspired magic.
- Onion (1, chopped): Provides a sweet, savory base.
- Ground Beef or Turkey (1.5 lb): Delivers hearty, protein-packed flavor.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups): Forms the flavorful soup base.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Adds rich, keto-friendly creaminess.
- Cream Cheese (½ cup): Creates a smooth, velvety texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (â…” cup): Brings melty, cheesy goodness.
- Crumbled Bacon (¼ cup): Adds smoky, crispy flavor.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
- Pepper (½ tsp): Adds subtle heat.
- Optional Toppings: Chopped fresh tomatoes, onions, pickles, or extra bacon for a burger-like finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef/Turkey: Swap with ground chicken or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
- Chicken Broth: Use beef broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free, keto-friendly alternative.
- Cream Cheese: Replace with mascarpone or vegan cream cheese for dairy-free.
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap with Gouda, Colby, or dairy-free cheddar for different flavors.
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit for a vegetarian version (add smoked paprika for smoky flavor).
- Add-Ins: Stir in ½ cup diced mushrooms, zucchini, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor or heat.
- Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp hot sauce or ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a kick.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this Keto Cheeseburger Soup is quick and simple, all in one pot! Follow these steps for a perfect bowl every time.
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp oil (not listed in ingredients; use olive or avocado oil).
- Add 1 chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning; chop onions finely for even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- Add 1.5 lb ground beef or turkey to the pot.
- Cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking up large pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess fat if using fattier meat.
Tip: Use a meat chopper or wooden spoon to break up the meat for a uniform texture.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
- Add 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in ½ cup cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Tip: Cut cream cheese into small pieces and stir frequently to ensure smooth melting.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
- Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream, ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup crumbled bacon, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper.
- Stir until the cheddar is melted and the soup is well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Tip: Add cream and cheese gradually to avoid clumping; keep heat low to prevent curdling.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
- Top with your favorite burger-inspired garnishes like chopped fresh tomatoes, onions, pickles, or extra bacon.
Tip: For a fun presentation, add a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup or mustard (keto-friendly) to mimic burger condiments.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Keto Cheeseburger Soup
Making this Keto Cheeseburger Soup is all about creating a creamy, cheesy bowl with bold cheeseburger flavors. Here’s how to make it perfect:
- Sauté for Depth: Cook onions until soft to build a savory base.
- Brown Meat Evenly: Break up the meat thoroughly for consistent texture.
- Melt Cheeses Smoothly: Stir cream cheese and cheddar on low heat to ensure a velvety broth.
- Garnish Generously: Add burger-inspired toppings for flavor and visual appeal.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve in warm bowls with a colorful array of toppings like tomatoes, pickles, or bacon for a burger-like vibe.
- Pair with keto-friendly bread, a side salad, or celery sticks for a complete low-carb meal.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of green onions, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flair.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This soup is great for meal prep but requires careful storage due to its creamy base. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container (omit cream and cheese if freezing to avoid separation; add fresh when reheating).
- Reheating:
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through (5–7 minutes).
- Microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway to prevent separation.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Prep onion and meat up to a day ahead and store in the fridge.
- Make the soup (without cream, cream cheese, or cheddar) up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate; add dairy when reheating.
- Freeze in portion-sized containers (without dairy) for easy reheating.
Tip: Stir well after reheating to restore creaminess; add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Recipe Variations
This Keto Cheeseburger Soup is versatile, drawing on your love for savory, low-carb dishes like Low Carb Buffalo Chicken Soup and Keto Cauliflower & Ham Soup. Here are some fun ideas:
- Spicy Cheeseburger Soup: Add 1 tsp hot sauce, ½ tsp cayenne, or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Veggie-Packed Soup: Stir in ½ cup diced zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower for extra low-carb veggies.
- Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Increase bacon to ½ cup or add bacon bits as a garnish for smokier flavor.
- Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free cheddar.
- Cheeseburger Chowder: Add ½ cup diced celery or carrots (for non-strict keto) and blend half the soup for a thicker texture.
Tip: Top with crushed pork rinds or a drizzle of keto-friendly BBQ sauce for a fun, burger-inspired twist.
Conclusion: A Cheesy, Keto-Friendly Treat to Love
Keto Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect way to enjoy the bold, savory flavors of a cheeseburger in a creamy, low-carb bowl. With its juicy ground beef, melty cheeses, and smoky bacon, it’s a soup that’s as satisfying as it is keto-friendly. Perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or game-day feasts, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Play with the variations, top with your favorite burger garnishes, and savor every creamy, cheesy spoonful. What’s your favorite way to enjoy this cheeseburger soup? Share your ideas in the comments and let us know how it turned out!
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Keto Cheeseburger Soup
Description
Craving the bold, savory flavors of a cheeseburger in a warm, cozy bowl? This Keto Cheeseburger Soup is your ultimate comfort food! Packed with juicy ground beef (or turkey), creamy cheeses, and a rich broth, this soup captures the essence of a cheeseburger while keeping carbs low
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Keto Cheeseburger Soup. Each ingredient adds to the creamy, savory, and burger-inspired magic.
- Onion (1, chopped): Provides a sweet, savory base.
- Ground Beef or Turkey (1.5 lb): Delivers hearty, protein-packed flavor.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups): Forms the flavorful soup base.
- Heavy Cream (½ cup): Adds rich, keto-friendly creaminess.
- Cream Cheese (½ cup): Creates a smooth, velvety texture.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (â…” cup): Brings melty, cheesy goodness.
- Crumbled Bacon (¼ cup): Adds smoky, crispy flavor.
- Salt (1 tsp): Enhances overall flavor.
- Pepper (½ tsp): Adds subtle heat.
- Optional Toppings: Chopped fresh tomatoes, onions, pickles, or extra bacon for a burger-like finish.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef/Turkey: Swap with ground chicken or plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
- Chicken Broth: Use beef broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Heavy Cream: Substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free, keto-friendly alternative.
- Cream Cheese: Replace with mascarpone or vegan cream cheese for dairy-free.
- Cheddar Cheese: Swap with Gouda, Colby, or dairy-free cheddar for different flavors.
- Bacon: Use turkey bacon, pancetta, or omit for a vegetarian version (add smoked paprika for smoky flavor).
- Add-Ins: Stir in ½ cup diced mushrooms, zucchini, or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor or heat.
- Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp hot sauce or ½ tsp red pepper flakes for a kick.
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
- Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and add 1 Tbsp oil (not listed in ingredients; use olive or avocado oil).
- Add 1 chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent burning; chop onions finely for even cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Meat
- Add 1.5 lb ground beef or turkey to the pot.
- Cook for 7–8 minutes, breaking up large pieces with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Drain excess fat if using fattier meat.
Tip: Use a meat chopper or wooden spoon to break up the meat for a uniform texture.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
- Add 3 cups chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Stir in ½ cup cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated.
Tip: Cut cream cheese into small pieces and stir frequently to ensure smooth melting.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
- Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream, ⅔ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup crumbled bacon, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper.
- Stir until the cheddar is melted and the soup is well combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
Tip: Add cream and cheese gradually to avoid clumping; keep heat low to prevent curdling.
Step 5: Serve
- Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
- Top with your favorite burger-inspired garnishes like chopped fresh tomatoes, onions, pickles, or extra bacon.
Tip: For a fun presentation, add a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup or mustard (keto-friendly) to mimic burger condiments.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground chicken instead of beef or turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken works well; cook until no longer pink and drain excess fat if needed.
2. Is this soup keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s low-carb (minimal onion) and high-fat (cream, cheeses, bacon), making it ideal for a keto diet.
3. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free cheddar; replace butter with olive oil for sautéing.
4. Why is my soup separating?
- Stir cream cheese and cheddar on low heat to prevent curdling.
- Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for stability.
- Avoid overheating after adding dairy.
5. Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Make up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate, or freeze (without dairy) for up to 3 months.
6. How long does it last?
It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen (without dairy) for 3 months.
7. Can I use pre-cooked meat?
Yes! Add 1.5 lb pre-cooked ground beef or turkey in Step 4, simmering just to heat through.
8. What are the best toppings?
Try chopped tomatoes, pickles, onions, extra bacon, shredded cheese, or a drizzle of keto-friendly ketchup for a burger-like finish.