Recipes

Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup 2023

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
  • 2 russet potatoes, diced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 3 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 white onion, diced
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper
  • 2 tsp dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed (add towards the end)
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened (add towards the end)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions:

  1. In a slow cooker, combine browned and drained ground beef, diced potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt, pepper, basil, garlic powder, and chicken broth.
  2. Cook on low for 7 hours or until the vegetables are tender.
  3. About 30 minutes before serving, add the cubed Velveeta and softened cream cheese to the slow cooker.
  4. Continue to cook on low for an additional hour, stirring occasionally, until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the soup.
  5. Just before serving, stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it’s melted and well combined.
  6. Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and fresh parsley for added flavor and color.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy your hearty and cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup! Optionally, you can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of additional shredded cheddar cheese for extra indulgence.

This Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup combines the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger with the richness of three different cheeses. It’s a deliciously hearty and satisfying soup perfect for chilly days.

To make your Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup even more delightful, consider these tips:

  1. Quality Ingredients:
    • Use high-quality ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful cheeses to enhance the overall taste of the soup.
  2. Bacon Varieties:
    • Experiment with different types of bacon for added depth of flavor. Smoked or maple-flavored bacon can bring a unique twist to the soup.
  3. Sauteed Vegetables:
    • Saute the diced onions, celery, and carrots in a little butter or oil before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances the sweetness of the vegetables.
  4. Fresh Herbs:
    • Add a handful of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last hour of cooking for an extra layer of aroma and flavor.
  5. Spice it Up:
    • Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
  6. Beer Infusion:
    • For a unique twist, replace a portion of the chicken broth with a light beer. The beer can add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
  7. Customize Cheese Blend:
    • Experiment with different cheese blends. Incorporate a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda, in addition to the Velveeta and cream cheese.
  8. Top with Fresh Toppings:
    • Serve each bowl with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar cheese, or a drizzle of hot sauce for personalized touches.
  9. Add Pickles:
    • Garnish with diced dill pickles just before serving. The tanginess adds a delightful contrast to the richness of the soup.
  10. Crunchy Toppings:
    • Top each serving with croutons or crispy fried onions for added texture.
  11. Serve in Bread Bowls:
    • Hollow out small bread bowls and serve the soup inside for a fun and comforting presentation. The bread soaks up the soup and adds an extra layer of flavor.
  12. Freshly Ground Pepper:
    • Finish each serving with a crack of freshly ground black pepper for a burst of aroma.
  13. Make it a Loaded Potato Soup:
    • Add diced cooked potatoes and garnish with chopped scallions to transform the soup into a loaded baked potato-inspired delight.
  14. Adjust Cheese Texture:
    • If you prefer a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender before adding the final cheese ingredients.

These tips will help you tailor the Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup to your taste preferences and make it even more delightful. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Popular Questions and Answers:

Here are some potential questions and answers that might arise regarding the Easy Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup:

Q: Can I make Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker? A: Yes, you can adapt the recipe for the stovetop. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables in a large pot. Add the remaining ingredients (except the cheeses) and simmer until the vegetables are tender. Stir in the cheeses just before serving.

Q: Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef? A: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for ground beef, providing a lighter option with a slightly different flavor profile.

Q: Can I freeze Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup? A: While the soup can be frozen, it’s best to do so before adding the cheese. Freeze the soup without the cheese, then add the cheeses when reheating for the best texture.

Q: How can I make the soup spicier? A: To add more heat, consider adding cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked bacon? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon to save time. Add it during the last hour of cooking to ensure it retains its crispiness.

Q: What other toppings can I add? A: Get creative with toppings! Sour cream, extra shredded cheese, diced pickles, green onions, or even croutons can enhance the flavor and texture of the soup.

Q: Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta? A: Certainly! Experiment with your favorite cheeses or a cheese blend. Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, or a combination of these can work well.

Q: How can I make the soup creamier? A: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the final cheeses. This creates a smoother consistency.

Q: What sides pair well with Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup? A: Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple side salad make excellent accompaniments to complement the soup’s richness.

Q: How long can I keep leftovers in the refrigerator? A: Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time? A: Yes, you can prepare most of the soup ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and add the cheeses just before serving or reheating.

Remember to adjust these answers based on any specific dietary needs or preferences. Enjoy your Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup!

Achieving the perfect Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup involves some culinary secrets and attention to detail. Here are some tips to make your soup truly exceptional:

  1. Render the Bacon Separately:
    • Cook the bacon separately until it’s crispy. This ensures the bacon maintains its crunchiness when added to the soup later. Reserve the rendered bacon fat to sauté the vegetables for an extra layer of flavor.
  2. Layered Flavors:
    • Sauté the vegetables in the rendered bacon fat or a bit of butter. This step adds depth to the soup by infusing the vegetables with a rich and savory flavor.
  3. Quality Ground Beef:
    • Choose high-quality ground beef with a good balance of fat. This contributes to the richness and flavor of the soup.
  4. Browning the Beef:
    • Brown the ground beef well to develop a deep flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure proper browning.
  5. Balanced Seasoning:
    • Season the soup in layers. Season the beef while browning, add spices to the vegetables, and adjust the final seasoning after the cheeses are melted. This creates a well-balanced flavor profile.
  6. Use a Blend of Cheeses:
    • While the recipe includes Velveeta and cream cheese, consider adding a blend of shredded cheeses like sharp cheddar, Colby, or Monterey Jack for a more complex and nuanced taste.
  7. Fresh Herbs at the End:
    • Stir in fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness that complements the richness of the soup.
  8. Warm the Dairy:
    • Bring the Velveeta and cream cheese to room temperature or slightly warm them before adding to the soup. This helps them melt more smoothly.
  9. Simmer Slowly:
    • Allow the soup to simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld. This gradual cooking process enhances the overall taste and ensures the vegetables are tender.
  10. Customizable Toppings:
    • Serve the soup with customizable toppings. Offer options like extra shredded cheese, sour cream, diced pickles, green onions, or croutons for individuals to add according to their preferences.
  11. Adjust Consistency:
    • If the soup becomes too thick, thin it out with a bit of chicken or beef broth until you achieve the desired consistency.
  12. Garnish Strategically:
    • Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon just before serving. This maintains the bacon’s crispiness and adds a delightful texture.
  13. Let it Rest:
    • Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps the flavors marry and results in a more cohesive and delicious soup.
  14. Serve with Fresh Bread:
    • Accompany the soup with fresh, crusty bread or garlic bread. The combination of the warm soup and bread is comforting and satisfying.

By incorporating these secrets into your preparation, you’ll be on your way to creating the perfect Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup with layers of flavor and a delightful balance of textures. Enjoy!