A cheeseburger… in a soup? We know it sounds wild, but hear us out. Imagine every single thing you love about a fully-loaded bacon cheeseburger—the savory ground beef, the smoky bacon, the sharp cheddar, and that tangy pickle kick—all transformed into a rich, velvety, and unbelievably comforting soup. This isn’t just a meal; it’s the ultimate comfort food experience in a bowl. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect cozy dinner for a chilly evening. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb and keto-friendly, so you can indulge completely guilt-free. Get your spoons ready, because this is one recipe you’ll be making on repeat.
Ingredients
• 5 slices bacon, approx. 5 oz / 140g
• 12 oz / 340g ground beef, 80/20 recommended
• 2 tbsp / 28g butter
• 3 cups / 720ml beef broth
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 2 tsp brown mustard
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 2½ tsp / 15g tomato paste
• 1 medium dill pickle, diced, approx. ½ cup
• 1 cup / 113g shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 oz / 85g cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup / 120ml heavy cream
• 1½ tsp salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper, or to taste
Instructions
1. Directions
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until perfectly crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. Once cooled, crumble the bacon and set it aside for garnish.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot with the bacon fat. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned all over. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
4. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter to the browned beef, allowing it to melt. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, brown mustard, red pepper flakes, chili powder, and cumin, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Whisk in the beef broth and tomato paste until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the diced dill pickle, shredded cheddar, and softened cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup is creamy.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, salt, and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with the reserved crumbled bacon.
Nutritional Information
• Nutritional Info
• Serves: 5
• Calories: 573
• Fat: 48g
• Net Carbs: 4g
• Protein: 24g
Pro Tips
• For the creamiest texture, shred your own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses contain anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
• To thicken the soup further without adding carbs, whisk in an additional ounce of cream cheese or a ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum after the cheeses have melted.
• Elevate your soup by adding classic burger toppings like diced red onion, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup just before serving.
• Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature before adding it to the pot. This helps it melt smoothly and prevents clumping.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this cheeseburger soup ahead of time
A: Absolutely. This soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the cream from separating. For the best texture, add the crispy bacon garnish just before serving.
Q: How can I make the soup thicker
A: For a thicker, more chowder-like consistency, you can whisk in an extra ounce of softened cream cheese until fully incorporated. Another low-carb option is to add a ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum after the cheeses have melted.
Q: Is this bacon cheeseburger soup spicy
A: This soup has a mild, warming heat from the chili powder and red pepper flakes. If you prefer more spice, feel free to add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a non-spicy version, simply omit the red pepper flakes.
Q: What toppings can I add to this soup
A: Treat it like a real cheeseburger. Besides the crumbled bacon, great toppings include diced red onion, sesame seeds, fresh chives, or a drizzle of sugar-free ketchup or mustard to enhance the classic burger flavors.
