Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients that bring out the cheeseburger flavour without the carbs. I always recommend choosing quality ground beef—something fresh and preferably grass-fed if you can find it. It makes a noticeable difference in taste and texture. For the creamy base, I use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream, which create that luscious mouthfeel my kids and I adore. Fresh vegetables like onions and celery add subtle depth, while sharp cheddar cheese rounds it out perfectly. If you’re dairy-free, there are some substitutions I’ll mention below to keep this keto-friendly and tasty.
- 1 pound ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped pickles or a splash of pickle juice for that authentic cheeseburger tang
If you need a dairy-free version, try substituting the cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavour profile will shift slightly. For the beef broth, homemade or high-quality store-bought makes all the difference.
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onion turns translucent.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
- Lower the heat and whisk in the softened cream cheese until smooth. This might take a couple of minutes—it’s worth the effort for that creamy texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
- Give the soup a final taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you like, sprinkle chopped pickles or add a splash of pickle juice for that authentic cheeseburger bite.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheddar or fresh herbs, and watch it disappear from the bowls!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
