Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

If you’re craving all the hearty, comforting flavors of a classic burger but in a warm, spoonable form, then you have to try this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying soup packed with crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, tender potatoes, and that familiar tang of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce that makes every bite taste just like your favorite cheeseburger—only better because it’s a perfect meal in a bowl. This soup blends textures and flavors in such a cozy way that it quickly becomes a comforting favorite for chilly evenings or anytime you want a taste of nostalgia with a twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in building that rich, layered flavor and satisfying texture. From the smoky bacon to the creamy cheese and hearty potatoes, every item contributes something special to this crowd-pleasing dish.

• Ground beef: The star protein, providing savory richness and a meaty base that’s essential for that burger-like taste.
• Bacon: Adds delightful smokiness and crisp texture for contrast and depth.
• Onion: Offers sweetness and a gentle aromatic foundation when sautéed.
• Garlic: Infuses a subtle pungency that enhances umami without overpowering.
• Chicken broth: Gives the soup a flavorful, savory liquid base that’s lighter than beef broth.
• Potatoes: Provide hearty body and creaminess when cooked soft, making the soup filling.
• Diced tomatoes: Bring acidity, color, and a burst of freshness for balance.
• Cheddar cheese: Melts into a gooey, cheesy layer that makes the soup irresistibly creamy.
• Heavy cream: Adds silky richness and smooths out all the flavors beautifully.
• Ketchup: Brings that unmistakable burger tang and subtle sweetness to the soup.
• Worcestershire sauce: Packs umami punch and depth, mimicking that savory burger flair.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to brighten and enhance every ingredient.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle kick of heat if you like a little spice in your soup.
• All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the soup just enough, creating a luscious texture.
• Water: Helps create the flour slurry for smooth thickening.
• Green onions: Fresh garnish for color and a pop of mild onion flavor at the end.

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 reaches that perfect crispiness. This step is key—you want those crunchy bites to add texture and smoky charm to the soup later. Once cooked, set the bacon aside with a slotted spoon, but leave the rendered fat in the pot because it’s pure flavor magic that will cook the onions and beef.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté until the onions become translucent and soft. This process unlocks their natural sweetness and creates a fragrant base that builds the depth of flavor essential for your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, toss in the ground beef and break it apart with your spoon. Cook until it’s nicely browned, forming those savory bits that bring that burger feel to the soup. Drain off excess fat if it looks too greasy, but keep the tastes concentrated in the pot.

Step 4: Add Broth, Potatoes, and Tomatoes

Pour in chicken broth, diced potatoes, and undrained diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil—this is where the soup begins to come around, marrying the meaty and vegetable flavors with the comforting broth.

Step 5: Simmer Until Potatoes Are Tender

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and let the soup cook for 10 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the potatoes are fork-tender, which adds a satisfying soft texture to each spoonful.

Step 6: Make and Stir in the Flour Slurry

Whisk together the all-purpose flour and water in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry, then stir it into the soup. This step thickens the broth to give your soup that luscious, velvety feel that makes it so comforting.

Step 7: Add Cream and Flavorings

Pour in the heavy cream, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a hint of heat. Stir well so every ingredient blends perfectly, giving the soup that rich, complex flavor with a true cheeseburger-inspired vibe.

Step 8: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese

Slowly add your shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts fully into the soup, creating a smooth and cheesy base that’s absolutely dreamy.

Step 9: Fold in the Bacon

Return most of the crispy bacon back to the pot, reserving some pieces for garnish. Mixing bacon in here brings back that irresistible smoky crunch throughout every spoonful.

Step 10: Serve Hot and Garnished

Serve the soup hot, topped with the reserved bacon and a sprinkle of chopped green onions to add freshness and a pop of color, bringing your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe to its full, mouthwatering glory.

How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Adding garnishes like crispy bacon and chopped green onions isn’t just about looks—they boost textures and flavor contrast. The bacon adds crunch while green onions brighten the soup with a fresh, mild zest that balances the richness and keeps every bite interesting.

Side Dishes

This soup loves company! Pair it with a warm, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast to scoop up every last drop. A crisp garden salad or simple coleslaw also offers a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy and hearty soup perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or hollowed-out burger buns for a playful nod to the cheeseburger inspiration. You can also sprinkle extra shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top to create an indulgent, layered presentation that guests will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe to airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days, making it an easy option for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully! Just cool completely and pour into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain the soup’s creamy texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from separating or the soup from scorching. You may need to thin the soup slightly with a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Both ground turkey and chicken work well in this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe and will create a lighter version. Just keep in mind the flavor will be milder, so you might want to adjust seasonings to keep that burger tang.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for this soup?

While bacon and beef are central to the classic version, you can make a vegetarian rendition by substituting with plant-based “beef” crumbles and smoky tempeh bacon or mushrooms for that umami punch. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a completely meat-free option.

Can I make this soup spicier?

Yes! Feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick that balances the creamy cheese and rich bacon beautifully.

What type of cheese works best?

Sharp or extra sharp cheddar is ideal for the Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe because it melts smoothly and gives you that classic tangy cheeseburger taste. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with additives, as they might not melt as well.

How thick should the soup be?

The soup should be rich and creamy but still spoonable, not too thick or gloopy. The flour slurry helps achieve a lovely, velvety texture that coats your spoon without overwhelming—adjust thickness by adding more broth if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is a glorious way to enjoy all those mouthwatering burger flavors in a cozy, comforting bowl. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this soup delivers big on taste and warmth. Don’t hesitate to give it a try—you might just find it becoming a new favorite in your recipe rotation that everyone asks for again and again!

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