Published: Dec 13, 2022 · Modified: Apr 17, 2023 by Jennifer Banz · This post may contain affiliate links

Keto Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon

Name: Keto Cheeseburger Soup with Bacon Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1/2 Cup diced onion (about 1 small onion); 1 Pound Ground Beef; kosher salt and pepper; 8 Ounces Cream Cheese; 1 Tablespoon Tomato Paste; 2 Cups Beef broth; 1 1/2 Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese; 8 Slices Bacon, diced; Chopped pickles for topping

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Thirty minutes is all you need to have this comforting keto cheeseburger soup on your dinner table. This soup tastes just like a cheeseburger and uses cream cheese and cheddar cheese to make it creamy, pickles for a tangy bite, and of course, bacon!

keto cheeseburger soup topped with bacon and pickles

Everyone loves a good cheeseburger, but when you're following a keto eating plan, the bun is a big no no (unless it's keto, of course). My family loves soup and this keto cheeseburger soup with bacon and pickles is perfect for a busy weeknight because it is ready in about 30 minutes. It is super hearty with the hamburger, cheese, and bacon.

We're talking about keto comfort food here and I cannot get enough. More recipes that will give you all the comforting vibes are Creamy Lemon Chicken Thighs , Creamy Garlic Chicken, and my Keto Burger Bowl.

Ingredients needed

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this keto cheeseburger soup recipe, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For a printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

8 slices bacon (diced) - This is for the topping so you can use your favorite bacon here. I like to use a thick cut bacon just because it's so delicious!

1 pound (500g) ground beef - I like to use a leaner ground beef, such as 93% lean, so there isn't any grease to drain. It is a more expensive cut, but you're left with more meat in your soup and no need to throw out the fat. If you want a soup without red meat, you can use ground turkey. You can also reduce the calories if you use 99% fat free ground turkey of chicken.

½ cup diced onion (about 1 small onion) - This keto cheeseburger soup recipe uses any onion that you have laying around. White or yellow works fine. You can also buy already diced onion in the freezer section of the grocery store. That is my personal favorite!

8 ounces (226g) cream cheese

Kosher salt and pepper

1 tablespoon tomato paste - This really gives that American cheeseburger flavor!

2 cups beef broth - I know soups tend to usually have more broth than this, but I really wanted this keto bacon cheeseburger soup recipe to be nice and thick. You can use low sodium or just plain beef broth. You can also use beef bone broth for more nutrients.

1 ½ cups (150g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese - I always use store bought pre-shredded cheese for this keto cheeseburger soup, but feel free to shred your own!

Chopped pickles for garnish - I like to use sliced cornichons or if I'm in a pinch, any pickle will do! This ingredient is essential in my mind! It really drives home that cheeseburger soup flavor!

How to make keto cheeseburger soup

This section explains how to make this low carb cheeseburger soup recipe step by step. For a full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Step 1 - I like to cook my diced bacon in the pot before I make my keto cheeseburger soup to cut down on dishes. Cook it over medium heat on the stove top until it is crisp then remove the bacon grease from the pan. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. To cut down on cooking time, you can cook the bacon in a separate skillet while the soup is cooking.

Step 2 - You can see in the step by step instruction photos, we start with cooking our base of onion and ground beef over medium heat until the onions are soft and the ground beef is browned and crumbled.

Step 3 - Chop the cream cheese into smaller pieces so it melts into the ground beef easier. Stir the ground beef and cream cheese combo until the cream cheese is completely melted.

a collage of 4 photos cooking ground beef and onions, adding cream cheese, tomato paste, and beef broth.

Step 4 - Stir in the seasoning and the tomato paste until it is fully incorporated.

Step 5 - Stir in the beef broth. Stir for a few minutes to get all of the ingredients to meld together.

Step 6 - Stir in your shredded cheddar cheese. This will take a few minutes to melt. When it is completely melted into your keto cheeseburger soup, it's done! No need to simmer this keto soup recipe.

stirring cheese into keto cheeseburger soup

Step 7 - Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon and pickles.

topping cheeseburger soup with bacon and pickles

Can this keto cheeseburger soup be made in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown your meat with your onions (season with salt and pepper to taste) and add them to the slow cooker. Now add in your broth, cream cheese, and tomato paste. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Stir in the cheddar cheese before serving.

Storage, reheating, and freezing

Storage - This keto cheeseburger soup will keep in an air tight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. You can also divide it into 5 equal size air tight containers for meal pre.
Reheating - This soup reheats really well in the microwave. Place in a microwave safe bowl and heat on high for 1 - 2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can heat in a small saucepan over medium heat until heated through.
Freezing - with all of the dairy in this soup, I do not recommend freezing it.

Frequently asked questions

What kind of pots do you use for soups? I like to use a 6 quart dutch oven for soups and stews. a Dutch oven is just a fancy name for a cast iron pot with a lid that has an enamel coating. I prefer the ones that have a black coating on the inside as opposed to an enamel coating on the inside.

Why isn't my cream cheese melting into the beef? It probably just needs more time. This step can take about 10 minutes.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Definitely! Ground turkey or even ground chicken would work perfectly in this recipe.

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