Cheesy, creamy, and indulgent – all the flavor of a cheeseburger in a comforting bowl!
Keto-friendly, high-protein, and gluten-free.
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
Dietary Badges:
- High-Protein
- Low-Carb
- Keto
- Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- Bacon, thick-cut, chopped
- Unsalted butter
- Lean ground beef
- Cream cheese
- Tomato paste
- French mustard
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Beef stock
- Heavy cream
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Parsley, chopped
Instructions
-
Cook the bacon
- Heat a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped bacon and cook until browned and crispy (5–8 minutes).
- Remove bacon and set aside, leaving some for garnish.
-
Brown the beef
- Add butter to the pot and let it melt.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart. Cook until browned (7–8 minutes).
-
Build the flavor base
- Stir in cream cheese, tomato paste, mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
-
Add liquids
- Pour in beef stock and heavy cream.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
-
Melt the cheese
- Stir in shredded cheddar and let the soup simmer for an additional 5–7 minutes.
-
Combine bacon & finish
- Mix in most of the cooked bacon, leaving some for garnish.
- Let soup cool slightly and thicken for 7–8 minutes.
-
Serve & garnish
- Ladle soup into bowls.
- Top with remaining bacon and chopped parsley before serving.
Additional Notes:
- For extra richness, use full-fat cream cheese.
- Soup will thicken more as it cools; adjust consistency with a splash of beef stock if needed.
Brief Introduction
Craving a cheeseburger but want something warm and comforting? This Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup delivers all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger – bacon, cheese, mustard – in a creamy, bowl-friendly version. It’s perfect for keto or low-carb meal plans and satisfies those savory cravings without the bun.
This soup is a weeknight winner: quick, indulgent, and protein-packed, making it a perfect dinner for busy nights or cozy weekends.
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon crisps best and adds a smoky flavor. Turkey bacon can be used for a leaner version.
- Cream Cheese: Provides creaminess and body. Full-fat is preferred, but light cream cheese works.
- Beef Stock: Low-sodium stock gives flavor without excess salt; vegetable stock can be used for a different twist.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds punch; try smoked cheddar for extra depth.
Substitutions:
- Heavy cream → coconut cream for dairy-free/keto-friendly option.
- Ground beef → ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Add a handful of chopped pickles for a “cheeseburger-inspired” crunch.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms for a richer, earthy flavor.
- Serve with a side of low-carb bread or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef stock if soup thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbs: 5g
- Fat: 32g
Dietary Highlights: Low-carb, high-protein, keto-friendly, gluten-free, rich in fat-soluble vitamins from cheese and cream.
FAQ
Q: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A: Yes, turkey bacon works well but has a milder flavor.
Q: My soup is too thick, what can I do?
A: Stir in a little beef stock or water while reheating to reach desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable stock.
Story Behind the Recipe
I created this soup on a rainy evening when I was craving a cheeseburger but didn’t want the carbs. The result? Creamy, cheesy comfort in a bowl – all the indulgence of a burger with fewer carbs. It quickly became a family favorite and a go-to keto dinner.
