What is comfort food?Bacon Cheeseburger Soup. Servingis the kind of dish that just wraps you in a warm hug from the inside out. I swear, it’s like someone took all the best parts of a juicy bacon cheeseburger and magically arranged them. How do you make a creamy soup? If you’re a fan of Loaded Baked Potato Soup (and who isn’t? ), then prepare to be absolutely obsessed with this. Is this a staple in our house? Is it easy to make this dish?
What is Bacon Cheeseburger Soup?
Think of it as a deconstructed Bacon Cheeseburger in a bowl. Seriously! We’re talking seasoned ground beef, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and all the fixings, simmered together in a rich and flavorful broth. It’s essentially all the flavors you crave from that classic burger, but in a cozy, spoonable format. It’s way easier to eat than wrangling a towering burger, especially on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable – you can add your favorite burger toppings like pickles, onions, and tomatoes. It’s also perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to love this book?What is Bacon Cheeseburger soup?Let’s hit the highlights: I’m a geek, but let’
- Flavor explosion: WhatWhat is the perfect combination of savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese? What is that classic burger taste?
- Ridiculously easyWhat is one of those recipes that’s impressive but secretly simple? It comes together in under an hour, perfect for those nights when you’re short on time and energy.
- Budget friendly The ingredients are relatively inexpensive and you probably have most of them on hand already. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your grocery budget without sacrificing flavor. I always buy ground beef in bulk when it’s on sale and freeze it for recipes like this.
- Super versatile: IsWhat’s your favorite way to make jalapeo soup? Should I use a plant-based cheese alternative or unsweetened milk alternative? What are some good uses for leftover bacon?
What I love the most is how comforting it is. What’s it like to have a bowl of soup that soothes your soul? Who doesn’t love a good Bacon Cheeseburger? Is this a crowd pleaser?
How do I make Bacon Cheeseburger Soup?
Quick Overview
Making this delicious soup is simpler than you think! You’ll start by browning the Ground Beef and bacon, then building the flavor base with onions and garlic. Add broth, potatoes, and spices, simmer until tender, and then stir in the cheese and milk. Top with your favorite burger fixings and dig in! The best part is, it’s all done in one pot, meaning less cleanup. This is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- I prefer 80/20 ground beef (I prefer a pound) for flavor.
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (save some for topping)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced. 1 clove per
- 4 cups beef broth. 1 cup chicken broth, 1
- 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and diced.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- What are some good ways to use black pepper in
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess); 1 tbsp. of I’ve used unsweetened almond milk and it worked great!
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (I like to use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor)
For the Toppings (Get Creative!):
- Shredded cheddar cheese is a
- Cooked bacon and crumbles.
- Diced red onion
- Diced tomatoes
- Pickle chips
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped fresh parsley or chives.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the GROUND BEEF over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease. Add the cooked and crumbled bacon (reserving some for topping) and cook for another minute or two until fragrant.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and translucent. This step is crucial for building flavor, so don’t rush it! The aroma alone will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 3: Add Broth and Potatoes
If you have a beef broth, add the diced potatoes. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and Black Pepper. What should I do with the potatoes? Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese and Milk
Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. Then, stir in the milk (or half-and-half) until heated through. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the dairy, as it can curdle.
Step 5: Serve and Top
Ladle the Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: WhatHow do you serve a burger in bowls? I like to add a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced red onion, and some fresh fruit. Dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness.
What to Serve It With
This soup is pretty hearty on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Crusty bread or garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up all that delicious broth.
- Side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: For the ultimate comfort food experience, pair this soup with a classic grilled cheese.
- Coleslaw: The creamy tanginess of coleslaw complements the savory flavors of the soup.
For a casual family dinner, I usually just serve it with some Crusty Bread and let everyone customize their toppings. But for a more elegant presentation, you could serve it in small bowls as a starter for a dinner party. I’ve even seen people serve it in bread bowls! And if you are feeling a little extra, you can add a drizzle of mustard or ketchup.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years to make this soup even more amazing:
- Don’t skimp on the bacon: Use high-quality bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. The bacon adds so much flavor to the soup, so it’s worth splurging a little.
- Use a good-quality cheddar cheese: The cheese is another key ingredient, so choose a cheddar that you love. I prefer a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, but a mild or medium cheddar will also work well.
- Don’t overcook the potatoes: You want the potatoes to be tender, but not mushy. Cook them until they’re easily pierced with a fork.
- Gradually add the cheese: Adding the cheese gradually and stirring constantly will help it melt smoothly and prevent it from clumping.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or smoked paprika to suit your taste.
- Don’t have beef broth? Chicken broth will work in a pinch!
I once made this soup for a potluck and accidentally used pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. It was a happy accident! The soup had a nice little kick to it, and everyone loved it. So don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. Be sure to leave some headspace in the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
- Reheating Tips: To reheat the soup, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight (if frozen). Then, heat it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra broth or milk to thin it out if it’s too thick. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to stir it every minute or so to prevent it from splattering.
- Glaze Timing Advice: I like to add the toppings fresh when serving, rather than storing them with the soup. This prevents them from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day, satisfy your burger cravings, and bring a smile to everyone’s face. I hope you give this recipe a try and make it your own. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my Chicken Tortilla Soup. Both are equally comforting and delicious!
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups potatoes peeled and cubed
- 4 green onions chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain the excess fat.
- Add potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in shredded cheese until melted and incorporated.
- Top with cooked bacon and green onions before serving.
