Hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could sip on a bacon cheeseburger through a spoon—well, this bacon cheeseburger soup is your dream come true. Packed with juicy beef, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and seasoned with a touch of smoky BBQ sauce, this soup hits all the comfort food notes. It’s cozy, indulgent, and yes—there are even buttery, toasty bun croutons on top! This recipe is a total crowd-pleaser and a weeknight dinner win in under an hour.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or just want something cozy for yourself, this one-pot wonder delivers all the bold, satisfying flavors of your favorite burger in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 45 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a no-fuss weeknight meal.
• Family-Friendly: It’s like giving your burger a cozy sweater—everyone loves it, kids included.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor, thanks to everything being cooked in one Dutch oven or soup pot.

Taste & Texture

Each bite is loaded with tender ground beef, melty cheddar, soft diced potatoes, and smoky bacon. The half-and-half gives it that perfect creamy base, while the BBQ sauce adds a tangy punch that takes it over the top. The croutons? Buttery, crisp, and everything you never knew your soup needed.

Dietary Attributes

This recipe is not low-calorie, but it’s pure comfort food and can be modified for gluten-free diets with simple flour and crouton swaps.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

For the Soup

• 1 cup diced thick-cut bacon
• 1 lb lean ground beef (90/10)
• ½ cup diced white onion
• ½ cup sliced baby carrots
• ½ cup diced celery hearts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon dried mustard powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 2 cups diced potato
• 2 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese

For Bun Croutons

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 hamburger buns, cut into ½-inch cubes
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Optional Garnishes

• Sliced green onions
• Extra cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Notes on Quality

For best results, use freshly shredded cheese—it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded. Thick-cut bacon gives you those hearty, meaty bites, and fresh garlic makes a world of difference in depth of flavor.

Possible Substitutions

• Swap in turkey bacon or plant-based bacon for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
• Sub in heavy cream for half-and-half for a richer version, or milk for a lighter take.
• Gluten-free flour and gluten-free buns make this suitable for those with sensitivities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
2. In the same pot, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Break it up with a spatula. Remove and set aside.
3. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
4. Stir in flour and cook until it coats the veggies.
5. Add chicken stock, half-and-half, BBQ sauce, parsley, salt, pepper, mustard powder, and smoked paprika. Stir and scrape up any browned bits.
6. Return beef to the pot. Add diced potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes, until potatoes are tender.
7. Stir in cheese until fully melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

To make bun croutons:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet.
2. Add cubed buns and toss to coat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often, until golden and crisp.
3. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Set aside.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

• Let the cheese come to room temperature before adding—it helps with even melting.
• Add the cheese off-heat or on low to avoid curdling.

Common Mistakes

• Don’t overcook the veggies; you want them tender but not mushy.
• Avoid boiling after adding the cheese—it can make the soup grainy.

Time-Saving Tips

• Use pre-diced frozen mirepoix (carrot, onion, celery blend) to cut down prep.
• Make the croutons while the soup simmers.

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This soup pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts.

Presentation Ideas

Serve it in wide bowls topped with a sprinkle of green onion, a dollop of sour cream, and a handful of croutons for a diner-style presentation.

Beverage Pairings

Try a crisp lager, a chilled root beer, or even a creamy chocolate milkshake if you’re going full diner throwback.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The croutons should be stored separately at room temperature in a sealed bag.

Reheating Methods

Reheat the soup on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if it’s too thick. Microwave in short bursts, stirring between each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—just use gluten-free flour for thickening and gluten-free buns for the croutons.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Try plant-based ground meat and veggie bacon, and swap chicken stock for vegetable stock.

Troubleshooting

Why is my soup grainy?
It likely boiled after the cheese was added. Keep the heat low to maintain creaminess.

Potatoes too firm?
Just simmer a bit longer—they should be fork-tender when ready.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

• Keto-friendly: Skip the potatoes and flour, and reduce the carrots. Use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
• Dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and milk substitutes, and check your BBQ sauce ingredients.

Flavor Twists

• Add a splash of pickle juice or chopped pickles for a cheeseburger-with-the-works vibe.
• Use pepper jack cheese for a little kick.
• Stir in sautéed mushrooms or jalapeños for added texture and flavor.

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

In fall, try using sweet potatoes instead of regular ones. For a fun Super Bowl twist, serve in bread bowls with a topping bar for guests.

Conclusion

This bacon cheeseburger soup is everything you love about a burger, all cozied up in a creamy, cheesy bowl of comfort. Whether you’re cooking up a weeknight dinner or feeding a game day crowd, this recipe brings big flavor and big smiles.

Have you tried it? I’d love to see how it turned out for you—tag your creations on Pinterest and don’t forget to leave a comment below.

Craving more cozy dinner ideas? Check out these favorites:

• Creamy Chicken Marsala
• Sheet Pan Gnocchi
• Creamy Chicken Marsala – Yes, it’s that good it’s worth mentioning twice!

Happy cooking, friends!

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