Crockpot Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a creamy, hearty, and indulgent soup that captures all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger in a comforting bowl. Tender ground beef, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a medley of vegetables come together in a rich broth for a satisfying meal. This soup is perfect for cozy dinners, family meals, or game day gatherings. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while you go about your day, making it both convenient and delicious.

This soup offers the best of both worlds: all the indulgence of a cheeseburger with the warmth and comfort of a slow-cooked soup. Each spoonful delivers creamy, savory, and slightly smoky flavors that will quickly become a family favorite.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it transforms a classic comfort food into a convenient, easy-to-make soup. The combination of smoky bacon, seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and melty cheddar cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.

Cooking it in a crockpot allows the soup to develop deep, hearty flavors without constant supervision. It’s indulgent, comforting, and perfect for any occasion.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This soup is a must-try because it combines all the elements of a cheeseburger—bacon, beef, cheese, and savory toppings—into a creamy, easy-to-serve soup. It’s perfect for family meals, potlucks, or cold-weather comfort food.

The creamy texture and rich flavors make it feel indulgent while still being simple to prepare, and it’s versatile enough to adapt to different tastes or dietary preferences.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5-6 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes to 6 hours 15 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

Servings: 6-8
Calories per Serving: ~480 kcal
Course: Main course / Soup
Cuisine: American / Comfort food

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 6 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)

Cooking Directions

Step 1: Cook Bacon and Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer beef and bacon to the crockpot.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Broth
Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced potatoes to the crockpot. Pour in chicken broth and season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until potatoes are tender and flavors are well combined.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese with flour. This will help thicken the soup and prevent the cheese from clumping.

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in milk and heavy cream. Gradually add the cheese mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.

Step 6: Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or extra bacon if desired.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Chop bacon, onion, garlic, and potatoes.
2. Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Remove and set aside.
3. Cook ground beef in the same skillet until browned; drain excess fat.
4. Transfer bacon and beef to the crockpot.
5. Add onions, garlic, potatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings.
6. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Mix shredded cheddar cheese with flour.
8. Stir in milk and heavy cream to the soup, then add cheese mixture gradually.
9. Stir until cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
10. Garnish with green onions or extra bacon and serve hot.

How to Serve

Serve the soup hot in bowls with crusty bread, cornbread, or crackers. Garnish with additional shredded cheese, crispy bacon, or chopped green onions for extra flavor. It pairs well with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use full-fat cheese and cream for the richest flavor and texture.
• Brown the beef and bacon to enhance flavor, though it can be skipped in a pinch.
• Stir the soup occasionally during cooking for even flavor distribution.
• For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before adding the cream and cheese.
• Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Variations

• Add diced carrots or celery for extra vegetables.
• Substitute cheddar with Monterey Jack or Colby cheese for a different flavor.
• Use turkey bacon or ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Top with pickles or crushed potato chips for a true cheeseburger experience.

Freezing and Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freeze soup without milk and cream for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and stir in fresh milk and cream when ready to serve.

Special Equipment Needed

• Crockpot or slow cooker
• Skillet for browning bacon and beef
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing spoon
• Small bowl for cheese mixture

FAQ

Q: Can I make this soup without a slow cooker?
A: Yes, cook on the stovetop in a large pot over medium heat, simmering for 45-60 minutes until potatoes are tender.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
A: Yes, just add it during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I make this lighter?
A: Substitute milk and cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use lean ground beef or turkey.

Q: Can I use shredded cheese directly?
A: Yes, but mixing with flour helps prevent clumping and thickens the soup.

Q: Can I add vegetables like corn or peas?
A: Yes, add during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.

Conclusion

Crockpot Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a rich, creamy, and indulgent comfort food that brings all the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger into a warm, hearty soup. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for family meals, game days, or chilly evenings. With its creamy texture, smoky bacon, savory beef, and melty cheese, this soup is a must-try for anyone looking for a satisfying and flavorful homemade dish.