If you love the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger, this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is about to become your new favorite comfort food! With crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a velvety cheese sauce, every spoonful is packed with savory, indulgent goodness. This rich and creamy soup is perfect for chilly nights, game-day gatherings, or when you just need a cozy bowl of deliciousness. Serve it with crusty bread for the ultimate meal. Get ready to enjoy the best of a cheeseburger in soup form!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- ½ pound bacon
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons burger seasoning, or to taste
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ¾ cup carrots, small diced or shredded
- 2 ribs of celery, diced
- 4 cups gold potatoes, peeled and ½-inch diced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, or water
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk, or half and half
- 16 ounces Velveeta, cubed
- ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
Directions:
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
- In the same pot, add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess grease. Season with burger seasoning.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Stir in potatoes and chicken broth (or water). Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in milk (or half and half) and cook until thickened.
- Add the Velveeta cubes to the milk mixture, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the cheese sauce into the soup pot, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Stir in crumbled bacon and sour cream (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra bacon or shredded cheese if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What Makes Bacon Cheeseburger Soup So Delicious?
The magic of Bacon Cheeseburger Soup lies in its ability to combine the classic flavors of a cheeseburger into a spoonable, creamy soup. Instead of being served in a bun, all the savory goodness is blended into a warm and comforting broth.
Here are the key components that make this soup a standout dish:
- Savory Ground Beef – The foundation of this soup is high-quality ground beef, cooked until perfectly browned. It provides the rich, meaty base that makes it taste like an actual cheeseburger.
- Crispy Bacon – The addition of bacon not only enhances the flavor with a smoky depth but also adds a satisfying crunch when sprinkled on top.
- Velvety Cheese Sauce – Melted Velveeta or cheddar cheese creates a creamy, indulgent texture, making each bite irresistibly smooth and cheesy.
- Tender Potatoes – Diced potatoes act as a hearty filler, giving the soup extra substance and ensuring that it’s as filling as it is delicious.
- Aromatic Vegetables – Onion, celery, and carrots help balance the richness by adding layers of flavor and a hint of sweetness.
- A Well-Seasoned Broth – Whether you use low-sodium chicken broth or water, a well-seasoned base ensures that every ingredient melds together harmoniously.
This combination of ingredients makes for an incredibly satisfying soup that’s rich, thick, and bursting with bold, cheesy flavors.
Ways to Customize Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
One of the best things about Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is how versatile it is. Whether you want to make it lighter, spicier, or even gluten-free, here are some ways to customize it to fit your preferences:
1. Choose Your Cheese
While Velveeta provides a creamy and smooth consistency, you can substitute it with shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack for a more natural cheese flavor. If you want a sharper taste, aged cheddar works beautifully.
2. Add a Kick of Heat
If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding:
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- Diced jalapeños
- A splash of hot sauce
- Smoked paprika for a mild heat with added depth
3. Make It Gluten-Free
If you’re avoiding gluten, swap out the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend to create the roux. Also, double-check that your broth is gluten-free.
4. Lighten It Up
For a healthier version:
- Use lean ground beef or swap it with ground turkey or chicken
- Replace whole milk or half-and-half with evaporated milk or a lower-fat dairy option
- Reduce the cheese amount or use a lighter cheese alternative
5. Experiment with Toppings
Just like a burger, this soup can be personalized with toppings! Try these creative ideas:
- Pickles – Chopped pickles add a tangy contrast that mimics the classic burger experience.
- Tomatoes – Fresh diced tomatoes give a burst of freshness.
- Lettuce – A small handful of shredded lettuce on top can give it that authentic cheeseburger touch.
- Toasted Buns or Croutons – Serve the soup with toasted buns on the side or sprinkle croutons on top for added texture.
Best Ways to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
This soup is so hearty that it can be enjoyed on its own, but if you’re looking for some side dishes to complement it, here are some excellent options:
1. Bread Pairings
A crusty baguette or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for dipping into the soup. You can also toast garlic bread or make grilled cheese sandwiches for an extra indulgent meal.
2. Side Salads
Balance the richness of the soup with a light, crisp salad. A simple Caesar salad, garden salad, or coleslaw adds freshness to the meal.
3. French Fries or Onion Rings
Since this soup is based on a cheeseburger, why not pair it with French fries or onion rings? These crispy sides complete the burger-inspired experience.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal because it stores well and tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- When reheating, warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
Freezing:
- This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, but keep in mind that dairy-based soups can change in texture after freezing.
- To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
- When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove, stirring well to restore its creamy consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make – This soup comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Great for Meal Prep – It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
- Rich and Flavorful – The combination of smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and well-seasoned beef makes it incredibly satisfying.
- Customizable – Whether you prefer it spicy, low-carb, or extra cheesy, you can tailor this recipe to your taste.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it at family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings everyone will love it!
Conclusion:
If you love classic cheeseburgers and cozy comfort food, Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a must-try dish that brings both together in the most delicious way. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with smoky, savory flavors that make every bite feel like a warm hug. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile whether you want a healthier twist, extra spice, or fun toppings, there’s plenty of room to make it your own.