If there ever was a cozy, comforting dish that delivers on both taste and nutrition, it has to be Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup. Imagine a hearty bowl loaded with tender ground beef, earthy mushrooms, aromatic herbs, swirling ribbons of cream, and a just-right touch of smokiness — all while keeping carbs in check and making your kitchen smell amazing. This soup has quickly become a favorite in my house because it’s indulgent without being heavy, and every spoonful feels like a warm hug, especially on a chilly night!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup is a breeze, but each one truly matters. They blend to create a rich, layered flavor and a creamy texture that you’ll find yourself craving again and again.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty foundation for this soup, bringing rich, satisfying flavor and plenty of protein.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds depth and helps brown the beef, enhancing its savory notes.
- 1 small onion (diced): Offers subtle sweetness and aroma as it cooks down, setting the stage for bold flavors.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses each bite with savory warmth and complexity.
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms (sliced): Brings earthy texture and a wonderful umami boost.
- 4 cups beef broth: Creates a robust, slurp-worthy broth that ties everything together.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Delivers incredible creaminess without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an herby note that brightens the soup’s richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a subtle smokiness that makes the flavors pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the dish’s nuanced flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers a gentle kick and balances the creamy elements.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional): For even more luscious texture and a slight tang.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): Brightens the bowl and adds a final touch of freshness.
How to Make Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as you go, until it’s nicely browned all over. If there’s extra fat in the pot, go ahead and drain most of it, but leave just enough to keep everything juicy and flavorful. This step is where your soup begins to build its signature hearty taste!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
With your cooked beef in the pot, toss in the diced onion. Stir well and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, mingling its gentle sweetness with the beef. The aroma at this stage is truly irresistible — you’ll know you’re on the right track!
Step 3: Cook the Mushrooms and Garlic
Add your minced garlic and sliced mushrooms right on top of the sautéed onions and beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 to 6 minutes, or until the mushrooms are beautifully tender and most of their moisture has cooked off. This brings out their earthy flavor and helps the garlic weave seamlessly into every bite.
Step 4: Create the Broth
Pour in the beef broth and sprinkle in the thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes — this is where all those flavors meld and develop into the soul-warming foundation of Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Turn the heat down to low, and slowly add in the heavy cream and, if you’re feeling luxurious, the cream cheese. Stir patiently until everything is fully combined and the soup looks perfectly silky. Let it simmer gently for another 5 minutes — this last stretch creates that dreamy, creamy finish we all love.
Step 6: Serve Hot and Fresh
Ladle your Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and get ready for pure soup happiness. Served hot, it’s comfort food at its best and brightest.
How to Serve Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the magic of a good garnish! A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley livens up the bowl with color and freshness, but you can also add thinly sliced green onions, a tiny pinch of extra smoked paprika, or a touch of cracked black pepper. If you love some crunch, a handful of roasted pumpkin seeds on top is a fun, keto-friendly option.
Side Dishes
Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty low-carb bread or a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For something warm and buttery, try serving it alongside roasted asparagus or a medley of sautéed greens. These sides turn your soup bowl into a truly complete meal!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd or want to make dinner extra special, ladle the soup into mini mugs or small bowls for an appetizer course. You can also serve it inside hollowed-out roasted peppers or even small baked winter squash halves for a fun, edible container. Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup can be the star of a casual lunch or the elegant opening act of a multi-course dinner party!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool your soup completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a fantastic meal-prep option or grab-and-go lunch for busy weeks. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup freezes like a dream. Just portion cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a quick, cozy dinner, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat straight from the freezer.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to preserve the creamy texture. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen it up. The microwave works too — just cover your bowl and heat in short bursts, stirring between each to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of beef for Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup?
Absolutely! While ground beef is delicious and convenient, you can also swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a mix of ground meats like beef and Italian sausage for bonus flavor. Just remember to adjust seasoning as you go.
What’s the best type of mushroom to use?
Both cremini and white mushrooms work great, but don’t be afraid to mix things up with shiitake or portobello mushrooms for a twist. Each variety brings its own earthy personality to the soup, so feel free to experiment based on what you have.
Is the cream cheese absolutely necessary?
Nope! The soup is plenty creamy and delicious without it, but adding cream cheese gives it an extra-rich, smooth consistency. If you love a touch of tang and a velvety finish, include it. Otherwise, the heavy cream alone does the job wonderfully.
Can I make Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup dairy-free?
It’s definitely possible with a few tweaks. Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and simply skip the cream cheese. The flavor changes slightly but you’ll still get a creamy, hearty soup perfect for anyone avoiding dairy.
What’s the ideal way to meal-prep this soup?
Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup is a meal-prepper’s dream! Make a big batch, portion it out into individual containers, and stash them in the fridge or freezer. That way, you’ve always got a wholesome, filling lunch or dinner ready to go — just heat and eat!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that tastes like classic comfort but fits a keto lifestyle, Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup is a must-try. It’s easy, cozy, and packed with flavor — the kind of recipe you’ll love having in your weeknight rotation. Give it a try, and let each creamy spoonful turn an ordinary dinner into a warm, memorable experience!
Print
Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Keto Beef and Mushroom Soup is a rich and creamy low-carb soup that’s perfect for a comforting meal. With savory ground beef, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety broth, this soup is sure to satisfy your hunger and warm you up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms (sliced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional, for added creaminess)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Ground Beef Mixture:
Soup Base:
Instructions
- Prepare Ground Beef Mixture: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Cook Aromatics and Mushrooms: Add diced onion, cook until softened. Stir in garlic and mushrooms, cook until mushrooms are tender and most of their moisture has evaporated.
- Simmer Soup: Add beef broth, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, cook for 10–15 minutes. Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and cream cheese (if using), simmer for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, use a mix of ground beef and Italian sausage.
- This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
