If a cheeseburger and a cozy soup had a baby, this would be it. This bacon cheeseburger soup is rich, hearty, and deeply comforting, with all the flavors you love from a classic burger wrapped up in a warm, creamy bowl. It is the kind of dinner that feels indulgent and familiar at the same time.
I love making this soup when the weather cools down and everyone wants something filling and fun. Crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheese come together in the most satisfying way. It is bold, cozy, and always a hit. Let's get started.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with bacon, beef, and melty cheese
- Thick, creamy, and ultra comforting
- Ready in about 45 minutes
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Classic cheeseburger flavor in soup form
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons burger seasoning, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ¾ cup carrots, finely diced or shredded
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 4 cups gold potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 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
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Burger seasoning adds that classic grilled flavor without extra work. If you do not have it, a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works nicely.
Gold potatoes hold their shape well and give the soup a creamy bite. Russet potatoes also work but will soften more.
Velveeta is what makes this soup extra smooth and creamy. For best results, add it slowly and keep the heat low.
Instructions
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 2 to 3 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
- Add the ground beef and 1 tablespoon of burger seasoning. Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess grease, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the pot.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, and remaining burger seasoning to the pot. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the diced potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle boil and cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
- While the potatoes cook, make the roux. In a small pan, melt the butter, then whisk in the flour. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat.
- Pour the roux into the soup and stir well until the broth thickens slightly.
- Add the Velveeta a few cubes at a time, stirring until fully melted before adding more.
- Stir the ground beef and crumbled bacon back into the soup. Add the sour cream if using and stir until smooth.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Pro Tips for Success
- Add cheese slowly to keep the soup smooth.
- Keep heat low once dairy is added.
- Dice potatoes evenly for consistent cooking.
- Taste at the end and adjust seasoning gently.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The soup thickens as it sits.
Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
Make Ahead and Freezing
This soup can be made ahead and reheated gently before serving.
For freezing, leave out the sour cream and dairy. Freeze the base for up to three months, then reheat and add cheese and sour cream fresh.
Tips and Variations
- Add chopped pickles for a true burger twist.
- Stir in a teaspoon of mustard for extra depth.
- Top with green onions or chives.
- Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Serve with toasted burger buns or crusty bread.
FAQs
Yes, it is thick and hearty, similar to a chowder.
Use half-and-half instead of whole milk and reduce the cheese slightly.
Yes, just reheat gently and stir often.
📖 Recipe
Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This rich and hearty bacon cheeseburger soup is loaded with crispy bacon, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty Velveeta cheese. It's the ultimate comfort food that tastes just like your favorite burger in soup form!
Ingredients
- ½ pound bacon
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons burger seasoning (divided)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- ¾ cup carrots, small diced or shredded
- 2 ribs 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)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Drain all but 2-3 tablespoons of bacon drippings.
- Add ground beef and 1 tablespoon of burger seasoning. Cook until browned, then remove beef with a slotted spoon. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of grease.
- Add onion, carrots, celery, and remaining burger seasoning. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
- Add potatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then simmer 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
- While potatoes cook, make a roux: melt butter in a separate pan, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk while whisking. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat.
- Stir roux into soup and mix well. Gradually add Velveeta cubes, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Return ground beef and crumbled bacon to the pot. Stir in sour cream if using. Serve hot with toppings like extra cheese, bacon, green onions, or parsley.
Notes
For a spicier version, try adding a pinch of cayenne or using spicy Velveeta. This soup reheats well, but it's best served fresh. Burger seasoning can be found in the spice aisle-common brands include McCormick, Weber, and Kinder.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.25 cup
- Calories: 607
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 1189mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 104mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bacon cheeseburger soup with warm rolls, crusty bread, or even garlic toast. It is perfect for fall dinners, game days, or anytime comfort food is calling.
Nutrition and Notes
This soup is rich, filling, and made to satisfy. One serving is about 1 ¼ cups and delivers bold flavor with every bite. I have made this many times, and it always earns clean bowls.
Reader Reviews
Readers love how indulgent and comforting this soup feels, especially with the bacon and cheese combination. It is a favorite when hearty comfort food is on the menu.
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