Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

This Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheese, this hearty soup is perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be customized with your favorite toppings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker takes care of everything, letting you set it and forget it.
Rich Flavor: With ground beef and a medley of spices, every bowl is bursting with taste.
Comforting Texture: Creamy cheese and tender potatoes create a delightful mouthfeel that warms your soul.
Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite garnishes like green onions or extra cheese for a personal touch.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience. Using the right equipment makes a significant difference in the outcome of your dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Whisk
Chopping board

Importance of Each Tool

Slow Cooker: This tool allows for even cooking and melds flavors together beautifully over time.
Large Skillet: Ideal for browning ground beef, ensuring it’s cooked thoroughly before mixing into the soup.
Whisk: Perfect for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when creating the creamy base.

Ingredients

This incredible soup is loaded with potatoes, ground beef, cheese and bacon! It’s full of flavor and every soup lover’s dream.

Vegetables

4 small russet potatoes (peeled and diced)
1 small white or yellow onion (chopped)
1 cup shredded carrots

Herbs and Seasonings

1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried parsley

Broth Base

3 cups chicken broth

Proteins

1 pound lean ground beef
8 slices cooked bacon (chopped)

Dairy Components

3 Tablespoons butter
2 cups milk (I use 2%)
2 cups shredded pepper-jack cheese (or cheddar cheese)

Other Ingredients

1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Green onion (chopped for garnish)

How to Make Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the diced potatoes, chopped onions, shredded carrots, dried basil, and parsley in a large crock pot.
Pour chicken broth over the vegetables.
Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours OR on high heat for 4 to 5 hours until potatoes are tender.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

About 45 minutes before serving, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add lean ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned; crumble as it cooks.
Drain any excess grease from the skillet and pour the cooked ground beef into the crock pot.
Add in the chopped bacon as well.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

Carefully wipe out the hot skillet using a paper towel.
Add butter to the skillet; let it melt completely.
Whisk in flour until golden brown and bubbly (about 1 minute).
Gradually whisk in milk, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour this mixture into the crock pot and stir everything together.

Step 4: Add Cheese

Stir in shredded pepper jack cheese into the crock pot.
Cover with lid again and cook for another 20 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Enjoy your hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is an opportunity to elevate a simple meal into something special. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly for dipping into the rich soup.
Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the cheeseburger taste beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Ingredients

Chopped Green Onions – Sprinkle these on top for a fresh crunch and added flavor.
Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess that balances the soup’s richness.

As a Full Meal

With a Side Salad – A light salad with a vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty soup.
Over Rice or Quinoa – Serve the soup over cooked rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

To ensure your Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup turns out perfect every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables enhance flavors and texture in your soup.
Brown the Beef – Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth of flavor.
Adjust Seasoning – Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper according to preference.
Experiment with Cheeses – Try different cheese blends such as Monterey Jack or sharp cheddar for varied flavors.
Add Vegetables – Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

Garden Salad – A refreshing mix of greens with tomatoes and cucumbers serves as a light contrast.
Cornbread – Sweet cornbread complements the savory soup while adding comfort to your meal.
Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying side that echoes the soup’s flavors.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies bring additional color and nutrients to your table.
Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese provide a deliciously indulgent addition.
Stuffed Peppers – These can be filled with rice, beans, or more ground beef, making them hearty companions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Bold ingredients choice: Using the wrong type of cheese can alter the flavor. Stick with pepper-jack or cheddar for an authentic taste.
Bold neglecting prep time: Skipping the dicing of vegetables can lead to uneven cooking. Make sure all ingredients are cut into similar sizes.
Bold not checking for seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can result in bland soup. Always taste before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
Bold overcooking the beef: Cooking the ground beef too long can make it dry. Sauté just until browned and then drain any grease.
Bold rushing the cheese melting: Adding cheese too soon may prevent proper melting and incorporation. Wait until just before serving for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
This soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup.

How can I customize Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup?

You can add different vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra flavor and nutrition. Consider using different cheeses or spice blends as well.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you’re looking for a leaner option while maintaining flavor.

What’s the best way to garnish Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup?

Top your soup with chopped green onions or fresh herbs for added freshness and color.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it overnight before reheating when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses!