The Ultimate Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, cheeseburger soup presents an exciting challenge: how to recreate that beloved comfort food while staying within strict carb limits. Traditional cheeseburger soup often contains potatoes, corn, or flour-based thickeners that can derail ketosis. The keto version solves this by using cauliflower instead of potatoes, heavy cream instead of flour roux, and omitting high-carb vegetables.
Why This Keto Cheeseburger Soup Works
The magic of keto cheeseburger soup lies in its ingredient substitutions that maintain flavor while reducing carbohydrates. By replacing starchy components with low-carb alternatives, you get all the savory satisfaction without compromising your ketosis goals. The key is usingcauliflower rice instead of potatoes, which provides similar texture with just a fraction of the carbs.
Keto Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Makes 6 servings | Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio recommended)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cauliflower rice (fresh or frozen)
- 4 cups beef broth (sodium-controlled)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp sugar-free ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard (sugar-free)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced pickles, extra cheese, chopped tomatoes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
- Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Stir in cauliflower rice and cook for 3-4 minutes to soften slightly.
- Create broth base: Pour in beef broth, sugar-free ketchup, and mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Thicken soup: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- Add cheese: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar until melted and incorporated.
- Season and serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Top with crumbled bacon and optional toppings.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 320 | |
| Total Fat | 24g | 37% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 75% |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 650mg | 28% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 6g | 2% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 11% |
| Sugars | 2g | |
| Net Carbs | 3g | |
| Protein | 20g | 40% |
Ingredient Substitutions for Dietary Needs
One of the advantages of this keto cheeseburger soup recipe is its flexibility. Here are some substitutions that maintain the keto-friendly nature while accommodating different preferences:
- Dairy-free option: Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast (2-3 tbsp) and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream
- Higher protein version: Add ½ cup shredded chicken or turkey sausage
- Vegetarian adaptation: Use plant-based ground "beef" and vegetable broth (check carb count)
- Spicy variation: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños
Perfecting Your Keto Cheeseburger Soup
Professional chefs and experienced keto cooks recommend these techniques for the best results with your low carb cheeseburger soup:
- Don't skip the fat: Using lean ground beef (90/10) will result in a less flavorful soup. The fat content in 80/20 beef contributes significantly to flavor and helps maintain ketosis.
- Cheese melting technique: Remove soup from heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. Stir cheese in gradually for smooth incorporation.
- Flavor development: For deeper flavor, add 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (check for sugar content) or ½ cup diced mushrooms when sautéing onions.
- Texture control: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes. For thinner consistency, add more broth.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Keto cheeseburger soup stores exceptionally well, making it perfect for meal prep:
- Refrigeration: Store in airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Freeze without dairy for up to 3 months; add cream and cheese when reheating
- Reheating: Warm on stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splashes of broth if needed to restore consistency
- Slow cooker option: After browning meat and sautéing vegetables, transfer to slow cooker with other ingredients (except dairy) and cook on low for 4-6 hours
Why Traditional Cheeseburger Soup Isn't Keto-Friendly
Understanding what makes standard cheeseburger soup incompatible with keto helps appreciate the modifications in this recipe. Traditional versions typically contain:
- Potatoes (approximately 15g net carbs per ½ cup)
- Bread crumbs or flour as thickener (5-10g carbs)
- Sweetened ketchup (4g sugar per tablespoon)
- Corn or other high-carb vegetables
These ingredients can push a single serving well over 20g net carbs, which exceeds the daily carb limit for most keto dieters. Our keto cheeseburger soup recipe addresses each of these issues with appropriate substitutions while preserving the essence of the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many net carbs are in keto cheeseburger soup?
This keto cheeseburger soup recipe contains approximately 3g net carbs per serving (based on 6 servings total). The net carb count comes primarily from the onions, cauliflower, and minimal sugar in the ketchup substitute.
Can I make cheeseburger soup keto without cauliflower?
Yes, you can substitute cauliflower with diced zucchini, chopped broccoli, or even chopped mushrooms. Each provides texture with minimal carbs. Zucchini works particularly well as it has only 2g net carbs per cup and absorbs flavors beautifully.
Does cheeseburger soup kick you out of ketosis?
Traditional cheeseburger soup likely would kick you out of ketosis due to high carbohydrate content from potatoes and other starchy ingredients. However, this specifically designed keto cheeseburger soup recipe contains only 3g net carbs per serving, which fits comfortably within standard keto carb limits when accounted for in your daily intake.
What can I serve with keto cheeseburger soup?
Excellent keto-friendly accompaniments for cheeseburger soup include side salads with oil-based dressings, keto dinner rolls, or a simple green salad. For a complete meal experience, serve with a side of avocado slices or keto-friendly "bun" alternatives like portobello mushrooms.
How can I add more protein to keto cheeseburger soup?
To increase protein content, consider adding shredded chicken, extra lean ground turkey, or diced ham. You could also stir in 1-2 tablespoons of collagen powder once the soup has cooled slightly, which dissolves without altering flavor while adding approximately 10g protein per serving.








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