Some soups are comforting, and some bring all the flavors of your favorite meal into one bowl.
This Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup combines everything that makes a classic cheeseburger irresistible—savory beef, crispy bacon, melted cheese, and a creamy, rich broth.
Unlike a heavy chili or stew, this soup is smooth yet packed with texture. Ground beef adds a hearty bite, while bacon brings smoky depth.
A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy broth ensures every spoonful is rich without feeling overwhelming. Topped with crunchy pickles, fresh tomatoes, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this soup delivers serious cheeseburger flavor.
It’s perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or meal prep. Pair it with toasted buns or crispy fries for a complete cheeseburger-inspired meal.
What Makes This Soup So Good?
The best soups have layers of flavor, and this one delivers a perfect mix of creamy, smoky, and cheesy goodness.
- Savory Ground Beef – A key ingredient that makes this soup taste just like a cheeseburger. Browning it first enhances the flavor.
- Crispy Bacon – Adds smoky, salty crunch throughout the soup. Cook it separately to keep it crispy until serving.
- Rich, Velvety Broth – A creamy base that blends cheese and beef broth for an ultra-smooth texture. Heavy cream keeps it thick, while cheddar adds richness.
- Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar brings out the best burger flavors. Melting it slowly ensures a smooth consistency.
- Diced Potatoes – Small, tender pieces of potato add a hearty texture without overpowering the soup.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
This soup comes together quickly and requires minimal effort.
- Cook the Bacon – In a large pot, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- Brown the Beef – In the same pot, cook ground beef until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Build the Broth – Add beef broth, diced potatoes, and seasonings. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
- Melt the Cheese – Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Finish & Serve – Return the crispy bacon to the soup, stir, and serve warm with toppings like diced pickles or toasted buns.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This soup isn’t just easy—it nails the balance between creamy, cheesy, and smoky without being too heavy.
- Rich but Not Overwhelming – A smooth, velvety broth without an overly thick texture.
- All the Cheeseburger Flavor – Bacon, cheddar, and beef come together just like a classic burger.
- One-Pot Wonder – Everything cooks in a single pot, making cleanup effortless.
- Customizable to Taste – Adjust the richness, spice level, or toppings for a fully personalized meal.
Every spoonful has the comforting taste of a cheeseburger, without the need for a bun.
Ways to Change It Up
This recipe is easy to customize depending on your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Make It Spicier – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Low-Carb Version – Replace potatoes with cauliflower for a keto-friendly version.
- Try Different Cheeses – A mix of smoked gouda or Monterey Jack can bring new flavors.
- Thicker & Heartier – Add extra potatoes or even macaroni for a cheeseburger-meets-mac-and-cheese vibe.
What to Serve with Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
A great side dish turns this soup into a full meal that feels just like a burger experience.
- Garlic Bread or Toasted Buns – The perfect way to scoop up the creamy broth.
- Crispy French Fries – A natural side that pairs perfectly with the burger flavors.
- Pickle & Tomato Salad – A fresh, tangy contrast to the rich soup.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts – A crunchy, slightly charred veggie side balances the dish.
- Cheese-Stuffed Pretzels – A fun, salty snack that complements the cheesiness.
Easy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup
Equipment
- Large pot For cooking the soup
- Ladle For serving
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 pound ground beef 80/20 preferred
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups potatoes peeled and diced
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard optional, for extra burger flavor
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the beef broth and add diced potatoes, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender.
- Lower the heat and stir in cheddar cheese, heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Return the crispy bacon to the pot, stir well, and serve warm.
Notes
- For extra thickness, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese and cream.
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pairs well with garlic bread, pickles, or crispy fries.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.