Are you missing the classic, all-American flavor of a juicy cheeseburger while on your keto journey? You’re not alone. The good news is you don’t have to sacrifice that savory, satisfying taste. Imagine all the best parts of a cheeseburger—the seasoned ground beef, the melty cheese, the tangy pickles—all combined into a rich, creamy, and comforting bowl of soup. This is exactly what our incredible Keto Cheeseburger Soup delivers. It’s a game-changing recipe that brings comfort food to a whole new level, all while keeping you firmly in ketosis.
This long-form guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect bowl of low-carb cheeseburger soup. We’ll cover the essential ingredients, provide clear step-by-step instructions, and share valuable tips and variations to customize it to your liking. Therefore, get ready to discover your new favorite weeknight meal that the whole family will love, whether they follow a keto diet or not.
What Makes This Keto Cheeseburger Soup So Irresistible?
At its heart, this soup is a celebration of flavor and simplicity. It captures the essence of a classic diner cheeseburger without the carb-heavy bun. But what truly makes it a standout recipe? It’s the perfect combination of hearty ingredients, creamy texture, and incredible ease of preparation. Moreover, it’s a versatile dish that’s perfect for meal prep, a quick family dinner, or a cozy night in.
Classic Comfort Food, Reimagined
There’s something deeply comforting about the taste of a cheeseburger. This soup takes that familiar, beloved flavor profile and transforms it into a warm, nourishing bowl. Each spoonful is packed with seasoned ground beef, a rich and velvety cheese broth, and hints of onion, garlic, and tangy dill pickles. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little pick-me-up.
Perfectly Keto-Friendly
Staying on track with a ketogenic diet means focusing on high-fat, moderate-protein, and very low-carb meals. This soup fits the bill perfectly. By eliminating the bun and sugary condiments like ketchup, we’ve created a dish that is incredibly low in carbohydrates but high in healthy fats and flavor. The heavy cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese provide the fat content needed for satiety and energy, while the ground beef offers a solid source of protein. Consequently, you can enjoy a hearty, filling meal without worrying about getting kicked out of ketosis.
Ideal for Meal Prep and Busy Weeknights
Life can get hectic, and having ready-to-go meals is a lifesaver. This Keto Cheeseburger Soup is an excellent candidate for meal prepping. It stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for several days and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make a large batch on Sunday and have delicious lunches or quick dinners ready for the week ahead. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop or in the microwave, making it a convenient option for anyone with a busy schedule.
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The Ultimate Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe You’ll Crave
This rich and creamy Keto Cheeseburger Soup delivers all the classic flavors of your favorite burger—seasoned beef, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and tangy pickles—transformed into a comforting, low-carb bowl of indulgent goodness.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
3–4 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth or bone broth
1 cup heavy whipping cream
8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sugar-free dill pickles, diced
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp avocado oil or butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate, reserving about 1 tbsp of bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pot. Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add cubed cream cheese and stir until fully melted and the soup is smooth.
6. Slowly stir in heavy cream. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until melted before adding more.
7. Stir in diced pickles and half the crumbled bacon. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
8. Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish with remaining bacon, extra cheese, and optional toppings like jalapeños or sour cream.
Notes
To thicken the soup further, stir in 1/4 tsp xanthan gum or puree a portion of the soup.
Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese may contain added starch.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat.
Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly to maintain texture.
For a spicy twist, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1020mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Essential Ingredients for Your Keto Cheeseburger Soup
The beauty of this recipe lies in its use of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. You likely have many of these items in your kitchen already. For the best results, always opt for full-fat dairy products to ensure a creamy texture and to meet your keto macro goals.
- Ground Beef: 2 pounds of 80/20 ground chuck is ideal. The higher fat content adds incredible flavor and richness to the soup base.
- Bacon: 6-8 slices, cooked and crumbled. The bacon adds a smoky, salty depth, and you can use the rendered fat to cook the vegetables.
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced. It provides a sweet, aromatic foundation.
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced. For that essential savory kick.
- Beef Broth: 4 cups of high-quality beef broth or bone broth. This forms the liquid base of your soup.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: 1 cup. This is key for creating a luxurious, creamy consistency. Do not substitute with milk.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, cubed and softened. It acts as a thickener and adds a wonderful tangy, creamy element.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, freshly shredded. Shredding your own cheese is highly recommended as pre-shredded varieties contain starches that can add carbs and prevent smooth melting.
- Dill Pickles: 1/2 cup, diced. Use sugar-free dill pickles to get that classic burger tang without hidden carbs.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon. Adds a complex, umami flavor that mimics a well-seasoned burger patty.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon. For a touch of zesty spice.
- Avocado Oil or Butter: 1 tablespoon, for cooking.
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Perfect Keto Cheeseburger Soup
Following these instructions will ensure your soup turns out perfectly creamy, flavorful, and delicious every single time. The process is straightforward and can be completed in under an hour, making it a fantastic option for a weeknight dinner.
- Cook the Bacon and Beef: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat, cook the sliced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about one tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot. Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, then drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned beef. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base: Pour the beef broth into the pot, scraping the bottom with a wooden spoon to deglaze and release any flavorful browned bits. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and Dijon mustard. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir continuously until it has completely melted into the broth and the base is smooth. Next, slowly stir in the heavy whipping cream.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot, one handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted before adding the next. This prevents the cheese from clumping. Do not let the soup boil after adding the cheese, as it can cause the dairy to separate.
- Final Touches and Serving: Once all the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth, stir in the diced dill pickles and half of the crumbled bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with the remaining crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, and any other desired toppings.
For a quick reference, here is a summary of the steps:
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cook bacon and brown the ground beef. | Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor. Drain excess grease after browning. |
| 2 | Sauté onion and garlic. | Cook the onion until soft before adding the garlic to prevent the garlic from burning. |
| 3 | Add broth and seasonings to deglaze the pot. | Scraping the pot bottom releases a ton of flavor. |
| 4 | Stir in cream cheese and heavy cream. | Use softened cream cheese and low heat to ensure it melts smoothly. |
| 5 | Melt in shredded cheddar cheese gradually. | Adding cheese slowly prevents clumping. Do not boil the soup at this stage. |
| 6 | Stir in pickles and bacon, then serve. | Save some bacon for a crunchy garnish on top. |
Tips, Tricks, and Variations for the Best Keto Cheeseburger Soup Ever
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are many ways to customize it. Here are some tips and variations to help you make this soup your own and troubleshoot any common issues.
How to Thicken Your Soup
This soup is naturally thick and creamy thanks to the cream cheese and heavy cream. However, if you prefer an even thicker, stew-like consistency, you can use a keto-friendly thickener. A great option is xanthan gum. To use it, simply whisk a small amount (start with 1/4 teaspoon) into the soup after the cheese has melted. Let it simmer for a few minutes, as it needs time to activate. A little goes a long way, so be careful not to add too much at once.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This soup is perfect for making ahead. To store, allow the soup to cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, although be aware that dairy-based soups can sometimes have a slightly grainy texture upon thawing. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling it to prevent separation.
Fun Garnish and Topping Ideas
The best part of a cheeseburger is the toppings, and the same goes for this soup! Here are some keto-friendly ideas to take your bowl to the next level:
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Diced tomatoes or sugar-free ketchup
- A dollop of sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Toasted sesame seeds to mimic a bun
- More crumbled bacon and shredded cheese
Ingredient Swaps and Add-ins
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. For example, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You could also try different cheeses like pepper jack for some heat or provolone for a milder flavor. In addition, sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers can be added with the onions for extra vegetable content and flavor.
Conclusion About Keto Cheeseburger Soup
There you have it—a simple, delicious, and completely satisfying Keto Cheeseburger Soup that proves you don’t have to give up your favorite flavors to maintain a healthy, low-carb lifestyle. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting experience that brings the joy of a classic cheeseburger to your soup bowl. With its rich flavors, creamy texture, and easy preparation, it is destined to become a staple in your keto recipe rotation. So, go ahead and give it a try—you might just be surprised at how quickly it becomes a new family favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Keto Cheeseburger Soup
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Yes, absolutely! For a slow cooker, brown the beef, bacon, and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first. Then, transfer everything except the dairy and cheese to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. In the last 30 minutes, stir in the heavy cream, cream cheese, and shredded cheese until smooth. For an Instant Pot, use the “Sauté” function to brown the meat and vegetables, then add the broth and seasonings and pressure cook for 10 minutes. Release the pressure, turn it back to “Sauté” on low, and stir in the dairy and cheese until melted.
Is this Keto Cheeseburger Soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Most major brands of Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, but it’s always best to check the label to be certain, especially if you have a high sensitivity or celiac disease.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is a hearty meal all on its own. However, if you’d like to serve something alongside it, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great choice. You could also serve it with keto-friendly bread, crackers, or cloud bread for dipping to complete the comforting meal experience.
