Keto Cheeseburger Soup: Low-Carb Recipe & Nutrition Facts

Keto Cheeseburger Soup: Low-Carb Recipe & Nutrition Facts
Keto cheeseburger soup is a low-carb adaptation of the classic comfort food, featuring ground beef, cheese, and vegetables in a creamy broth with only 3-4g net carbs per serving. This recipe eliminates high-carb ingredients like potatoes and面包 crumbs while maintaining the signature cheeseburger flavors through strategic ingredient substitutions.

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

  1. Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion and cook until translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Add vegetables: Stir in cauliflower rice and cook for 3-4 minutes to soften slightly.
  4. Create broth base: Pour in beef broth, sugar-free ketchup, and mustard. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Thicken soup: Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 10-15 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
  6. Add cheese: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar until melted and incorporated.
  7. 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.

Sarah Johnson

Sarah Johnson

A passionate culinary historian with over 15 years of experience tracing spice trade routes across continents. Sarah have given her unique insights into how spices shaped civilizations throughout history. Her engaging storytelling approach brings ancient spice traditions to life, connecting modern cooking enthusiasts with the rich cultural heritage behind everyday ingredients. Her expertise in identifying authentic regional spice variations, where she continues to advocate for preserving traditional spice knowledge for future generations.