Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

When the temperature dips and weeknight dinner dilemmas strike, nothing soothes the soul quite like a steaming bowl of Bacon Cheeseburger Soup. This rich and creamy creation fuses the best parts of a juicy cheeseburger—ground beef, sharp cheddar, melty milk—with the irresistible crunch and smokiness of crispy bacon. It’s the kind of comfort food that wraps you in a warm hug, hitting all the right notes: savory, creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re curled up on the couch after a chilly day or feeding a hungry crowd on a busy evening, this soup delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal fuss.

You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to pull this off. With beginner-friendly steps and easily sourced ingredients, this recipe comes together in about 15 minutes of active prep time, 45 minutes of cooking, plus a quick 5-minute rest before diving in. Clocking in around 600 calories per generous serving, it’s perfect for a filling lunch or a relaxed dinner. From the way the ground beef simmers in savory chicken broth to the moment you swirl in tangy sour cream, every spoonful feels like a home-cooked masterpiece. So grab your favorite spoon and get ready to cozy up—your new favorite soup is waiting.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN BACON CHEESEBURGER SOUP

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s meet the players that make this soup shine. Each ingredient brings its own texture, flavor, and personality to the pot, working together to create that unforgettable bacon-cheeseburger essence.

• Ground beef: Provides hearty, meaty texture and forms the foundation of the soup’s cheeseburger character.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky crunch and rich fat that deepens the overall flavor profile.
• Onion: Delivers subtle sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed until translucent.
• Carrots: Contribute a hint of natural sweetness, vibrant color, and extra nutrients.
• Celery: Offers a light, earthy crunch that balances the creamy elements.
• Garlic: Infuses a fragrant punch that elevates every spoonful.
• Chicken broth: Serves as the savory liquid base, tying all the flavors together.
• Potatoes: Add comforting, chunky bites and help thicken the soup as they break down.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all the ingredients.
• Butter: Key for creating a silky roux that thickens the soup.
• All-purpose flour: Works with butter to build a smooth, creamy base.
• Milk: Brings richness and creaminess without overwhelming the bacon-cheeseburger vibe.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup for that classic tangy cheeseburger taste.
• Sour cream: Stirred in at the end, it adds a luscious finish and silky texture.

HOW TO MAKE BACON CHEESEBURGER SOUP

Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn these incredible ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a creamy, savory masterpiece on your table in under an hour.

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate, leaving the bacon fat in the pot to flavor the next steps.

2. Add the ground beef to the pot with the reserved bacon fat and brown thoroughly, breaking it up into bite-sized pieces. Once cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

3. In the same pot, toss in the onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables become tender. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, just until fragrant.

4. Return the cooked ground beef and bacon to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the potatoes, gently stirring to combine.

5. Season generously with salt and pepper, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.

6. While the soup simmers, prepare your roux: in a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to eliminate any raw flour taste.

7. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce.

8. Stir the milk mixture into the soup pot and let it simmer for a few more minutes to marry all the flavors.

9. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and silky.

10. Just before serving, swirl in the sour cream for extra creaminess. Garnish with additional cheese, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BACON CHEESEBURGER SOUP

Serving this soup is an opportunity to elevate the experience and tailor it to your personal style. Whether you’re hosting friends or craving a cozy solo meal, the right accompaniments will complement the rich, cheesy goodness and make every spoonful shine.

• Crusty bread or buttery garlic toast: The perfect vessel for sopping up every last bit of creamy broth—slice a warm baguette, spread with garlic butter, and toast until golden.
• Fresh green onions and cracked black pepper: A sprinkling of thinly sliced scallions adds a pop of color and mild zing, while a fresh crack of pepper intensifies the savory notes.
• Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce drizzle: For those who crave a spicy kick, layering on bright, tangy peppers or a dash of your favorite hot sauce cuts through the richness.
• Mixed greens salad with light vinaigrette: Balance the soup’s decadence with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to cleanse the palate.

HOW TO STORE BACON CHEESEBURGER SOUP

Making a double batch of this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a smart move, and proper storage ensures every reheated bowl tastes as fantastic as the first. Follow these tips to maintain that creamy texture and bold flavor for days or even weeks to come.

• Refrigeration: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the soup to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, stirring gently before reheating.
• Freezing: Cool completely, then ladle into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Freeze flat for easy stacking and thaw in the fridge overnight when ready to enjoy. Keeps well for up to 3 months.
• Reheating on the stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup seems too thick.
• Microwave method: Portion into microwave-safe bowls, cover loosely, and heat in 60-second increments, stirring in between until piping hot.

CONCLUSION

There you have it—a complete guide to creating the ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Soup, from gathering your ingredients to storing leftovers for future cravings. This soup combines the all-time favorite flavors of a cheeseburger with the comforting creaminess of a homemade soup, making it a standout choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend meals. The prep is straightforward, the steps are perfectly beginner-friendly, and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Don’t forget: this recipe yields around 600 calories per serving, takes just 15 minutes to prep, 45 minutes to cook, and a quick 5 minutes to rest before serving—a true weeknight hero.

Feel free to print this article and save it for your recipe collection, knowing that you can come back anytime you crave that intoxicating blend of cheddar, beef, and bacon. You’ll also find a FAQ section below to answer any lingering questions you might have. If you try this soup or have any thoughts—whether it’s a clever twist you discovered, a question about adjusting the thickness, or feedback on how you served it—drop a comment and let me know. I’d love to hear your experiences and help you perfect this cozy, crowd-pleasing dish!

Print Recipe

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Author: Annie Delgado Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 45 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Calories: 600

Description

This rich and creamy soup brings together the classic flavors of a cheeseburger and the smokiness of bacon in every spoonful. It's truly a meal that warms your soul.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound ground beef

• 8 slices bacon, chopped

• 1 cup onion, diced

• 1 cup carrots, diced

• 3 stalks celery, diced

• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and diced

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 1/2 cups milk

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• ¹⁄₄ cup sour cream

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the bacon fat in the pot.
2. Add the ground beef to the pot with the bacon fat and brown until fully cooked. Drain excess fat and remove the beef from the pot. Set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
4. Stir in the cooked ground beef and bacon, then add the chicken broth and potatoes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
6. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute. Slowly whisk in milk and continue to cook until the mixture thickens.
7. Stir the milk mixture into the soup pot and let it simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
9. Add the sour cream just before serving for added creaminess.
10. Garnish with additional cheese, crumbled bacon, or fresh herbs as desired and serve hot.

Note

• For extra depth of flavor, try using smoked cheddar cheese.
• Adjust the soup's thickness by altering the amount of flour and butter used in the roux.
• Consider using a combination of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
• This soup freezes well, so consider making a double batch for future meals.
• A dollop of mustard or Worcestershire sauce can be added for a tangy twist.

Keywords: bacon cheeseburger soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy recipes, hearty soup, cheeseburger recipe