Keto Cheeseburger Soup with Smoked Gouda

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, creamy soup packed with ground beef, melted cheddar, and smoky Gouda, topped with crispy bacon for a decadent keto twist on classic comfort food. This soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs ground beef, yellow onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and crumbly.
  2. Step 2: Add 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, cooking for 3 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 4 cups beef broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, and 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to low, stir in 1/2 cup shredded smoked Gouda and 1/4 cup heavy cream, then simmer for 5 minutes until cheese melts and soup thickens.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook bacon until crisp, then crumble and sprinkle 3 slices over each serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Keto Cheeseburger Soup with Smoked Gouda take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Keto Cheeseburger Soup with Smoked Gouda?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Keto Cheeseburger Soup with Smoked Gouda?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Keto Cheeseburger Soup with Smoked Gouda for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What should I serve with Keto Cheeseburger Soup with Smoked Gouda?

A simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable round out the plate. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.

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