Imagine the ultimate comfort food, a hearty bowl that combines all the irresistible flavors of your favorite drive-thru burger with the cozy warmth of a homemade soup. This incredible Bacon Cheeseburger Soup recipe delivers exactly that – a rich, creamy, and satisfying meal packed with savory ground beef, crispy bacon, tender potatoes, and a luscious cheesy broth. Get ready to dive into pure deliciousness!

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

  • Why You'll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Recipe Variations
  • Pro Tips for Success
  • Storage and Reheating Instructions
  • Conclusion
  • Frequently Asked QuestionsCan you freeze bacon cheeseburger soup?
  • What are common toppings for bacon cheeseburger soup?
  • How do you thicken cheeseburger soup?


Why You'll Love This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

This soup isn't just a meal; it's an experience. It takes everything you adore about a classic bacon cheeseburger and transforms it into a spoon-friendly, comforting bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings, game days, or simply when you're craving something truly satisfying, this recipe is surprisingly easy to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite. We've packed it with robust flavors and a velvety texture that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces bacon, chopped
  • 1.5 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
  • 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
  • 2 large Russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, bacon adds salt)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Optional garnishes: extra crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream

Instructions

  • Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels, reserving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pot.
  • Step 2: Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the pot with the reserved bacon fat. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
  • Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  • Step 4: Sprinkle the flour over the beef and onion mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
  • Step 5: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  • Step 6: Add the diced potatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried mustard powder, black pepper, and salt. Bring back to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
  • Step 7: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it has completely melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a smooth, creamy base.
  • Step 8: Slowly add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it has melted and the soup is smooth and cheesy. Do not boil after adding the cheese.
  • Step 9: Stir most of the reserved crispy bacon into the soup, saving some for garnish. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Step 10: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is incredibly versatile! For a healthier twist, you can use ground turkey instead of ground beef and low-fat milk. If you're looking to sneak in some veggies, consider adding diced carrots, celery, or even finely chopped cauliflower with the potatoes. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added. You can also explore different cheese combinations, like Colby Jack or Monterey Jack, for a milder flavor. For an Easy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, check out our other delicious option. Or, for a different take, try a Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup.

Cooking ground beef, onions, and potatoes in a pot to make bacon cheeseburger soup




Pro Tips for Success

  • Don't Rush the Roux: Cooking the flour for a minute or two helps to eliminate any raw flour taste and ensures a smoother, more stable soup base.
  • Gradual Cheese Addition: When adding the shredded cheddar, do so slowly and stir constantly over low heat. This prevents the cheese from clumping or becoming oily. Avoid boiling the soup once the cheese is added.
  • Potato Choice: Russet potatoes break down slightly, adding to the soup's thickness and creaminess, while Yukon Golds hold their shape a bit more if you prefer distinct potato pieces.
  • Season to Taste: Bacon and broth both contribute significant salt, so always taste the soup before adding more salt, especially at the end.
  • Soften Cream Cheese: Allowing the cream cheese to soften at room temperature makes it much easier to incorporate smoothly into the hot soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup stores wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep! Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. If it's too thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. Avoid boiling rapidly when reheating to maintain the creamy texture.

Creamy bacon cheeseburger soup in a blue bowl with bacon and green onion garnish




Conclusion

There you have it – a truly comforting and satisfying Bacon Cheeseburger Soup that brings all the classic flavors you love into a warm, creamy bowl. This recipe is perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or anytime you need a hearty, flavorful meal. With its rich ingredients and simple instructions, it's sure to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the deliciousness!

Frequently Asked Questions



Can you freeze bacon cheeseburger soup?

While possible, dairy-based soups can sometimes separate or become grainy when frozen and thawed. For best results, if you plan to freeze, use whole milk instead of half-and-half and omit the final cheddar cheese addition until reheating. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, whisking well and adding the cheddar cheese fresh upon reheating.



What are common toppings for bacon cheeseburger soup?

Classic toppings include extra crumbled crispy bacon, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and finely chopped green onions for a fresh bite. You can also add a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, or even a few crushed potato chips for added crunch.



How do you thicken cheeseburger soup?

This recipe uses a roux (flour cooked with fat) at the beginning to thicken the soup, along with the starch from the potatoes and the creaminess from the cheeses. If you find your soup isn't thick enough, you can create a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stirring it into the simmering soup and cooking for a few more minutes until thickened. Alternatively, mashing some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot will also help.






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