You ever eat a cheeseburger so good you wonder why we even bother with soup? And then, five minutes later, you’re slurping down soup and thinking, “Well, this is basically a cheeseburger in liquid form, so maybe God does love me.” That’s this recipe.
Keto Cheeseburger Soup is thick, rich, beefy, unapologetically cheesy, and—here’s the kicker—actually good for you (well, good for you if you’re the type who calls butter “a lifestyle choice” and bacon “keto-friendly salad garnish”). It’s all the flavors of your favorite diner cheeseburger, minus the bun and the guilt spiral. And unlike other keto recipes that taste like punishment for past sins, this one tastes like something you’d order at 2 a.m. after three beers.
Why This Soup Deserves Its Own Netflix Special
Here’s what this soup isn’t:
- A sad bowl of melted cheese pretending to be food.
- A “detox cleanse” that tastes like regret and lawn clippings.
- The kind of soup your nan served when she ran out of chicken stock and hope.
Here’s what it is:
- Thick: not runny, not watery, but a proper, stick-to-your-spoon situation.
- Cheesy: two kinds of cheese because one isn’t enough and three would make it weird.
- Keto-approved: which means no flour, no pasta, no potatoes—basically none of the things that make soup… soup. But here’s the twist: you won’t miss them.
What You’ll Need (a.k.a. The Cast of Characters)
- Ground beef – 80/20 if you’ve got it. Fat = flavor. This isn’t a yoga retreat.
- Onion & celery – the supporting actors. They won’t win an Oscar, but the movie tanks without them.
- Garlic – fresh, always. Garlic powder is a war crime.
- Dried oregano, parsley, basil – the holy trinity of “makes it taste like you tried.”
- Beef broth – low-sodium so the cheese doesn’t bully your taste buds.
- Cream cheese – turns broth into velvet.
- Sharp cheddar – the punchy kind. Not that sad bagged stuff that tastes like yellow dust.
- Heavy cream – liquid gold.
- Sour cream – a tangy mic drop.
Optional garnishes, because we all know toppings are half the fun:
- Crispy bacon bits (you know you’re gonna).
- Dill pickles (don’t knock it ‘til you try it).
- Extra shredded cheddar.
- Red pepper flakes if you fancy a kick.
The Method (Soup for Rebels)
- Brown the beef. Big pot, medium-high heat, let it sizzle. If your beef is leaner than a runway model, add a splash of avocado oil.
- Veggie time. Toss in diced onions, celery, and garlic. Cook until the onions are translucent and smell like someone just made rent.
- Spice it up. Stir in your dried herbs, let them bloom for about a minute. Kitchen smells: sorted.
- Broth bath. Pour in beef broth. Bring it to a simmer. Let the whole thing hang out with a lid on for 15 minutes while you pretend you’re patient.
- Cheese party. Kill the heat. Toss in cream cheese chunks, stir until smooth, then add shredded cheddar. This is where soup becomes soup.
- Finish strong. Stir in heavy cream, let it warm gently. Finally, whisk in sour cream like you’re sealing a deal.
Serve hot, pile on your toppings, and feel smug that you’re eating something that tastes like fast food but counts as “diet food.”
Tips From the School of Hard Broths
- Beef too boring? Swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even venison if you’re feeling medieval.
- Sodium is sneaky. Go easy on added salt until the end. The cheese has opinions.
- No sour cream? Skip it. The soup will survive, though you’ll miss that tangy little wink.
- Meal prep? This reheats like a dream and freezes like a champ. Pro move: use Souper Cubes so you can pop out frozen soup bricks like adult-sized Lego.
What to Serve with This Soup (Besides a Smirk)
Sure, it’s a “meal in a bowl,” but if you’re one of those people who need sides:
- A crisp Greek salad (for when you want to feel European).
- Roasted veggies (because fiber is still a thing).
- Or nothing. Just pour another bowl and own it.
FAQ: Because You’re Definitely Thinking This
Q: Can I add pickles to the soup?
A: Yes. Dice them up, toss them in, and thank me later.
Q: Is this actually keto?
A: With just 3 net carbs per serving, yeah—it’s practically the poster child for keto.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Absolutely. In fact, freeze two portions and forget about them. Future You will weep with gratitude.
The Final Pitch
This isn’t diet food disguised as soup. This is cheeseburger soup disguised as dinner. It’s fast (30 minutes, tops), cheap (you probably have half the stuff already), and indulgent enough that you’ll forget you’re technically following rules.
One bowl in, you’ll start thinking dangerous thoughts like: Maybe I don’t need bread. Maybe soup can be sexy. Maybe this is what enlightenment tastes like.
