Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – Delectable Fusion

Discover the magic of slow cooking with our Bacon Cheeseburger Soup. Immerse yourself in this heavenly brew of flavors. Each spoonful bursts with the decadence of a juicy bacon cheeseburger but in a comforting bowl of soup.

Enjoy this unique gastronomic adventure. The slow cooker does all the hard work. It fuses the flavors of beef and bacon.

Cheddar cheese and vegetables merge in harmony. A subtle hint of dill pickle rounds out the taste. This soup personifies indulgence.

Try our Bacon Cheeseburger Soup today. It’s your favorite burger in a bowl. Surprise your taste buds. Revel in the warm, creamy, smoky delight. Remember, the slow cooker has your back. Treat yourself and your loved ones. 

Share the joy of a well-cooked meal. Join us on this culinary journey. Explore the potential of your slow cooker. Break free from the conventional. Let this Bacon Cheeseburger Soup be the start of your adventure.

What Is Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup?

Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a delightful fusion of your favorite burger ingredients transformed into a soup.

Slow-cooked to perfection, it combines ground beef, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a mix of vegetables. 

It’s topped off with a hint of dill pickle to complete the cheeseburger experience. This soup offers a hearty, comforting, and unique alternative to a traditional bacon cheeseburger.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers the burger’s juicy flavor in a warm, satisfying soup.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients? 

The Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup can be modified to fit various dietary preferences:

• Keto Substitute potatoes with cauliflower to lower the carb content. Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream instead of milk.
• Paleo Use ghee instead of cooking oil, fresh tomatoes instead of canned, and exclude cream cheese, milk, and flour. Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes.
• Gluten-Free Replace flour with a gluten-free thickening agent such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder.
• Whole30 Use ghee instead of cooking oil, fresh tomatoes instead of canned, and exclude cream cheese, milk, and flour. Replace potatoes with sweet potatoes, and use a compliant chicken broth without sugar or additives.
• Vegetarian Substitute beef with a plant-based meat substitute or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Vegan In addition to the vegetarian substitutions, use vegan cream cheese and plant-based milk, and replace the cheddar cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

This Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is versatile and can be tweaked according to individual preferences. Here are some variations, add-ons, and topping ideas:

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapenos or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Boost: Include more vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or peas for an extra nutrient punch.
• Seafood Twist: Replace ground beef with shrimp or crab meat for a seafood spin.

Add-Ons

• Croutons: Add some homemade croutons for extra crunch.
• Burger Buns: Serve the soup with mini burger buns on the side for an authentic cheeseburger feel.
• Avocado: A few slices of avocado can add creaminess and a healthy dose of fats.

Toppings

• Cheese: Top with extra shredded cheese for more richness and flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, cilantro, or dill for an herby touch.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can add a tangy twist and make the soup creamier.
• Onion Rings: Garnish with homemade onion rings for a fun, crunchy element.

Can I Make Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup In An Instant Pot?

You can make Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup in an Instant Pot! The process is slightly different but will yield a similar delicious result. Here’s a basic guide:

• Set your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add the cooking oil, ground beef, onions, and garlic. Sauté until the beef is evenly browned.
• Add the tomatoes, bacon bits, celery, carrots, potatoes, cream cheese, chicken broth, basil, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
• Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to ‘Sealing.’ Cook on ‘Manual’ or ‘Pressure Cook,’ setting on high pressure for 15 minutes.
• After cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
• Once you can safely open the lid, stir the soup. Whisk the milk and flour together in a separate bowl to create a slurry, then stir this into the soup.
• Add the shredded cheese, and stir until it has melted and the soup is well mixed. You can turn on the ‘Sauté’ setting again to help melt the cheese and thicken the soup.
• Serve the soup hot, garnished with crumbled cooked bacon.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

You can certainly use store-bought broth for the Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup. It’s a convenient option that can save you time.

When purchasing, opt for a low-sodium variety to control the salt level in your soup better.

However, making your broth can be great if you have the time and ingredients.

Homemade broth often has a fresher, deeper flavor than store-bought versions, and you can customize it to your liking.

Also, homemade broth usually has less sodium and no preservatives.

How To Serve?

Serving Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup can be an experience to savor, with several complementary additions and presentation methods to enhance its flavors:

• Bowl Choice: Serve the soup in warm bowls to keep it hot for longer. Rustic or colorful bowls can add to the visual appeal.
• Garnish: A sprinkling of cooked bacon crumble adds texture and reinforces the flavor. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can also be used to enhance the appearance and taste.
• Cheese: A little extra shredded cheddar on top creates a gooey, satisfying experience.
• Bread Pairing: Offer crusty bread, garlic bread, or bread rolls on the side for dipping. It can provide a hearty complement to the soup.
• Croutons: Homemade croutons can add a crunchy texture contrast.
• Serving Size: If serving as an appetizer, offer smaller portions. For a main course, pair the soup with a fresh salad or a sandwich for a complete meal.
• Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables for a more nutritious meal.
• Condiments: Offer condiments like hot sauce or black pepper for those who prefer a spicier taste.
• Presentation: A final drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a dollop of sour cream can add a touch of luxury.
• Wine Pairing: If serving adults, consider offering a well-paired wine. A light white wine or even a crisp rosé could complement the flavors.
• Non-Alcoholic Pairings: A cool glass of iced tea or a fresh-squeezed lemonade would be a refreshing accompaniment.
• Kid-Friendly Serving: If serving to children, consider offering the soup with a fun-shaped grilled cheese sandwich.

Perfect Side Dishes

Here’s a selection of side dishes that could pair perfectly:

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: These can be great for dipping into the soup and add a satisfying texture contrast.
• Green Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the soup’s richness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables can add color and nutrients without overwhelming the flavors of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing with soup, a grilled cheese sandwich can be made with different types of bread and cheese to match the flavors in the soup.
• Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans: These bright green vegetables can be a lighter accompaniment, especially when seasoned with just a little lemon and pepper.
• Baked Sweet Potato Fries: A slightly sweet and healthier twist on regular fries, these could echo the comforting feel of the soup.
• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw could add a crunchy, refreshing contrast, particularly with a lighter, vinegar-based dressing.
• Garlic Bread: For a more indulgent meal, garlic bread would add rich, garlicky notes that might pair well with the soup.
• Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad with lots of fresh herbs could match a lighter, protein-rich side.
• Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad made with citrus and berries could provide a sweet, tangy finish to the meal, cleansing the palate.
• Pickles or Olives: Serving some pickled vegetables or olives on the side could add a sharp contrast to cut through the soup’s richness.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread could add a touch of sweetness and a comforting, homey feel to the meal.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before dividing it into airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Ensure containers are clearly labeled with the content and date.
• Make Ahead: This soup is perfect for making in advance, as the flavors deepen and meld when stored. Cook the soup without adding the cheese and any dairy components. When ready to serve, thaw (if frozen) and reheat the soup slowly, stirring in the cheese and dairy just until they’re well incorporated and heated through. This method prevents separation and ensures a creamy, smooth texture upon serving.

What Can We Do With Leftovers? 

Leftovers of Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup can be repurposed creatively to enjoy another meal. Here’s a list of what you can do:

• Reheat and Eat: Reheat and enjoy a quick meal.
• Baked Potato Topping: Use it as a hearty topping on baked potatoes.
• Pasta Sauce: Thicken slightly and toss with cooked pasta for a new dish.
• Stuffed Peppers: Mix with rice and stuff into bell peppers, then bake.
• Casserole Base: Use a base layer in a baked casserole with added vegetables and cheese.
• Bread Bowl: Serve in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic touch.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze in portion-sized containers for a quick meal in the future.
• Add to a Wrap: Mix with rice and wrap in a tortilla for a quick lunch.
• Create a Dip: Blend until smooth and serve as a warm dip with chips or crackers.
• Modify into a New Soup: Add fresh ingredients like beans, corn, or other proteins to create a new soup variant.

TIPS

• Render Bacon Crisply: Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. This not only provides a crunchy texture but also leaves flavorful fat in the pan for sautéing your vegetables, adding depth to the soup.
• Sauté Vegetables in Bacon Fat: Use the rendered bacon fat to sauté your onions, garlic, and any other vegetables. This infuses the soup base with a rich, smoky flavor reminiscent of a real cheeseburger.
• Deglaze the Pan: After browning your ground beef in the same pot, deglaze with a splash of broth or beer to lift all the flavorful bits off the bottom. This technique ensures none of the savory flavors are wasted.
• Drain Excess Fat: If your ground beef is particularly fatty, consider draining off some of the excess fat before adding your broth. This keeps the soup from becoming overly greasy.
• Use Quality Cheese: Opt for a good-quality cheese that melts well, like sharp cheddar. Add cheese gradually to the hot soup, stirring constantly to ensure it melts smoothly without clumping.
• Thicken Soup Naturally: For a thicker soup, consider mashing some of the potatoes or using a small amount of flour or cornstarch slurry. Add these thickeners gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition Table