If you crave a bowl of comfort food that feels like a warm hug, then this Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Packed with hearty potatoes, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and gooey cheddar cheese, this soup delivers all the flavors and textures of your favorite cheeseburger in a luxuriously creamy form. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something satisfying, indulgent, and just downright delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that each play a crucial role in building the soup’s rich flavor and luscious texture. From the smoky bacon to the sharp cheddar, every element is carefully chosen for that perfect balance.
- Ground beef: The hearty base, providing the classic cheeseburger flavor and protein punch.
- Bacon: Adds smoky crispness that contrasts beautifully with creamy elements.
- Olive oil: Helps with browning and enhances flavor without overpowering.
- Onion: Diced and sautéed for natural sweetness and depth.
- Garlic: Minced for aromatic warmth in every spoonful.
- Chicken broth: The savory liquid foundation that keeps things light while adding richness.
- Heavy cream: Creates that velvety, indulgent texture that makes this soup truly a treat.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the soup, delivering melty cheeseburger goodness.
- Potatoes: Diced and tender, they add substance and absorb all those amazing flavors.
- Flour: Thickens the soup to just the right consistency.
- Salt: Balances and elevates all the other flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming.
- Paprika: Provides a hint of smoky warmth.
- Mustard powder: Gives a tangy undertone similar to a perfect burger mustard.
- Worcestershire sauce: Imparts that signature umami complexity.
- Sour cream: Stirred in for tanginess and extra creaminess.
- Green onions: Thinly sliced for fresh, crisp garnish.
- Pickles: Optional, chopped for a welcome zing topping.
How to Make Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Crisp the Bacon
Start by cooking the chopped bacon over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven until it’s perfectly crispy. This step infuses the oil with smoky flavor that becomes the foundation for the entire soup. Once done, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside but don’t toss out those flavorful drippings!
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add a splash of olive oil to the bacon drippings for extra richness, then toss in the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned through, breaking it apart to get perfect crumbles. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside so you can build layers of flavor in the same pot.
Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Using that same pot, toss in your diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent and sweet, creating a delicious aroma and flavor base that brings everything together beautifully.
Step 4: Create a Roux
Sprinkle in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1–2 minutes until it’s lightly browned. This step is key because it thickens your soup later, giving it a smooth and creamy texture that holds all the ingredients together effortlessly.
Step 5: Add Broth and Simmer Potatoes
Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, then toss in your diced potatoes, along with salt, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce. The potatoes will soak up all those flavors as they cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 6: Combine Beef, Cheese, and Cream
Return the cooked ground beef back to the pot, then stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Watch and gently stir as the cheese melts beautifully into the soup, creating a velvety, luscious texture reminiscent of the cheeseburger you love.
Step 7: Finish with Bacon and Sour Cream
Fold in most of the crispy bacon, reserving some for garnish, and stir in the sour cream. This addition adds a wonderful tang and enhances the overall creaminess—just the right finishing touch to this indulgent recipe!
How to Serve Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your soup turns it from delicious to show-stopping. Top your bowl with the reserved crispy bacon, thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness, and if you’re feeling adventurous, chopped pickles add the perfect tangy crunch that echoes a classic cheeseburger experience.
Side Dishes
This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread or a warm, buttered baguette works wonders for soaking up every last creamy bite. A simple green salad also complements it well if you want some lightness alongside all that richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a cozy, rustic touch. Or layer it in a clear glass mug to showcase those tempting layers of beef, potatoes, cheese, and bacon. These little presentation details elevate the meal and make it feel special every single time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making the leftovers a welcome treat that’s just as good as freshly made.
Freezing
For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully. Cool it completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 3 months without losing its creamy texture or rich flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the cheese from separating. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to that silky consistency you love.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in the Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is classic for cheeseburgers, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a bit of smoked gouda to add a unique twist in flavor and texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the ground beef and bacon with plant-based alternatives or mushrooms for a meat-free version. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep the flavors balanced and hearty.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and slightly thick but still ladle-able and smooth. If it feels too thick after resting, just thin it out gently with a bit more broth or cream when reheating.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can brown the beef and bacon first, then add all ingredients (except cheese and sour cream) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Stir in cheese and sour cream near the end until melted and creamy.
What are some good toppings beyond green onions and pickles?
Try adding diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for extra flavor layers. A sprinkle of crushed potato chips can add a fun, crunchy twist that mimics a burger bun texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is more than just soup—it’s a celebration of all those flavors that make cheeseburgers such a beloved comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or want to impress friends with something hearty and delicious, this recipe hits every mark. Give it a try, and you just might find it becoming an instant classic in your kitchen!
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Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich flavors of crispy bacon, ground beef, cheddar cheese, and tender potatoes in a creamy, savory broth. Perfect for chilly days, this soup brings the taste of a classic cheeseburger into a warm, satisfying bowl.
Ingredients
Meat and Fats
- 1 pound ground beef
- 8 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced for garnish
- Pickles, chopped for garnish (optional)
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sour cream
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.
- Brown Ground Beef: Add olive oil to the bacon drippings, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Remove beef from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same pot, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until onions are translucent, releasing their flavors into the base.
- Add Flour: Stir in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned to remove the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup later.
- Add Chicken Broth: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly.
- Cook Potatoes and Season: Add diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, paprika, mustard powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.
- Combine Beef and Dairy: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Add Bacon Back: Stir the crispy bacon back into the pot, reserving some for garnishing to maintain texture contrast.
- Finish with Sour Cream: Mix in sour cream thoroughly to enhance creaminess and depth of flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the soup hot, garnished with thinly sliced green onions, chopped pickles, and the reserved crispy bacon. Enjoy the comforting, layered flavors!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can add an extra tablespoon of flour in step 4 or reduce the chicken broth slightly.
- Pickles add a tangy crunch but are optional depending on your taste preferences.
- Use full-fat dairy products for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent curdling.
- This soup can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.
