If you love the flavors of a Big Mac—the juicy beef, creamy sauce, melty cheese, and tangy pickles—but want something warm and comforting, Big Mac Soup is the perfect dish for you. This soup has all the classic burger flavors but in a rich, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying form. It’s a low-carb alternative to a fast-food favorite and makes an easy, hearty meal the whole family will love.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to make the best Big Mac Soup, share tips for customizing it, and answer common questions about this delicious dish. Whether you’re following a keto diet, looking for a cozy meal, or just love cheeseburger flavors, this soup will be your new go-to recipe.
Love bold flavors? Try this Cream of Jalapeño Soup for a rich, spicy, and comforting bowl of goodness!
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Why You’ll Love This Big Mac Soup
All the Big Mac Flavors – Juicy beef, creamy sauce, pickles, and cheddar cheese come together in a comforting bowl.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – No bun, no problem! This soup is a perfect low-carb option without sacrificing flavor.
Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it great for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly – Even picky eaters love this cheesy, beefy soup.
Customizable – Add your favorite toppings, adjust the seasoning, or even throw in some crispy bacon for extra flavor.
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Ingredients for Big Mac Soup
This soup is made with simple ingredients that bring out the classic cheeseburger flavors.
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (for richness)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup diced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the “Special Sauce” Flavor:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
Optional Add-Ins:
- Chopped bacon for extra smoky flavor
- Shredded lettuce for a more authentic Big Mac touch
- Diced tomatoes for a fresh pop of flavor
- Cauliflower rice if you want to bulk up the soup while keeping it low-carb
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How to Make Big Mac Soup
This one-pot recipe is easy to follow and comes together quickly. Here’s how to make it:
Brown the Beef
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and diced onions, breaking the meat apart as it cooks.
- Cook until the beef is browned and onions are soft, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess grease if needed.
Build the Base
- Stir in garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add Broth and Simmer
- Pour in beef broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Let it cook for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Make It Creamy
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and diced pickles.
- Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Add the “Special Sauce”
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and pickle juice.
- Stir this sauce into the soup and mix well.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra shredded cheese, pickles, and sesame seeds for that real Big Mac feel.
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How to Serve Big Mac Soup
This rich, cheesy, and flavorful soup is satisfying on its own, but adding a few sides or toppings can take it to the next level. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb option or a classic burger-inspired pairing, here are some great ways to serve Big Mac Soup.
🥖 With a Side of Toast or Garlic Bread – If you’re not following a low-carb diet, pair this soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even toasted burger buns to soak up all that delicious, cheesy broth.
🥓 Topped with Crispy Bacon – Adding crumbled bacon brings an extra layer of smoky, salty goodness that complements the flavors of the soup perfectly. It also adds a bit of crunch for texture.
🥗 With a Side Salad – A fresh, crisp salad with romaine lettuce, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the soup while adding extra greens to your meal.
🍟 With Low-Carb Fries – For a keto-friendly pairing, serve this soup with zucchini fries, jicama fries, or even crispy baked radish slices to mimic the experience of a classic burger and fries—without the carbs!
No matter how you serve it, this Big Mac Soup is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
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Tips for the Best Big Mac Soup
Making Big Mac Soup is easy, but a few simple tricks will take it from good to amazing. Follow these tips for the best flavor, texture, and overall experience.
🔥 Use Quality Beef – The best Big Mac flavor starts with 80/20 ground beef, which has the perfect balance of fat for flavor without being overly greasy. If using leaner beef, consider adding a small amount of butter or oil to maintain richness.
🧀 Choose Sharp Cheddar –Aged cheddar brings a bold, rich flavor to the soup. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect melting, so for the smoothest texture, grate it fresh from the block.
🥒 Use Dill Pickles, Not Sweet Pickles – The tangy, briny flavor of dill pickles is essential for replicating the iconic Big Mac taste. Sweet pickles or relish will change the flavor profile too much.
🥄 Stir the Cheese Slowly – Adding cheese too fast can cause it to clump or become grainy. Reduce heat to low and stir in cheese gradually to create a smooth, creamy soup.
❄️ Make It Ahead – This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.
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Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though Big Mac Soup is easy to make, a few small mistakes can affect the flavor and texture. Here’s what to watch out for to ensure your soup turns out rich, creamy, and full of that classic Big Mac taste.
Skipping the Special Sauce – The special sauce is what gives this soup its signature flavor. Without it, the soup will taste like a basic cheeseburger soup rather than a Big Mac in a bowl. Be sure to mix in the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice—it makes all the difference!
Overcooking the Cheese – Cheese can turn grainy or clumpy if it gets too hot. Stir it in slowly over low heat and make sure it’s fully melted before serving. If needed, take the pot off the heat before adding the cheese to prevent overheating.
Not Draining the Beef – Ground beef releases a lot of fat when cooked. If you don’t drain excess grease, the soup can become too rich and heavy. After browning the beef, drain the fat before adding the broth.
Using Sweet Pickles – Big Macs have dill pickles, not sweet pickles. Using sweet pickles or relish will make the soup taste too sugary instead of tangy and savory. Stick with classic dill pickles for that true Big Mac flavor.
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FAQs About Big Mac Soup
1. Can I make Big Mac Soup keto-friendly?
Yes! This soup is naturally low-carb and keto-friendly. Just be sure to use sugar-free ketchup and mustard in the special sauce.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.. Reheat on the stove over low heat.
3. Can I freeze Big Mac Soup?
Yes, but leave out the cheese and cream before freezing. Add them when reheating for the best texture.
4. Can I cook this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef first, then add everything except the cheese and cream to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then stir in the cheese and cream before serving.
5. What toppings go well with Big Mac Soup?
Shredded lettuce, diced pickles, sesame seeds, extra cheese, and crispy bacon make great toppings!
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Conclusion
Big Mac Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing all the flavors of a classic Big Mac into a warm, cheesy, and satisfying bowl. With its juicy beef, creamy special sauce, melted cheddar, and tangy pickles, this soup delivers that iconic fast-food taste in a way that’s easy to make at home. Plus, it’s low-carb and keto-friendly, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy their favorite flavors without the bun.
One of the best things about this soup is how customizable it is. Want extra crunch? Add crispy bacon or shredded lettuce on top. Need more heat? Stir in some hot sauce or jalapeños. Prefer a thicker consistency? Reduce the broth slightly or stir in some cauliflower rice.
It’s also a great meal prep recipe since it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them for a quick, delicious meal.
So, if you’re looking for a fun and unique twist on cheeseburger flavors, this Big Mac Soup is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Give it a try today—you won’t be disappointed!