Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 large yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended); 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick); 4 cups beef broth; 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained; 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes; 1 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: the ultimate comfort food mashup you didn’t know you needed! Imagine all the satisfying flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger, but in a warm, creamy, and incredibly easy-to-make soup. Forget firing up the grill; this recipe brings the backyard barbecue right to your kitchen, any time of year.

While the exact origins of Bacon Cheeseburger Soup are shrouded in mystery (unlike the classic cheeseburger itself, which has a fairly well-documented history dating back to the early 20th century!), its popularity has exploded in recent years. Perhaps it’s the nostalgia factor, reminding us of carefree summer days and family gatherings. Or maybe it’s simply the irresistible combination of savory bacon, rich cheese, and hearty ground beef that makes it so universally appealing.

Whatever the reason, people adore this soup for its incredible taste and texture. The creamy broth, studded with tender ground beef, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, is a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This recipe is a one-pot wonder, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave a satisfying and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion with every spoonful!

Ingredients:

1 pound bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
4 cups beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, undrained
1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for topping
Optional toppings: chopped green onions, sour cream, crumbled bacon

Preparing the Bacon and Beef:

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. This is the foundation of our flavor, so don’t rush it! We want that bacon fat rendered and those bacon pieces nice and crunchy. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Remove the bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain. We’ll add this back in later, so keep it handy.
Leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. If there’s more than that, drain off the excess. We don’t want the soup to be overly greasy.
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. We want the onion to be translucent and slightly sweet.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure to crumble the beef well so there are no large chunks.
Drain off any excess grease from the pot. This will help keep the soup from being too oily.
Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to combine. This is where we build the flavor profile, so don’t be shy with the seasonings!

Building the Soup Base:

Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (undrained), and diced green chilies (undrained). Stir to combine. The liquid will help deglaze the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.
Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Make sure the potatoes are submerged in the liquid. If not, add a little more beef broth or water.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. We want the potatoes to be soft enough to easily pierce with a fork.

Creating the Creamy Cheeseburger Magic:

Once the potatoes are tender, remove the pot from the heat. This is important to prevent the cream cheese from curdling.
Add the heavy cream and softened cream cheese to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. This might take a few minutes, so be patient. If you have an immersion blender, you can use it to blend the soup until smooth, but it’s not necessary.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Again, make sure the cheese is fully incorporated for the best texture.
Return the cooked bacon to the pot. Stir to combine. The bacon will add a salty, smoky flavor to the soup.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to your liking. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Serving and Enjoying:

Ladle the soup into bowls.
Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, sour cream, and crumbled bacon, if desired. These toppings add extra flavor and texture to the soup.
Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is best served hot.

Tips and Variations:

For a thicker soup: You can mash some of the potatoes with a potato masher or immersion blender before adding the cream cheese and cheddar cheese. This will help thicken the soup without adding any extra flour or cornstarch.
For a spicier soup: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup. You can also use a spicier variety of diced green chilies.
For a cheesier soup: Use a blend of different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby jack.
For a healthier soup: Use lean ground beef (90/10 blend) and reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese. You can also substitute cauliflower florets for some of the potatoes to reduce the carbohydrate content.
Add-ins: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as carrots, celery, or corn. You can also add cooked pasta or rice to make it a heartier meal.
Make it in a slow cooker: Brown the bacon and ground beef in a skillet on the stovetop. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese and cheddar cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Make it ahead of time: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Be aware that the texture of the soup may change slightly after freezing and thawing.

Why This Recipe Works:

This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser because it captures all the delicious flavors of a classic cheeseburger in a warm and comforting soup. The combination of crispy bacon, savory ground beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes creates a satisfying and flavorful meal that everyone will love. The recipe is also easy to customize to your liking, so you can adjust the seasonings, add different vegetables, or use a variety of cheeses. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a hearty soup to warm you up on a cold day, this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is sure to be a hit.

Troubleshooting:

Soup is too thick: Add more beef broth or water to thin it out.
Soup is too thin: Simmer the soup uncovered for a longer period of time to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken the soup.
Cream cheese is curdling: Make sure the soup is not too hot when you add the cream cheese. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly before adding the cream cheese. You can also try using a full-fat cream cheese, as it is less likely to curdle than a reduced-fat version.
Cheese is not melting smoothly: Use freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting properly. Also, make sure the soup is hot enough to melt the cheese.
Soup is too salty: Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. You can also add more potatoes or other vegetables to dilute the saltiness.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Calories: 450-550
Fat: 30-40g
Saturated Fat: 15-20g
Cholesterol: 100-120mg
Sodium: 800-1000mg
Carbohydrates: 20-30g
Fiber: 2-4g
Sugar: 5-7g

Conclusion:

And there you have it! Our Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl, a flavor explosion that will have you craving more, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the classic combination of bacon, cheese, and beef, but wants a cozy, spoonable alternative to the traditional burger. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s incredibly satisfying what more could you ask for?

But why is this soup so special? It’s the perfect balance of smoky bacon, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese, all simmered together in a rich and flavorful broth. The addition of diced tomatoes and onions adds a touch of freshness and acidity, while the Worcestershire sauce provides a depth of umami that elevates the entire dish. It’s a symphony of flavors that will dance on your taste buds and leave you feeling completely content.

Beyond its incredible taste, this soup is also incredibly versatile. Looking for serving suggestions? I love to top mine with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of chopped green onions, and a generous handful of crispy bacon crumbles. For an extra touch of indulgence, you could even add a swirl of melted cheddar cheese or a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce. Serve it with a side of crusty bread for dipping, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and balanced meal.

And speaking of versatility, there are so many ways to customize this recipe to suit your own preferences. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can easily omit the potatoes or substitute them with cauliflower florets. For a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or Gruyere for a nutty flavor. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as corn, bell peppers, or zucchini, to boost the nutritional value and add even more flavor.

Variations to Explore:

* Spicy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a fiery kick.
* Loaded Baked Potato Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Incorporate baked potato chunks and top with all the classic baked potato fixings, like sour cream, chives, and bacon bits.
* Pizza Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a pizza-inspired twist.
* Low-Carb Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Replace potatoes with cauliflower and use a sugar-free sweetener if needed.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup as much as I do. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening, a quick and easy weeknight meal, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the ultimate bacon cheeseburger in soup form!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And more importantly, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What toppings did you use? What did your family and friends think? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!