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Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup - Cozy, Creamy, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef (85–90% lean)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced (optional but adds great flavor)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (check for low-carb brand)
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (yellow or Dijon)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar melts and tastes best)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill pickles (plus extra for topping)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Cooked bacon crumbles (optional but highly recommended)
  • Hot sauce (optional, to taste)

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if there’s a lot left in the pot.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, onion, and celery. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add seasoning and broth: Stir in smoked paprika, mustard, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper. Pour in the broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook the cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets. Simmer 8–10 minutes, until tender. If you like a thicker, creamier base, use a potato masher to lightly mash some of the cauliflower right in the pot.
  5. Melt in the cream cheese: Lower heat to medium-low. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until fully melted and smooth. This step makes the soup extra velvety.
  6. Add cream and cheddar: Pour in the heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer (do not boil). Stir in the shredded cheddar a handful at a time until melted and the soup is smooth.
  7. Finish with pickles: Stir in chopped dill pickles for that signature cheeseburger bite. Taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or mustard if needed.
  8. Garnish and serve: Ladle into bowls and top with green onions, bacon crumbles, extra pickles, and a few drops of hot sauce if you like a little heat.