Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Soup: A Comfort Food Dream

Craving the flavors of a juicy bacon cheeseburger but looking for something warm and comforting? Look no further! This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Soup combines all the delicious elements of your favorite burger into a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying soup. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a cozy weekend treat. Get ready to experience a symphony of flavors and textures in every spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Ultimate Comfort Food:** It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and loaded with bacon – what’s not to love?
* **Burger Flavors, Soup Style:** Enjoy all the flavors of a bacon cheeseburger without the bun.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together quickly.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences and dietary needs.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game day gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Bacon:** The star of the show! Use your favorite kind – thick-cut, applewood smoked, or even turkey bacon for a healthier option.
* **Ground Beef:** Adds heartiness and that classic burger flavor. Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
* **Potatoes:** Russet potatoes are ideal for a creamy soup, but Yukon Gold or red potatoes can also be used.
* **Onion & Garlic:** These aromatics add depth and complexity to the soup’s flavor.
* **Beef Broth:** Provides the liquid base for the soup and enhances the beefy flavor. Chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted.
* **Cream Cheese:** Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** Sharp cheddar is recommended for the best flavor, but any cheese that melts well will work.
* **Milk or Half-and-Half:** Thins the soup to your desired consistency and adds creaminess.
* **Worcestershire Sauce:** Adds a savory umami flavor that complements the beef and cheese.
* **Dijon Mustard:** A touch of Dijon adds a tangy zip that cuts through the richness of the soup.
* **Spices:** Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder enhance the overall flavor.
* **Toppings (Optional):** Shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, sour cream, or a drizzle of ketchup or mustard.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

* **Vegetarian:** Substitute plant-based ground beef and vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Consider adding some finely chopped mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
* **Dairy-Free:** Use plant-based cream cheese, cheddar cheese alternative, and milk alternative (such as almond milk or oat milk).
* **Spicy:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the soup for a spicy kick.
* **Different Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack.
* **Add Vegetables:** Incorporate other vegetables like corn, carrots, or celery for added nutrition and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This recipe is broken down into easy-to-follow steps to ensure success. Read through the entire recipe before you begin.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes

**Yields:** 6-8 servings

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Place the bacon strips in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Cook until crispy, flipping occasionally.
3. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside to drain on paper towels.
4. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. Reserve some for topping.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. Discard the rest (or save it for another use).
2. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink.
4. Drain off any excess grease.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot with the ground beef.
2. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes and Broth

1. Add the diced potatoes and beef broth to the pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
3. Cover the pot and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 5: Blend the Soup (Optional)

1. For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. Be careful not to over-blend, as you want to retain some texture. Alternatively, you can transfer a portion of the soup to a regular blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the pot.
2. If you like a chunkier soup, you can skip this step.

Step 6: Add the Cream Cheese, Cheese, and Milk

1. Reduce the heat to low.
2. Add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk (or half-and-half), Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the pot.
3. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.

Step 7: Season and Simmer

1. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream (if desired).
3. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Soup

* **Don’t Overcook the Potatoes:** Overcooked potatoes can make the soup gummy. Cook them until they are fork-tender but not mushy.
* **Use Good Quality Cheese:** The better the quality of the cheese, the better the flavor of the soup will be. Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for the most authentic cheeseburger flavor.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the soup is too thick, add more milk or broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken.
* **Taste and Adjust Seasoning:** Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other spices to suit your taste.
* **Don’t Skip the Toppings:** The toppings are what really make this soup special. They add texture, flavor, and visual appeal. Get creative with your toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl.
* **Make it ahead:** You can prepare the soup 1-2 days in advance. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
* **Freezing:** Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Serving Suggestions

This Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with:

* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
* **Grilled Cheese Sandwich:** A classic combination!
* **Side Salad:** A light and refreshing accompaniment to the rich soup.
* **Cornbread:** A sweet and savory pairing.

Recipe Card

**Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Soup**

A creamy, cheesy, and comforting soup that tastes just like a bacon cheeseburger!

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes

**Yields:** 6-8 servings

**Ingredients:**

* 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1 pound ground beef
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 cups diced russet potatoes
* 6 cups beef broth
* 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup milk or half-and-half
* 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, sour cream, ketchup, mustard

**Instructions:**

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside to drain on paper towels. Crumble once cooled.
2. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. Add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder and onion powder.
4. Add the diced potatoes and beef broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
5. (Optional) Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup for a smoother texture. Be careful not to over-blend.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard to the pot. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
7. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld.
8. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream (if desired). Serve immediately.

Enjoy Your Delicious Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Potato Soup!

This soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking and experiment with different toppings and variations. Bon appétit!