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This rich and creamy low-carb bacon cheeseburger soup lets you enjoy all the savory comfort of a classic cheeseburger without the bun. Every bowl is loaded with smoky bacon crisped to perfection juicy seasoned ground beef and a cheesy velvety broth that feels like the best parts of a diner burger night in soup form. It is a cozy family hit when you crave hearty flavors but want to keep things grain free and satisfying.
I made this one cold weekend when everyone was tired of regular chili and we had a surplus of bacon. Now it is our favorite warm-up meal after snowball fights or game days.
Ingredients
- Bacon: adds smoky crunch and flavor use thick cut if you can find it
- Ground beef: gives classic cheeseburger richness choose 80 20 for best flavor
- Onion: brings sweetness and depth look for firm heavy onions without soft spots
- Salt and black pepper: simple seasonings to bring the soup together use freshly ground pepper for best aroma
- Beef stock: the base of the broth choose low sodium so you control the salt
- Cauliflower: provides velvety body without carbs pick a head with tightly closed white florets
- Canned diced tomatoes: add savory brightness no need to drain the can
- Dijon mustard: a zesty burger note use smooth traditional Dijon
- Worcestershire sauce: gives umami depth opt for a good brand without added sugar
- Heavy cream: makes the soup luxuriously smooth and filling look for fresh cream with a pourable consistency
- Shredded cheddar cheese: gives sharp tang classic cheeseburger flavor grate your own if possible
- American cheese: melts ultra creamy and brings old school cheeseburger nostalgia
- Dill pickles: add zippy crunch use real pickles not relish for best results
- Red onion: a bright raw finish pick a small one that feels firm
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Render the Bacon:
- Start with a cold Dutch oven and lay in the bacon slices. Turn heat to medium high and slowly bring the bacon up to a sizzle. Let the bacon cook undisturbed until crispy on one side flip and cook until quite crisp all over. Set the bacon aside on a paper towel lined plate but do not drain the fat from the pot.
- Brown the Beef:
- Add ground beef right into the bacon fat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat and spread it evenly across the bottom. Cook on medium heat until well browned and crumbly about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked scoop beef out with a slotted spoon and keep with the reserved bacon.
- Sauté the Onion:
- Tumble the diced onion into the beautiful drippings left in the pot. Sprinkle over salt and pepper. Let the onions cook slowly on medium low for around 10 minutes or until softened and just taking on golden color. This deepens the overall flavor of your soup.
- Simmer the Base:
- Pour beef stock into the pot with the onions and scrape up any browned bits. Add your cauliflower florets and canned diced tomatoes. Bring the whole mixture to a rolling boil then immediately drop heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Let everything bubble away for about 15 minutes until the cauliflower is completely tender and can be pierced with a fork.
- Blend for Creaminess:
- Use an immersion blender right in the pot and blend until most of the soup is smooth with just a few chunky bits left for texture. This step gives the soup a luxurious mouthfeel while keeping it hearty.
- Combine and Heat Through:
- Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Stir in Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce making sure it is all well mixed. Let everything warm together for about 5 minutes to let the flavors come together.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese:
- Remove the pot from the heat. Gently stir in heavy cream shredded cheddar and diced American cheese. Keep stirring until all cheese is melted and the broth is creamy.
- Serve and Top:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with plenty of bacon crumbles brunoise pickles and minced red onion for that irresistible cheeseburger finish.
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My favorite part is the crisp smoky bacon on top. It reminds me of burger night growing up but with way less kitchen mess. My kids always sneak extra pickles into their bowls laughing just like my siblings and I used to do.
How to Store
Let soup cool before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to four days. It reheats beautifully on the stovetop with a splash of extra cream or stock. For longer storage freeze portioned soup for up to two months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Ingredient Swaps
If you do not have ground beef ground turkey or chicken can work just as well. For a vegetarian version try plant based crumbles and swap beef stock with vegetable broth. Monterey Jack or Swiss cheese can stand in for cheddar for a milder soup and broccoli florets can be substituted for cauliflower if desired.
Serving Ideas
This soup is perfect all on its own for a meal. Add a green salad with a creamy dressing to round it out. Crisp lettuce leaves or cucumber slices make fun dippers. Serve with extra pickles on the side for those who love that classic cheeseburger zing.
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Burgers in a Bowl
Soup inspired by cheeseburgers might sound unusual but it is a fun American diner twist that turns a comfort food favorite into a cozy bowl. Families who follow low carbohydrate or keto diets especially love this option since it brings satisfaction without the bread.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What is the best way to ensure crispy bacon for this soup?
Start the bacon in a cold Dutch oven and slowly bring up the heat, allowing the fat to render gradually. Flip when crispy on one side, and remove once thoroughly browned and crisp for perfect texture.
- → Can I blend the soup for a smoother texture?
Yes, after simmering the cauliflower and tomatoes, use an immersion blender to puree the soup before returning the cooked beef to the pot for a creamy, hearty consistency.
- → Are there suitable substitutions for cauliflower?
Cauliflower provides a low-carb base, but broccoli or turnip can offer similar body and mild flavor adaptations in this soup.
- → How can I achieve a thicker soup?
Blending the soup thoroughly and adding extra cheese or a splash of heavy cream can help thicken it further without starch-based thickeners.
- → What toppings pair best with this dish?
Try classic accents like crumbled bacon, diced pickles, minced red onion, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added flavor and texture.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Cool the soup completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve texture.