Why I Love This Recipe:
This Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is one of my go-to comfort foods. It combines all the delicious flavors of a bacon cheeseburger in a hearty soup form that’s creamy, rich, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for chilly nights and is a great way to satisfy cravings while keeping things low carb. The creamy base, along with the crispy bacon and melted cheddar, makes every bite so satisfying. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 ½ cups beef broth
- 14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon minced parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 ½ cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, add the ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Brown the beef over medium heat, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the beef is browned, drain the excess grease.
- Add Liquids & Seasonings: Pour in the beef broth, canned diced tomatoes (with juice), Worcestershire sauce, minced parsley, dried dill, mustard powder, and seasoned salt. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Melt the Cheeses: Add the cream cheese, grated cheddar, and heavy cream to the soup. Whisk everything together until the cheeses are fully melted and the soup has thickened slightly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon. For added flavor, feel free to sprinkle extra shredded cheddar, dill pickles, or even more bacon on top.
Tips & Tricks:
- Crumbled Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it in a separate pan, drain on paper towels, and crumble it just before serving. This keeps the bacon crispy in the soup rather than soggy.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce for a little extra heat.
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer a little longer to reduce, or add an extra ounce of cream cheese.
- Customize Your Toppings: Top with extra shredded cheddar, chopped dill pickles, or even sliced tomatoes to give it a true “cheeseburger” feel.
Notes:
- This soup is highly customizable. If you want to make it even more “burger-like,” add diced pickles, chopped lettuce, or a dollop of mustard to the top before serving.
- This is a low-carb recipe, but if you’re not strictly following a low-carb diet, you can serve it with a side of crispy fries or a slice of garlic bread for extra indulgence.
FAQs:
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had more time to develop.
Can I freeze this soup? You can freeze this soup, but note that the texture may change slightly upon reheating, especially with the dairy. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef? Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. It will still taste delicious, though the flavor will be a bit lighter.
Is there a way to make this soup dairy-free? To make this soup dairy-free, use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute. For the cream cheese, you can try a dairy-free option or use blended cashews for a creamy texture.
Storage:
- In the fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
- In the freezer: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before freezing. When reheating, you may need to add a little extra beef broth or water to reach the desired consistency.
Enjoy this low-carb bacon cheeseburger soup whenever you need a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
