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Creamy Cheeseburger Potato Soup with Bacon

creamy cheeseburger potato soup - featured image

A cozy, hearty soup that combines the flavors of a cheeseburger with creamy potatoes and smoky bacon. Perfect for a comforting meal on chilly evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 oz)
  • 1 cup shredded American cheese (about 4 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chives or green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat a large stockpot over medium heat and add the bacon slices. Cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally. Use a slotted spoon to transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Leave the rendered bacon fat in the pot.
  2. Add ground beef to the pot and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and no pink remains, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, but keep a little for richness.
  3. Add diced onion to the pot and stir into the beef and bacon fat. Cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook another minute until fragrant, but do not let it burn.
  4. Stir in diced potatoes, then pour in beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until potatoes are fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes. Check occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Use a potato masher to break down some potato chunks for a creamier texture, leaving some pieces whole for bite. Stir in milk, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Heat through gently without boiling.
  6. Gradually add shredded cheddar and American cheese, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
  7. Chop half the cooked bacon and stir it into the soup. Reserve the rest for topping. Sprinkle chopped chives or green onions on top before serving.

Notes

Cook bacon over medium heat to avoid burning and to render maximum flavor. Save bacon fat for cooking beef to enhance richness. Avoid overcrowding the pot when browning beef to ensure proper searing. Add cheese slowly over low heat to prevent clumping. If soup is too thick, add more milk or broth to reach desired consistency. Reheat leftovers gently on the stove, stirring frequently.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, potato soup, bacon soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, weeknight dinner