Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup is rich, cheesy, and packed with classic burger flavor—without the bun or carbs. Loaded with ground beef, cream, and melty cheese, it’s a hearty, satisfying one-pot meal that’s perfect for keto or low-carb lifestyles. It’s comfort food at its best and ready in under an hour.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
ground beefolive oil or butteryellow onion (diced)garlic (minced)celery (chopped)cauliflower floretsbeef brothcream cheeseshredded cheddar cheeseheavy creamdijon mustard (optional)paprikaonion powdergarlic powdersalt and pepperchopped pickles or pickle juice (optional for tang)
Optional toppings:
crispy bacon bitschopped green onionsshredded cheesediced tomato
directions
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add diced onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Add chopped cauliflower, beef broth, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes, until cauliflower is tender.
Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted.
Stir in heavy cream and optional Dijon mustard or pickle juice for added flavor.
Simmer on low for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot with desired toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25–30 minutesTotal time: approximately 40 minutes
Variations
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Add chopped spinach or kale for extra nutrients.
Replace cauliflower with riced cauliflower or broccoli.
Top with sliced avocado or jalapeños for a twist.
Add hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy kick.
storage/reheating
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
FAQs
Is cheeseburger soup keto?
Yes, this version is low in carbs, high in fat, and fits perfectly into a keto diet.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the beef and veggies first, then add everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
What’s a good substitute for cauliflower?
Broccoli, zucchini, or turnips work well as low-carb alternatives.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but block cheese melts more smoothly and has fewer additives.
Is this soup very thick?
It’s creamy and thick, but you can adjust consistency with extra broth or cream.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and coconut cream or almond milk, but results will vary.
Does it really taste like a cheeseburger?
Yes—it has all the savory, cheesy, beefy flavors, especially with mustard or pickles added.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just use a large pot and adjust seasoning to taste.
Can I add bacon?
Yes! Crispy bacon bits add amazing flavor and texture.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack also work great.
Conclusion
Low Carb Cheeseburger Soup is a cozy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying dish that delivers all the flavor of your favorite burger without the carbs. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime comfort food cravings hit—keto-style.
PrintLow Carb Cheeseburger Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This low carb cheeseburger soup is a creamy, hearty, and satisfying dish packed with ground beef, cheddar cheese, and vegetables. It delivers all the flavors of a cheeseburger without the bun – perfect for keto and low carb diets.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 small cauliflower head, chopped into small florets
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Chopped pickles, bacon bits, or green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter and sauté onion, garlic, and celery for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add cauliflower, beef broth, mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until cauliflower is tender.
- Return the beef to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese (if using). Cook until cream cheese melts.
- Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and soup is creamy.
- Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with desired garnishes.
Notes
- For added flavor, top with crispy bacon and a few chopped pickles to mimic a classic cheeseburger.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
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