Cheeseburgers are a classic American favorite, loved for their juicy beef, melted cheese, and rich, savory flavors. But what if you could enjoy all those delicious flavors in a warm, comforting soup—without the carbs? Enter Keto Cheeseburger Soup, a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish that brings all the best elements of a cheeseburger into a single bowl.

This soup is perfect for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or high-fat diet, but it’s also a fantastic meal for anyone craving a thick, creamy, and protein-packed dish. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a make-ahead meal for meal prep, or a cozy soup for cold weather, this cheeseburger soup is a must-try!

Why This Cheeseburger Soup Stands Out

1. Rich and Creamy Without the Carbs

Traditional cheeseburgers are usually paired with buns and fries, which are packed with refined carbs and sugars. This soup eliminates the excess carbs while keeping the essential cheeseburger flavors intact. With heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese, it delivers a thick, velvety texture without the need for flour or starch-based thickeners.

2. High in Protein and Healthy Fats

This soup is built around ground beef, cheese, and heavy cream, making it a nutrient-dense and satisfying meal. The protein supports muscle growth and repair, while the healthy fats help with satiety and energy, especially for those on a ketogenic diet.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

Unlike slow-simmering soups that take hours, this soup comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Plus, it requires minimal ingredients—many of which are kitchen staples for those on a low-carb diet.

4. Fully Customizable

One of the best things about Keto Cheeseburger Soup is how adaptable it is. You can tweak the flavors and ingredients to match your preferences, whether that means spicing it up, adding bacon, or switching up the cheese blend.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional Toppings: Diced pickles, bacon bits, green onions

Directions:

1. Brown the Beef

• In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
• Drain excess fat if necessary and set the meat aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

• In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic and cook until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes.

3. Build the Base

• Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Stir in the cooked ground beef, ensuring the flavors blend together.

4. Add the Creamy Goodness

• Lower the heat and mix in the cream cheese, stirring until fully melted.
• Pour in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the soup is smooth and thickened.

5. Season and Serve

• Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.
• Ladle the soup into bowls and top with optional garnishes like diced pickles, bacon bits, and green onions.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 38g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

Health Benefits of the Key Ingredients

1. Ground Beef: A Protein Powerhouse

Ground beef is the foundation of this soup, providing high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and important minerals like iron and zinc. Choosing 80/20 ground beef adds richness and depth of flavor, while leaner beef can be used for a lower-fat version.

2. Cheddar Cheese: A Creamy and Savory Touch

Cheddar cheese brings a sharp, tangy richness that pairs perfectly with beef. It’s packed with:

• Calcium for bone health
• Healthy fats for keto benefits
• A creamy texture that enhances the soup’s thickness

3. Heavy Cream: A Low-Carb Thickener

Heavy cream helps create the luxurious, velvety texture of this soup while adding:

• A dose of healthy fats
• A thick and creamy base without the need for flour or cornstarch

4. Cream Cheese: The Secret to a Smooth Soup

Cream cheese melts seamlessly into the soup, acting as a natural thickener and enhancing the cheeseburger-inspired flavor profile.

5. Beef Broth: Deep, Savory Flavor

A good-quality beef broth ties everything together, adding:

• A rich, umami depth
• Collagen and minerals for gut health
• A satisfying base that complements the creamy cheese and beef

Creative Ways to Enjoy Keto Cheeseburger Soup

1. The Classic Bowl with Toppings

Enjoy this soup in a bowl topped with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheese, and diced pickles for the full cheeseburger experience.

2. Low-Carb Bread Pairing

Serve the soup with a side of keto-friendly bread, cloud bread, or chaffles to mimic the texture of a cheeseburger bun.

3. Lettuce Wrap Alternative

For a fun twist, serve the soup with crisp lettuce leaves—like eating a lettuce-wrapped cheeseburger in soup form.

4. Spicy Version

Add a kick of heat with diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy cheeseburger soup variation.

5. Bacon Cheeseburger Style

For an even more decadent twist, stir in crispy cooked bacon for a Bacon Cheeseburger Soup that’s even richer and smokier.

Tips for the Best Cheeseburger Soup

1. Choose the Right Ground Beef

For maximum flavor and richness, opt for 80/20 ground beef. The extra fat enhances the taste and gives the soup a more authentic cheeseburger-like profile.

2. Shred Your Own Cheese

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. For a creamy soup, shred fresh cheddar cheese from a block.

3. Stir Continuously When Adding Dairy

To prevent clumping or curdling, stir constantly when adding the heavy cream, cheddar, and cream cheese. Keeping the heat at medium-low ensures a smooth, velvety texture.

4. Adjust Thickness to Preference

• For a thicker soup, let it simmer longer to reduce liquid.
• For a thinner consistency, add extra broth or cream to loosen it up.

5. Store and Reheat Properly

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: This soup freezes well, but dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when reheated. Stir well while reheating on low heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is the classic choice, you can substitute it with:

• Monterey Jack for a milder taste
• Pepper Jack for a spicy kick
• Swiss for a slightly nutty flavor

2. Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes! This cheeseburger soup is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t use flour or thickeners.

3. Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free version:

• Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
• Swap dairy-free cheese alternatives in place of cheddar and cream cheese.

4. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain creaminess. Avoid boiling, as this can cause dairy to separate.

5. How can I make it even lower in carbs?

The soup is already low-carb, but you can:

• Reduce the onion quantity or replace it with onion powder.
• Use less beef broth to thicken without adding extra carbs.

6. Can I add vegetables?

While this soup is intended for keto and carnivore diets, if you’re flexible, you can add mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or even cauliflower for extra texture.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Low-Carb Comfort Food

Keto Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect comfort food for anyone craving a rich, creamy, and filling meal without the carbs. With its cheesy goodness, meaty richness, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a protein-packed dinner, or simply love cheeseburgers in any form, this soup delivers bold flavors in a warm, hearty bowl. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more!