If you love the rich, cheesy, and beefy flavors of a classic cheeseburger but want something warm and comforting, cheeseburger soup is a perfect choice. This hearty soup combines ground beef, cheese, cream, and vegetables into a delicious one-pot meal. But if you’re watching your carb intake, you might be wondering: How many carbs are in cheeseburger soup?
The answer depends on the ingredients used. Traditional cheeseburger soup made with potatoes, flour, and milk can be higher in carbs, while a keto-friendly version swaps out the high-carb ingredients for cream, broth, and low-carb vegetables, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
In this guide, I’ll break down the carb content of cheeseburger soup, show you how to reduce carbs without sacrificing flavor, and provide a delicious low-carb cheeseburger soup recipe that you’ll love.
Love cheeseburger flavors? Try this delicious Big Mac Soup for a rich, creamy, and satisfying twist on a fast-food favorite!
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Carbs in Traditional Cheeseburger Soup
A classic cheeseburger soup is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavorful ingredients, but it also tends to be high in carbs due to some key components.
Typical Ingredients in Traditional Cheeseburger Soup:
- Ground beef – Naturally zero carbs but adds great flavor.
- Potatoes – A high-carb ingredient, often used to add texture and thickness.
- Onions and carrots – While nutritious, they contribute extra carbs to the soup.
- Flour or cornstarch – Used to thicken the soup, but both are high in unnecessary carbs.
- Milk or heavy cream – Milk contains natural sugars that add to the carb count.
- Cheese – Low in carbs but adds richness and creaminess.
Carb Breakdown per Serving (~1.5 Cups):
| Ingredient | Amount | Estimated Carbs |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | 1 cup | 26g |
| Onion | ½ cup | 6g |
| Carrots | ½ cup | 6g |
| Flour | 2 tbsp | 12g |
| Whole Milk | ½ cup | 6g |
| Cheddar Cheese | ½ cup | 2g |
| Ground Beef | 1 cup | 0g |
| Broth & Seasonings | – | 1g |
| Total Per Serving | ~1.5 cups | 40–50g |
As you can see, a traditional cheeseburger soup can contain 40–50 grams of carbs per serving, mainly due to the potatoes, flour, and milk. If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, this might be too high—but don’t worry, with a few easy ingredient swaps, you can enjoy a low-carb version without sacrificing the creamy, cheesy goodness!
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How to Make a Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup
Making a low-carb cheeseburger soup is easy with a few simple swaps. By replacing high-carb ingredients with keto-friendly alternatives, you can enjoy all the rich, cheesy, and beefy flavors of traditional cheeseburger soup—without the carb overload.
Low-Carb Ingredient Swaps
Potatoes → Cauliflower – Potatoes are a staple in traditional cheeseburger soup but pack 26g of carbs per cup. Swap them for cauliflower, which provides a similar soft texture with only 5g of carbs per cup.
Flour → Xanthan Gum – Many recipes use flour to thicken the soup, but it adds unnecessary carbs. Instead, use ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum, which thickens the soup without adding carbs. Simply sprinkle it in and stir well.
Milk → Heavy Cream – Regular milk contains 6g of carbs per cup, while heavy cream has fewer carbs and creates a creamier, richer soup. It also enhances the cheesy flavor!
Carrots → Bell Peppers – While carrots are tasty, they contain more sugar and carbs. Diced bell peppers add a sweetness and vibrant color without as many carbs.
With these simple ingredient swaps, you’ll create a thick, hearty, and satisfying cheeseburger soup that’s low in carbs and full of flavor!
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Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
This cheesy, hearty, and flavorful low-carb cheeseburger soup is the ultimate comfort food without the excess carbs. It’s keto-friendly, gluten-free, and packed with protein and healthy fats, making it perfect for those on a low-carb diet.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ small onion, diced
- ½ cup diced bell peppers (instead of carrots)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (instead of potatoes)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (freshly grated for best results)
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum (for thickening)
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt & black pepper
- ½ teaspoon mustard (optional for extra burger flavor)
Instructions:
Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Sauté the Veggies: Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the pot. Cook for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Simmer the Base: Pour in the beef broth and add the cauliflower florets. Let the soup simmer for 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower becomes tender.
Thicken the Soup: Sprinkle in the xanthan gum while stirring constantly to help thicken the broth. Let it cook for another 2 minutes to fully incorporate.
Add the Cream & Cheese: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then slowly stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is melted and creamy.
Season & Serve: Add paprika, mustard, salt, and black pepper to taste. Serve hot and garnish with extra cheese, bacon bits, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – ~1.5 Cups)
- Calories: 380
- Carbs: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 30g
By swapping out potatoes for cauliflower and flour for xanthan gum, this version keeps all the flavor and richness while slashing the carbs to just 6g per serving—a huge drop from the 40–50g in traditional cheeseburger soup!
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Tips for the Best Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup
Want to make the best low-carb cheeseburger soup? Follow these simple tips to enhance the flavor, texture, and overall experience while keeping it keto-friendly.
🔥 Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains added starches and anti-caking agents, which can increase the carb count and prevent smooth melting. For the best texture and flavor, grate fresh cheddar cheese before adding it to the soup.
🥦 Add More Veggies – While cauliflower is a great low-carb replacement for potatoes, don’t be afraid to mix in mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These vegetables add extra fiber, vitamins, and texture without spiking the carb count.
🥓 Top with Bacon – If you love the smoky, salty flavor of bacon, add crispy bacon bits on top of your soup before serving. It enhances the cheeseburger feel and gives the soup an irresistible crunch.
🥄 Make It Thicker – For a thicker, creamier soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, stir in a little extra cheese or a small amount of cream cheese for added richness.
🌶 Add a Spicy Kick – If you like a bit of heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or smoked paprika to give your soup an extra burst of warmth and flavor.
With these tips, your low-carb cheeseburger soup will be thick, flavorful, and completely satisfying—without the extra carbs!
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FAQs About Carbs in Cheeseburger Soup
1. Is cheeseburger soup keto-friendly?
Traditional cheeseburger soup is not keto-friendly due to the high carb content from potatoes, flour, and milk. However, you can make it keto-friendly by using cauliflower, xanthan gum, and heavy cream, reducing the carbs to just 6g per serving.
2. Can I use almond milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but it won’t be as thick and creamy. Almond milk is lower in carbs than regular milk but lacks the richness of heavy cream. If using almond milk, consider adding extra cheese or a small amount of cream cheese for texture.
3. How can I store leftover cheeseburger soup?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Can I freeze cheeseburger soup?
Yes! Cheeseburger soup freezes well, but the dairy may separate when reheated. To fix this, stir well and add a little extra heavy cream when reheating.
5. What are good low-carb toppings for cheeseburger soup?
Great low-carb toppings include:
- Crispy bacon bits
- Chopped pickles (for a burger flavor)
- Extra shredded cheese
- Green onions or chives
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Conclusion
So, how many carbs are in cheeseburger soup? The answer depends on the ingredients. A traditional cheeseburger soup can have 40–50g of carbs per serving, mostly from potatoes, flour, and milk. While delicious, this version isn’t ideal for low-carb or keto diets.
The good news? You don’t have to give up cheeseburger soup if you’re watching your carbs! By making a few simple swaps, you can create a low-carb version that’s just as flavorful and satisfying. Replacing potatoes with cauliflower, flour with xanthan gum, and milk with heavy cream lowers the carb count to just 6g per serving. This makes it a perfect keto-friendly meal while keeping all the rich, cheesy, and beefy goodness of the original.
The best part? This low-carb cheeseburger soup is thick, creamy, and comforting, making it great for chilly days, meal prep, or a quick family dinner. Plus, you can customize it with extra toppings like bacon, jalapeños, or shredded cheese to match your taste.
So, whether you’re following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet, this cheeseburger soup recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious, guilt-free bowl of cheeseburger soup today!