Name: Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ pound bacon; 1 pound ground beef; 2 tablespoons burger seasoning (or to taste); 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)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 6 reviews

If you love the nostalgic flavors of a classic burger but crave something warm, comforting, and cuddle-worthy, this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine all the savory goodness of crispy bacon, juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and tender potatoes coming together in a creamy, flavorful soup that feels like a big, delicious hug in a bowl. It’s a perfect blend of hearty and creamy with just the right amount of cheeseburger charm to satisfy any craving on a chilly day or whenever you want a truly indulgent meal.

Ingredients You'll Need

A close-up view of a large silver metal frying pan filled with one layer of small, crumbly brown cooked ground meat covering most of the pan's surface. On the right side of the pan, there is a wooden spoon with a smooth texture resting on top of the meat. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface, visible around its edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, familiar ingredients come together in this recipe to create complex flavors and textures that make every spoonful irresistible. Each item has a role, from adding savory depth to creamy richness and fresh brightness.

½ pound bacon: Brings irresistible smoky, crispy flavor that’s the foundation of the soup’s character.
1 pound ground beef: The hearty base for that signature cheeseburger taste, browned to juicy perfection.
2 tablespoons burger seasoning: Packs in the seasoning that gives the soup that authentic burger spice profile.
1 medium onion (diced): Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed with the veggies.
¾ cup carrots (small diced or shredded): Provides subtle sweetness and a tender bite to the vegetable mix.
2 ribs of celery (diced): Lends a bit of crunch and earthy flavor that balances the richness.
4 cups gold potatoes (peeled and ½-inch diced): Adds comforting body and texture, making the soup extra filling.
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or water): Creates a flavorful but light base to cook the potatoes and veggies in.
3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Helps build the creamy roux for thickening the soup.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Combines with butter to give that luscious, thickened soup texture.
1 ½ cups whole milk (or half and half): Adds creaminess and richness for a comforting mouthfeel.
16 ounces Velveeta (cubed): Melts beautifully, creating that cheesy, gooey component you want in a bacon cheeseburger soup.
¼ cup sour cream (optional): Offers an extra tangy creaminess that elevates the final flavor.

How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Bacon

Start by cooking the bacon in a large soup pan or Dutch oven until it’s as crispy as you like. This step is where you lock in all the smoky, savory goodness. Once done, remove the bacon and keep a couple of tablespoons of that flavorful bacon drippings—the secret behind the incredible soup base.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef and a tablespoon of burger seasoning to the pan. Cook until it’s no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks. Removing the beef with a slotted spoon helps keep the perfect proportions of grease in the pan, which you’ll use to cook the veggies next.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pan, toss in the diced onion, carrots, celery, and the remaining burger seasoning. Let them cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they soften just right, releasing their natural sweetness while soaking up that meaty flavor locked in the pan. This mix builds a flavorful vegetable base.

Step 4: Cook the Potatoes

Add your gold potatoes and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle low boil. Let it cook uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes until the potatoes are tender but haven’t lost their shape. This step gives you that lovely tender bite vital for texture balance.

Step 5: Make the Roux

While the potatoes are cooking, melt your butter in a small pan. Whisk in the flour and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes to get rid of the raw flour taste and create a smooth paste. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly, and cook over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens beautifully. This creamy roux will be the thickening magic that turns your soup from broth-based to luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Combine and Melt the Cheese

Once the potatoes are ready, stir in the roux to the soup base and watch it thicken. Now comes the fun part: gradually add the Velveeta cubes a few at a time, stirring in between to ensure each addition melts completely. This super melty cheese is the heart of the Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe, delivering that rich, velvety cheeseburger flavor.

Step 7: Add Bacon and Beef Back In

Return the cooked ground beef and crumbled bacon to the pan, stirring everything together gently so those classic bacon and beef flavors distribute evenly. For an extra layer of creamy tang, stir in the optional sour cream here.

Step 8: Serve Warm with Toppings

Now that the soup is ready, it’s time to personalize it with your favorite garnishes and savor every delicious bite.

How to Serve Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with thick creamy soup that has three main layers: a smooth pale yellow base, chunks of light yellow potato pieces spread throughout, and bits of crispy brown bacon with small green herbs sprinkled on top. A silver spoon is inside the bowl on the left side, resting in the soup. The bowl is placed on a light wood cutting board, with a white marbled textured surface underneath. There is another white bowl of the same soup blurred in the background along with a yellow kitchen cloth and a white cloth with green stripes draped softly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Toppings are where you can get creative and elevate your serving. Try adding shredded cheese, extra crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, fresh chives, or parsley to add an herbaceous punch. The garnishes refresh and add lovely texture contrasts to each spoonful.

Side Dishes

This soup is pretty hearty on its own, but pairing it with warm crusty bread, buttery garlic toast, or a simple green salad balances the richness and makes the meal feel complete. The bread especially is perfect for dipping into that creamy bacon cheeseburger goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the soup in mini cast iron skillets or hollowed-out bread bowls. Layer your garnishes in colorful rows or sprinkle with finely diced pickles for a fun twist that echoes the classic cheeseburger toppings. Presentation that shows off the soup’s layers is half the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen while resting, so leftovers can taste even better. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing

You can freeze this soup but keep in mind that potatoes and dairy-based soups sometimes change texture when frozen. Freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 months. For best results, add fresh garnishes after thawing rather than before freezing.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to prevent burning and maintain that smooth, creamy consistency. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the soup back up to that perfect spoonable state.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is all about the meaty, smoky flavors, so it’s best with bacon and ground beef. However, for a vegetarian take, you could use plant-based bacon and beef substitutes, plus vegetable broth to maintain flavor depth.

What can I substitute for Velveeta cheese?

If you don’t have Velveeta, try using a combination of processed cheese (like American) and a good melting cheese such as cheddar or Monterey Jack. Keep an eye on melting times to avoid clumping.

Is this soup spicy?

The burger seasoning adds savory, slightly peppery notes but nothing overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the seasoning to taste or add a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat.

Can I use instant potatoes instead of fresh?

For best texture, stick to fresh diced potatoes. Instant potatoes won’t hold up well in the soup and can make it overly thick or gummy.

How thick should the soup be?

The soup should be creamy and thick enough to coat a spoon but still spoonable — not too runny, yet not pudding-like. Adjust thickness by the amount of roux you add and feel free to thin with broth or milk if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is truly a crowd-pleaser that brings together all those comforting flavors we love in a classic burger but in a beautifully creamy, warm bowl. Whether you're sharing it at a family dinner or craving some cozy nights in, it’s sure to become one of your go-to comfort meals. Give it a try and enjoy the delicious nostalgia with every comforting spoonful!

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need