For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, finding satisfying and flavorful meals can sometimes be a challenge. Keto Cheeseburger Soup emerges as a comforting and delicious solution, delivering all the savory goodness of a classic cheeseburger without the carbs. This recipe is thick, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender beef. It’s low in net carbs, and it’s an easy fix that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Why This Soup Works for Keto
Traditional soups often rely on high-carb ingredients like flour or carrots for thickening and flavor. This keto cheeseburger soup recipe cleverly circumvents these issues, ensuring a low-carb, high-satisfaction meal.
- No Flour, All Flavor: The absence of flour, a common thickening agent, is compensated by the inclusion of cheese, which not only thickens the soup but also enriches its flavor.
- Limited High-Carb Veggies: Onions and garlic are used sparingly to minimize carbohydrate content, while carrots are eliminated altogether.
Key Ingredients and Their Roles
This soup owes its unique taste and texture to a carefully selected combination of ingredients.
- Ground Beef: The heart of any cheeseburger, ground beef provides a hearty and savory base for the soup. 80/20 ground beef is a great choice, but ground chicken, ground turkey, or even more exotic meats like ground buffalo or venison can be used.
- Cheese: Two types of cheese are essential to this recipe:
- Cream Cheese: This gives the soup a velvety, thick texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a cheesy edge to the soup. White or yellow cheddar can be used. For a milder flavor, consider marble cheese, Monterey Jack, or Muenster. Pepper jack can also be used to spice it up.
- Beef Broth: This forms the liquid base of the soup, infusing it with a rich, beefy flavor. For better sodium control, use a low or no-sodium added broth.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the soup, enhancing its overall texture and flavor.
- Spices: Spices add fragrant savory notes.
- Sour Cream: Whisking in sour cream at the end adds acidity, which helps to balance out the cheese.
- Optional Toppings: A pinch of shredded sharp cheddar, thinly sliced green onions, and diced or sliced pickle can be added.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe can be completed in about 30 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a Dutch oven, skillet, or soup pot, brown the ground beef. If the beef is lean, add a tablespoon or two of avocado oil.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add finely diced onions, celery, and garlic to the pot. Cook until the onions are softened and translucent.
- Add Spices: Add the spices and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer in Broth: Spoon out any excess fat, then add the beef broth and heat the soup to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes with a lid on.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Turn the heat off and add the cream cheese, breaking it up so that it melts into the hot broth. Stir well. If the cream cheese isn't melting, turn the heat up for a minute or two.
- Melt Cheddar Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Add Cream and Heat: Add the heavy cream and heat the soup over low heat until it is heated through.
- Stir in Sour Cream: Turn the heat off and whisk in the sour cream.
Serving and Customization
Once the soup is ready, it's time to personalize it with your favorite cheeseburger toppings.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Topping Ideas: Common cheeseburger toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, thinly sliced green onions, and diced pickles can be added.
- Pairing Suggestions: While this soup is a satisfying meal on its own, it can be paired with other low-carb dishes for a more substantial meal.
Freezing for Future Enjoyment
This soup freezes well, making it ideal for meal prepping. The best way to freeze saucy and soupy recipes is by using Souper Cubes. Freeze portions of your favorite soups, stews, and other saucy meals in these freezer-safe cubes.
Common Questions
- Can I make this cheeseburger soup with pickles? Yes! Add half a cup of diced and drained pickles to the broth before simmering the soup, to give it a lovely bit of crunch and extra flavor.
- Can I eat cheeseburger soup on keto? Yes! This recipe is low in net carbs and uses keto-friendly ingredients.
- Is cheeseburger soup keto? Yes! With just 3 net carbs, you can enjoy bowlfuls of this delicious and hearty soup while on a keto diet.
Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is approximate, based on available online ingredient data. The accuracy of this information cannot be guaranteed. Erythritol carbs (sugar substitutes) are not included in the carbohydrate counts as they have been shown not to impact blood sugar, and they have zero calories and zero carbs. Consult with a doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption if you are following a medically restrictive diet.
Variations on Keto Taco Soup
This keto taco soup is low-carb and full of ground beef, cream cheese, heavy cream, and spices. Combine ground beef with onion and garlic in a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Drain and discard grease. Stir in broth, diced tomatoes and green chiles, heavy cream, and salt.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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