If you crave the comforting flavors of a juicy burger combined with the soothing warmth of a creamy soup, this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is going to be your new favorite indulgence. It’s packed with hearty ground beef, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese all melded together in a luscious broth that tastes like all the best parts of a bacon cheeseburger transformed into a spoonable masterpiece. Perfect for cozy nights in or when you need a bowl of pure comfort, this recipe brings the joy of your favorite burger right to your kitchen with every satisfying bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe calls for a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and a gorgeous texture. Each item plays a crucial role, from the crispy bacon bringing irresistible crunch and smoky aroma to the potatoes adding body and creaminess to the broth.
- Ground beef: The hearty base that delivers rich, meaty flavor reminiscent of your favorite burger.
- Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and depth, plus that iconic bacon cheeseburger taste.
- Onion: Provides sweetness and aromatic undertones to build flavor early.
- Garlic: Enhances the savory profile with a subtle kick.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid foundation that keeps the soup light and tasty.
- Potatoes: Adds creaminess and heartiness, making the soup truly satisfying.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Inject freshness and a touch of acidity to balance richness.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into silky goodness, the essential cheeseburger element.
- Heavy cream: Brings a velvety texture and enriches the soup without overwhelming it.
- Ketchup: Adds subtle sweetness and brightness, tying together the flavors.
- Worcestershire sauce: For an umami punch that amplifies the savory depth.
- Salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes: Season perfectly with a hint of heat if you like.
- All-purpose flour & water: A quick slurry to thicken the soup just right.
- Green onions: Fresh garnish that offers a pop of color and mild bite.
How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until it’s irresistibly crispy. This is the secret to infusing your soup with smoky richness. Once done, scoop out the bacon with a slotted spoon but leave the flavorful bacon fat in the pot for the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with bacon fat and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and soft. These aromatics build the delicious base, releasing sweet and savory notes that complement the bacon perfectly.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, toss in the ground beef. Break it apart with your spoon and cook thoroughly until nicely browned. This step brings that juicy cheeseburger flavor to life. Drain any excess fat if needed so your soup isn’t too greasy.
Step 4: Add Broth, Potatoes, and Tomatoes
Pour in the chicken broth, add the diced potatoes, and the canned diced tomatoes along with their juices. Bring everything to a boil, letting the potatoes absorb the flavor and start to cook through.
Step 5: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender
Once boiling, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes so the potatoes soften perfectly, adding hearty texture to every spoonful.
Step 6: Thicken the Soup
Mix together the all-purpose flour and water in a small bowl to make a smooth slurry. Stir this into the simmering soup to thicken it slightly, giving the broth a luscious consistency that clings to every ingredient.
Step 7: Add Cream and Flavorings
Now pour in the heavy cream, then stir in ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you want a little warmth. These seasonings make the soup sing, perfectly mimicking the tangy, savory flair of a bacon cheeseburger.
Step 8: Melt in the Cheese
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the hot soup, stirring continuously until it melts into a smooth, velvety embrace. This step brings the signature cheeseburger creaminess we all love.
Step 9: Stir in Bacon
Return the crispy bacon pieces to the pot, reserving some for garnish. The combination of shredded cheese and bacon is pure magic here, giving the soup its irresistible flavor punch.
Step 10: Serve Hot
Your soup is ready to be ladled into bowls. Don’t forget to sprinkle the reserved bacon and chopped green onions on top for an eye-catching presentation and an added crunchy bite.
How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding extra crispy bacon bits and vibrant green onions really brings this soup to life. The green onions add a fresh, slightly peppery note that balances the richness, while the bacon garnish reminds you of those delicious burger toppings you love.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with a side of buttery garlic bread or classic dinner rolls. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a fantastic choice to cut through the richness and brighten the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. You could also add a drizzle of sour cream or a sprinkle of pickled jalapeños for an unexpected zing that amps up the bacon cheeseburger vibe even more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe keeps beautifully when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days so the flavors stay fresh and the texture remains perfect.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Use a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Just keep in mind the potatoes may soften a bit upon thawing, but the taste will still be fantastic!
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of broth or cream can help restore the perfect creamy consistency if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I make this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Though this soup is traditionally meat-heavy, you can swap the ground beef and bacon for plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth. Add smoked paprika to mimic the bacon’s smoky flavor.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy cream such as coconut cream to lighten the soup, but it may be slightly less rich and creamy.
Can I use frozen potatoes instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen diced potatoes are a convenient shortcut. Just adjust cooking time slightly as frozen potatoes may cook faster than fresh ones.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but they are optional. Without them, the soup is more mild and comforting, ideal for all palates.
Can I prepare the soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and cook bacon separately, then combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until potatoes are tender.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been eating it all along. It’s a deliciously cozy meal that captures the essence of a classic burger in every creamy, savory bite. Whether you want to impress guests or just treat yourself on a chilly evening, this recipe delivers pure comfort and joy in a bowl. So grab your pot, gather those simple ingredients, and make this soul-warming soup that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
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Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A rich and hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Soup featuring ground beef, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and creamy cheddar cheese in a savory broth with a hint of spice. This comforting soup is perfect for any occasion where you crave the flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups peeled and diced potatoes
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
Condiments and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon pieces with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered bacon fat in the pot for added flavor.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon fat. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned thoroughly, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add liquids and vegetables: Stir in the chicken broth, peeled and diced potatoes, and undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil to start cooking the potatoes.
- Simmer potatoes: Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Make flour slurry: In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with water to create a slurry. This will help thicken the soup without lumps.
- Thicken the soup: Stir the flour slurry into the simmering soup and continue simmering for a few minutes to thicken it slightly.
- Add cream and seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well to unite all the flavors.
- Melt in the cheese: Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese in batches, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Combine bacon and finish: Stir the cooked bacon pieces back into the soup, reserving some for garnish. Allow everything to warm through for a minute or two.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon and chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, increase the flour in the slurry by 1 tablespoon.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt accordingly.
- For a spicier kick, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- This soup can be made ahead and reheated; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Vegetarian variation: omit bacon and ground beef, substitute vegetable broth, and add mushrooms or lentils for texture.
