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Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – Quick, Cozy & Easy Weeknight Meal

If you love the flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, melted cheddar, onions, potatoes, and a creamy, rich base—then this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is about to become one of your go-to comfort meals. It’s everything you adore in a juicy cheeseburger, transformed into a warm, spoonable, cozy soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cold evenings, or whenever you crave something rich and hearty. This recipe includes browned ground beef, tender potatoes, diced tomatoes, aromatic vegetables, mild green chilies, melted cheddar, smooth cream cheese, and creamy milk for a luxurious finish. And to keep your rules 100% intact, this version uses beef bacon—which brings smoky, savory depth without any pork. The result? A cozy, comforting, satisfying soup that tastes indulgent but comes together quickly using simple ingredients. It’s family-friendly, customizable, budget-friendly, and packed with delicious cheeseburger flavor in every bite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Protein
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • Optional: ½ cup cooked beef bacon chopped (for topping)
Vegetables
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 cup carrots diced
  • 4 cups potatoes cubed
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 4 oz can diced green chilies
  • 1 14.5 oz can tomatoes
Broth
  • 4 cups beef broth
Seasonings
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
Dairy
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup milk

Equipment

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Ladle

Method
 

Step 1 — Brown the beef
  1. Heat a soup pot over medium heat.
  2. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Set aside beef bacon separately if using as a topping.
Step 2 — Sauté the vegetables
  1. Add onion, carrots, and garlic to the pot.
  2. Cook 5–7 minutes, until softened and aromatic.
Step 3 — Add potatoes & chilies
  1. Stir in cubed potatoes and diced green chilies.
  2. Mix well to coat everything in flavor.
Step 4 — Add broth & tomatoes
  1. Pour in the beef broth and add canned tomatoes.
  2. Add salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 5 — Simmer
  1. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
Step 6 — Add dairy
  1. Lower heat to medium-low.
  2. Stir in cream cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  3. Add milk and cheddar cheese, stirring until creamy and blended.
Step 7 — Add beef back in
  1. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot.
  2. Simmer 2–3 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 8 — Taste & adjust
  1. Add additional salt, pepper, or cheese as desired.
Step 9 — Serve
  1. Ladle soup into bowls and top with:
  2. Crumbled beef bacon
  3. Extra cheddar
  4. Green onions
  5. Cracked pepper

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store 3–4 days
Soup thickens—add broth or milk when reheating
Freezer
Best frozen before adding dairy
Reheating
Warm gently on low heat
Avoid boiling to prevent cheese from separating
🥄 Variations
1. Spicy Cheeseburger Soup
Add jalapeños or extra green chilies.
2. Extra Smoky Flavor
Use smoked cheddar or add smoked paprika.
3. Healthier Version
Use half the cheese and replace potatoes with cauliflower.
4. Loaded Cheeseburger Soup
Top with tomatoes, onions, lettuce, or pickles for a “loaded burger” vibe.
5. Creamy Ranch Style
Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning for a tangy kick.
6. Keto Version
Replace potatoes with diced cauliflower.
7. Veggie-Packed
Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
8. Dairy-Free
Use coconut milk & dairy-free cheese.
9. Cheesier Version
Add extra cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella.
10. Slow Cooker Version
Add everything except dairy → LOW for 6 hours.
Add cream cheese, milk, and cheddar during the last 20 minutes.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I make this without bacon?
Yes—just skip it or replace with beef bacon.
2. Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?
Yes—the flavor will be slightly lighter.
3. What kind of potatoes work best?
Yukon gold or russets.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
5. Does the soup thicken as it cools?
Yes, due to potatoes and cheese.
6. Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze before adding dairy.
7. Can I use canned potatoes?
Fresh is best, but canned works in a pinch.
8. Can kids eat this?
Yes—it’s mild, creamy, and family-friendly.
9. How can I make it cheesier?
Add more cheddar or stir in cream cheese.
10. Can I substitute ground turkey?
Yes—just adjust seasoning for richness.
🏁 Conclusion
This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is the perfect blend of creamy, hearty, savory, and comforting flavors—everything you love about a cheeseburger, delivered in a warm, spoonable bowl. With ground beef, tender potatoes, melty cheese, and optional smoky beef bacon, this soup transforms simple ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal ideal for weeknights or cozy weekends.
Easy to prepare, budget-friendly, customizable, and incredibly delicious—this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.