There are few things cozier than a slow cooker bubbling away all day, especially when what's inside is rich, cheesy, and filled with bacon. This slow cooker bacon cheeseburger soup is hearty, comforting, and packed with everything we love about a classic cheeseburger, all wrapped up in a warm bowl of soup.
I make this one when the day is busy and dinner needs to feel effortless but special. Tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, smoky bacon, and melty cheese come together while you go about your day. By dinnertime, the house smells incredible and supper is ready to ladle. Let's get it started.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Slow cooker friendly and mostly hands-off
- Loaded with bacon, beef, potatoes, and cheese
- Creamy, hearty, and family-approved
- Perfect for feeding a crowd
- Ideal for cozy fall and winter dinners
Ingredients
- 4 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small white or yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese or cheddar
- Chopped green onion, for garnish
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
Russet potatoes soften beautifully in the slow cooker and help make the soup hearty and filling. Be sure to dice them evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Pepper jack cheese adds a gentle kick that works so well with the bacon and beef. If you prefer something milder, cheddar is a great option.
Lean ground beef keeps the soup rich without too much grease. Ground turkey can also be used if that's what you have on hand.
Instructions
- Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, dried basil, and dried parsley to a large slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and cover with the lid.
- Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the potatoes are tender.
- About 45 minutes before serving, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain any grease. Add the cooked ground beef and chopped bacon to the slow cooker
- Carefully wipe out the skillet and melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until bubbly and lightly golden.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add the shredded cheese to the slow cooker and stir again. Cover and cook for another 20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
- Dice potatoes evenly so they cook through evenly.
- Stir gently after adding cheese to keep the soup smooth.
- Use low heat once dairy is added.
- Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The soup thickens as it rests.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
Make Ahead and Freezing
This soup is great for making ahead and reheating later in the week.
For freezing, leave out the milk and cheese. Freeze the base for up to three months, then reheat and add dairy fresh before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Add extra bacon on top for more crunch.
- Stir in a teaspoon of mustard for classic burger flavor.
- Use cheddar and Monterey Jack together for extra creaminess.
- Serve with toasted hamburger buns or crusty bread.
- Add diced pickles on top for a fun twist.
FAQs
Yes, it is creamy and hearty, similar to a chowder.
Yes, but low heat gives the best texture and flavor.
Pepper jack adds gentle heat, or you can add a pinch of cayenne.
📖 Recipe
Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This incredible soup is loaded with potatoes, ground beef, cheese, and crispy bacon! It's full of flavor and every soup lover's dream-perfectly creamy, hearty, and made easily in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 4 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small white or yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 3 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (2% recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded pepper-jack or cheddar cheese
- Green onion, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place potatoes, onions, carrots, basil, and parsley into a large crock pot. Pour chicken broth over the vegetables. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours, until potatoes are tender.
- About 45 minutes before serving, brown and crumble ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain grease and add beef to the crock pot. Stir in chopped cooked bacon.
- Wipe out the skillet, melt butter, then whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute until bubbly. Slowly whisk in milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until slightly thickened.
- Pour milk mixture into crock pot and stir well. Add shredded cheese and stir again. Cover and cook for another 20 minutes until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm.
Notes
Cook time may vary slightly depending on your slow cooker. For extra flavor, use pepper-jack cheese. Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days. This soup reheats well, just stir gently and heat over low.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Serving Suggestions
Serve this slow cooker bacon cheeseburger soup with warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or even toasted burger buns. It is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings.
Nutrition and Notes
This soup is rich, filling, and deeply comforting. It serves eight generously and is beginner-friendly. I have made this one many times, and it always brings cozy smiles to the table.
Reader Reviews
Readers love how flavorful and comforting this soup is, especially how easy it is to let the slow cooker do most of the work. It is a true crowd-pleaser.
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