The Hearty Cheeseburger Bowl

Experience the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly satisfying Bacon Cheeseburger Soup recipe! Imagine all the beloved flavors of a classic cheeseburger—savory ground beef, crispy bacon, rich melted cheese—transformed into a warm, creamy, and utterly delicious bowl of soup. This recipe brings that nostalgic diner taste right into your kitchen, offering a hearty meal that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you prefer the slow simmer of a crock pot or the quick convenience of the stove top, we’ve got you covered with easy-to-follow instructions for both methods. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure, cheesy bliss!

As an avid fan of both gourmet cheeseburgers and comforting soups, I’m always on the lookout for recipes that truly hit the spot. From a hearty Lasagna Soup to a luxurious Broccoli Cheese Soup, I believe soup is a year-round delight. So, when the idea of combining two favorites into a “cheeseburger soup” emerged, I was instantly intrigued. However, many recipes I encountered often included ingredients like carrots and celery, which, while delicious in other contexts, felt out of place for a dish aiming to capture the essence of a cheeseburger. I mean, who puts carrots on a burger, right? It just didn’t quite fit the profile I was looking for.

That’s why, back in 2009, when I discovered a cheeseburger soup recipe by Paula Deen that wisely omitted these seemingly extraneous vegetables, I knew I had found my starting point. It was the perfect foundation to build upon, allowing me to add my own personal touch and elevate it to what I believe is the ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger Soup. My version emphasizes the core flavors you’d expect: rich beef, melty sharp cheddar, and the irresistible crunch of bacon. This recipe truly is a bowl of hearty cheeseburger goodness, designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. You’ll find detailed instructions for both slow cooker and stove top preparations, ensuring you can enjoy this delectable soup no matter how busy your schedule is. Prepare to be amazed by this savory, creamy, and incredibly satisfying soup!

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Cheeseburger Soup

Crafting the perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Soup begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building that authentic, comforting cheeseburger flavor we all crave. This brief overview highlights the key ingredients; for precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card below. Remember, quality ingredients make all the difference in achieving a truly outstanding soup.

Bacon: While technically optional, a cheeseburger simply isn’t complete without the smoky, salty crunch of bacon. It adds an incredible depth of flavor and texture to the soup. I highly recommend cooking it until crisp and crumbling it for garnish and mixing into the soup.
Onion: A medium yellow onion or a sweet Vidalia onion provides a foundational aromatic sweetness. When sautéed, it softens and caramelizes slightly, enhancing the savory beef.
Beef or Chicken Broth: The liquid base of our soup. Beef broth will intensify the “burger” flavor, while chicken broth offers a slightly milder, yet still rich, foundation. Choose a good quality low-sodium broth to control the saltiness.
Petite Diced Tomatoes: These add a subtle tang and a touch of sweetness, mimicking the fresh elements often found on a burger. Their small size integrates seamlessly into the creamy soup base.
Ground Beef: The star of our “cheeseburger” soup. I recommend a lean ground beef (80/20 or 90/10) to minimize excess grease. Ground turkey is also an excellent, leaner alternative if you prefer.
Potatoes: Baked and shredded potatoes (using a box grater) are key to the soup’s texture and heartiness. They create a wonderful creamy consistency as they break down slightly, reminiscent of a potato-thickened stew. If you have leftover baked potatoes on hand, this is a fantastic way to utilize them.
Seasonings: Simple yet essential. Salt and black pepper are your primary tools to enhance all the flavors. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting to your preference. Consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for an extra layer of savory goodness.
Half and Half: This is what gives our soup its luxurious, creamy body without being too heavy. It’s a perfect substitute for canned cheese soups, providing a fresher and more controlled creaminess.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The quintessential cheeseburger cheese! I strongly recommend shredding your own block of sharp cheddar if you have a few extra minutes. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your soup slightly grainy and prevent smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese melts beautifully and delivers superior flavor.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a delightful tang and extra richness, balancing the savory notes of the beef and cheese. Full-fat sour cream works best for maximum creaminess.
Sweet Pickle Relish: This might sound unusual, but it’s the secret ingredient that truly brings home the “cheeseburger” experience. The sweet and tangy relish mimics the classic condiments on a burger. If relish isn’t your preference, finely chopped dill pickles or sweet gherkins can be used instead.
Hamburger Buns and Butter: For making crunchy, buttery cheeseburger croutons! These are an absolute must for topping the soup, adding a textural contrast and a playful nod to the burger bun.

Gone are the days of resorting to canned cheddar cheese soup for creaminess. My recipe embraces a fresher approach, using a generous amount of half and half combined with plenty of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This not only results in a more vibrant and authentic cheese flavor but also allows for a smoother, more natural creaminess. And those crunchy, buttery croutons, made from chopped hamburger buns, are just the perfect crowning glory for this incredible soup!

Stove Top Bacon Cheeseburger Soup: Quick & Delicious

Making this hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Soup on the stove top is a fantastic option when you need a comforting meal in under an hour. This method ensures all the flavors meld together beautifully and quickly, delivering a rich and creamy soup with minimal waiting. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked bowl of cheesy goodness.

Sauté Onions and Brown Ground Beef: In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, begin by sautéing the diced onions over medium heat until they become translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a large wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains. Once cooked, carefully remove the meat and onions from the pot and set aside. Drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving behind just enough to add flavor.
Simmer Broth and Tomatoes: Return the pot to the stove. Pour in the beef or chicken broth and the can of petite diced tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer. This allows the flavors to start developing and ensures a warm base for the next ingredients.
Add Hearty Components: Carefully add the shredded potatoes and the cooked, crumbled bacon back into the pot with the simmering broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
Season to Perfection: Season the soup generously with salt and black pepper. This is your chance to really build the flavor profile. For an extra boost, consider adding a teaspoon of paprika, a half-teaspoon of garlic powder, and a half-teaspoon of onion powder at this stage. These spices will enhance the savory depth of the soup.
Continue Simmering and Adjust: Allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors have deepened. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as needed. You might find it needs a little more salt, pepper, or another dash of your preferred spices.
Achieve Creaminess and Cheesiness: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the half and half, sour cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring gently until the cheese has completely melted and is fully incorporated into the soup, creating a rich, smooth, and creamy texture. If using, now is the time to stir in the sweet pickle relish.
Prepare Crunchy Croutons: While the soup finishes, prepare your hamburger bun croutons. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of hamburger buns to the melted butter and sauté them, tossing frequently with tongs, until they are golden brown and wonderfully crunchy.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with an extra sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a few more bacon crumbles, and a generous handful of your freshly made, buttery hamburger bun croutons. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup: Effortless Comfort

For those days when you need a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time, the slow cooker is your best friend. Preparing Bacon Cheeseburger Soup in the crock pot allows the flavors to slowly meld and deepen throughout the day, resulting in an incredibly rich and tender soup. This method is perfect for busy schedules, ensuring a warm and comforting dinner awaits you.

Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet on your stove top, sauté the diced onions until soft and translucent, typically 5-7 minutes. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a large spoon, and cook until it is thoroughly browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the meat and onions. This step is crucial for developing flavor and preventing a greasy soup.
Combine Base Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked ground beef and onions to your slow cooker. Pour in the beef or chicken broth and add the can of petite diced tomatoes. Stir everything together gently. Cover your slow cooker and cook on the low setting for approximately two hours. This initial cooking time allows the base flavors to develop beautifully.
Add Remaining Core Ingredients: About 30 minutes before you plan to serve the soup, turn the slow cooker heat setting to high. Stir in the shredded potatoes, the cooked and crumbled bacon, the half and half, and season with salt and black pepper. The higher heat for the last 30 minutes helps ensure the potatoes soften perfectly without becoming mushy.
Prepare Your Croutons: While the soup finishes cooking, prepare your signature hamburger bun croutons. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the bite-sized pieces of hamburger buns and sauté them, tossing frequently with tongs, until they are golden brown and wonderfully crunchy. Set them aside for garnish.
Final Creamy Finish: Just before serving, stir in the sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and the sweet pickle relish (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and is smoothly incorporated into the soup, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
Garnish and Serve: Ladle the hot and delicious slow cooker cheeseburger soup into bowls. Top each serving generously with additional shredded cheddar cheese, more crispy bacon crumbles, and a pile of your buttery hamburger bun croutons. Serve immediately and savor every spoonful!

Homemade Hamburger Bun Croutons: The Perfect Topping

No Bacon Cheeseburger Soup would be truly complete without its signature topping: crispy, buttery hamburger bun croutons. These aren’t just any croutons; they’re a playful and delicious homage to the classic burger bun, providing a delightful textural contrast and an extra layer of flavor to every spoonful. They’re incredibly easy to make and elevate the entire dish to a new level of comfort and fun.

Melt the Butter: Start by melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. You want the butter to be fully melted and just starting to foam slightly, indicating it’s ready for the bread.
Prepare the Buns: While the butter is melting, take 4 hamburger buns (or even hot dog buns if that’s what you have) and cut them into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces so they toast evenly.
Add Bread to Skillet: Once the butter is melted, add the cut hamburger bun pieces to the skillet. Ensure they are spread out in a single layer as much as possible for even browning.
Sauté Until Crispy: Sauté and toss the croutons frequently, using tongs or a spatula, until they are golden brown and deliciously crunchy on all sides. This usually takes about 5-8 minutes, depending on your heat and the size of your bread pieces. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

These buttery, crunchy croutons are the perfect garnish for this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup. With its robust beefy cheeseburger flavor, crisp bacon, and generous amounts of shredded cheddar cheese, all topped with these delightful croutons, does it get any better than this? We think not! Enjoy!

Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

This tasty recipe for Bacon Cheeseburger Soup delivers a hearty cheeseburger flavor, complete with crispy bacon and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. Enjoy it made quickly on the stove or slow-cooked to perfection.

Ingredients

8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cups chicken or beef broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
4 potatoes, baked and shredded with a box grater
1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper (or more, to taste)
2 cups half and half
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional, but highly recommended for authentic flavor)
4 hamburger buns, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 tablespoons butter

Instructions

STOVE TOP DIRECTIONS

In a large stock pot, sauté the diced onions over medium heat until translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a large wooden spoon, and cook until no pink remains. Remove the beef and onions from the pot, set aside, and drain any excess fat.
Return the pot to the stove. Add 4 cups of chicken or beef broth and the 14.5 ounce can of petite diced tomatoes. Return the cooked beef and onions to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
Add the shredded potatoes, cooked bacon, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Stir in the half and half, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese. If desired, stir in the sweet pickle relish. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the soup is creamy.
To make the croutons: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the cut hamburger bun pieces and cook, tossing frequently, until they are crunchy and lightly browned.
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, and the buttery hamburger bun croutons.

SLOW COOKER DIRECTIONS

In a large skillet, sauté the diced onions and cook the ground beef, breaking it up with a large spoon, until no pink remains. Remove meat and onions, set aside, and drain any excess fat.
To your slow cooker, add 4 cups of chicken or beef broth and the 14.5 ounce can of petite diced tomatoes. Add the cooked beef and onions. Cook on low for about two hours.
Approximately 30 minutes before serving, turn the slow cooker to high. Add the cooked shredded potatoes, cooked bacon, half and half, and 1 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper. Stir well.
Right before serving, stir in the sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and sweet pickle relish (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and is fully incorporated.
To make the croutons: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the cut hamburger bun pieces and cook, tossing frequently, until they are crunchy and lightly browned.
Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with additional shredded cheddar cheese, bacon crumbles, and the buttery hamburger bun croutons.

Tips for Making the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

To ensure your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is absolutely perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

Quality Ingredients Matter: Start with fresh, high-quality ground beef and sharp cheddar cheese. Shredding your own cheese makes a noticeable difference in texture and meltability.
Drain Fat Thoroughly: After browning the ground beef and onions, make sure to drain all excess fat. This prevents your soup from becoming greasy.
Don’t Overcook Potatoes: Whether on the stove or in the slow cooker, keep an eye on the potatoes. You want them tender, but not completely disintegrated, to maintain some texture in the soup.
Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Seasoning is key! Always taste your soup before adding the dairy and again before serving. Salt and pepper are minimums, but a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce can elevate the flavors.
Add Dairy Last (Stove Top): When making the soup on the stove, add the half and half, sour cream, and cheese at the very end, reducing the heat to low. This prevents the dairy from curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy finish.
Freshly Made Croutons: Don’t skip the hamburger bun croutons! They add an essential crunch and a buttery flavor that complements the soup perfectly. Make them just before serving for optimal crispiness.
Consider Your Broth: While chicken broth works, beef broth will enhance the “cheeseburger” flavor even more. Choose low-sodium broth to control the overall salt content.

Variations and Customizations

One of the best things about this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with these variations to make it uniquely yours:

Different Meats: Instead of ground beef, try ground turkey for a lighter option, or even ground venison for a wilder flavor profile. Plant-based crumbles can also be used for a vegetarian version.
Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is classic, mix it up with other great melting cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a touch of smoked gouda for a sophisticated twist.
Add More Veggies: If you’re open to a few more vegetables, consider finely diced bell peppers (red or green) added with the onions, or a can of drained corn stirred in with the potatoes. Keep them small to maintain the “cheeseburger” texture.
A Kick of Heat: For those who love a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup. Pickled jalapeños as a garnish also provide a wonderful kick.
Extra Toppings: Beyond the standard croutons and bacon, consider fresh chopped chives, green onions, extra diced pickles, or even a drizzle of your favorite burger sauce (like a special sauce) just before serving.

Storing and Reheating Your Delicious Leftovers

This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup makes for fantastic leftovers, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day. Proper storage and reheating will ensure you can enjoy its comforting flavors all over again.

Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, the soup can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Note that dairy-based soups can sometimes change texture slightly upon freezing and thawing, but the flavor will remain excellent.
Reheating (Stove Top): For best results, gently reheat the soup on the stove top over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and to help re-emulsify the creamy base. If the soup is too thick, you can add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Reheating (Microwave): If you’re in a hurry, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause the dairy to separate.
Texture After Reheating: It’s common for dairy-based soups to appear slightly separated or grainy after refrigeration or freezing and reheating. A good stir or a quick whisk can usually bring back the creamy texture. If needed, a touch more half and half or sour cream can be stirred in to restore richness. Remember to make fresh croutons each time you serve for maximum crunch!