For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, the craving for a classic cheeseburger can be intense. This keto bacon cheeseburger soup offers a satisfying solution, capturing all the beloved flavors of a cheeseburger without the carb-heavy bun. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and provides a comforting, family-friendly meal.
Why This Soup is a Keto Favorite
This soup is a fantastic way to enjoy cheeseburger flavors while staying true to your dietary goals. It's rich, creamy, and packed with the essential tastes of a juicy cheeseburger, including the tang of pickles and the savory notes of bacon. This recipe is also incredibly versatile, easily adaptable to stovetop or slow cooker preparation.
Ingredients for Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Here's what you'll need to create this delectable soup:
- Bacon: 8 slices, diced. Use your favorite bacon for topping.
- Ground Beef: 1 pound (500g). A leaner ground beef (93% lean) is recommended to minimize grease. Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a soup without red meat.
- Onion: ½ cup diced (about 1 small onion). Frozen diced onion can be a convenient option.
- Beef Broth: Provides the liquid base for the soup. Low sodium broth is recommended for better control over flavor and sodium levels.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the soup.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese is essential for that classic cheeseburger flavor. For best results, grate your own cheese.
- Tomato Paste: Contributes to the authentic cheeseburger taste.
- Condiments: Mustard and Worcestershire sauce enhance the cheeseburger flavor.
- Optional Additions: Cauliflower rice or broccoli florets can be added for extra veggies.
- Pickles: Sliced Cornichons or your favorite pickles add a tangy element.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, ground mustard, and Italian seasoning to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy (about 8 minutes). Remove the bacon and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Remove the remaining bacon grease from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
- Sauté Beef and Onion: Add the diced onion and ground beef to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the ground beef is cooked through and crumbled, and the onions are soft (about 8 minutes). Drain off any remaining grease if necessary.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Tomato Paste: Stir in the cream cheese to the browned beef and stir until melted and incorporated. Stir in the tomato paste.
- Add Broth and Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the beef broth and the cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully incorporated and the soup is creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. Serve the cheesy soup in bowls topped with reserved crispy bacon and chopped pickles.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Brown the ground beef with the onions (season with salt and pepper to taste) in a skillet.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the browned meat and onions to the slow cooker. Add the broth, cream cheese, and tomato paste.
- Cook: Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, stir well to ensure the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated. Top with crispy bacon and pickles.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Cheeseburger Soup
- Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Opt for a good quality beef broth and freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.
- Don't Skip the Pickles: Pickles add a crucial tangy element that complements the richness of the soup.
- Customize Your Toppings: Lay out a variety of toppings like crumbled bacon, extra cheese, diced tomatoes, and pickles to let everyone customize their own bowl.
- Make a Double Batch: This soup is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
Variations and Additions
- Vegetables: Add cauliflower rice or broccoli florets for extra nutrients and texture. Celery and carrots can also be included in moderation.
- Spice: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat.
- Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without toppings) in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this keto cheeseburger soup with a variety of toppings to customize each bowl. Consider these options:
- Crispy bacon crumbles
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced tomatoes
- Chopped pickles
- Green onions
- Keto-friendly croutons (made with low-carb bread)
- Sour cream
Nutritional Information
This recipe makes approximately 5 cups, with a serving size of 1.25 cups.
Read also: Delicious Keto Salad Dressing
Why This Recipe Works
This keto bacon cheeseburger soup is a crowd-pleaser because it perfectly mimics the flavors of a classic cheeseburger while remaining low in carbs. The creamy base, savory ground beef, and tangy toppings create a satisfying and comforting meal. Whether you're following a keto diet or simply looking for a delicious and easy soup recipe, this bacon cheeseburger soup is sure to become a favorite.
Read also: Delicious Keto Chicken Recipes
Read also: Creamy Keto Soup
tags: #bacon #cheeseburger #soup #keto #recipe