Description
A hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Bacon Cheeseburger Soup, packed with tender potatoes, ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted pepper-jack cheese, simmered to perfection for a rich and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 small russet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small white or yellow onion, chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Broth and Dairy
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (2%)
- 2 cups shredded pepper-jack cheese (or cheddar cheese)
Protein
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 8 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- Green onion, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables and Start Slow Cooking: Place the peeled and diced potatoes, chopped onion, shredded carrots, dried basil, and dried parsley into a large slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth evenly over the vegetables. Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours until the potatoes are tender.
- Cook the Ground Beef: About 45 minutes before serving, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook and crumble the lean ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Transfer the cooked ground beef into the slow cooker along with the chopped, cooked bacon.
- Make the Roux and Add Dairy: Wipe out the hot skillet carefully with a paper towel to remove residue, then add the butter and melt it over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 1 minute until the roux is golden brown and bubbly. Gradually whisk in the milk along with salt and black pepper to make a creamy sauce. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir everything together well.
- Add Cheese and Finish Cooking: Stir the shredded pepper-jack cheese into the slow cooker mixture. Cover with the lid and cook for an additional 20 minutes until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a bright burst of flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting bacon cheeseburger soup.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, use less chicken broth or reduce the soup slightly by cooking uncovered for a short time after the final step.
- Substitute cheddar cheese if pepper-jack is not available.
- You can prepare the soup up to step 3 the night before; add the cheese and finish cooking just before serving.
- Lean ground beef reduces grease but still provides rich flavor.
- The soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
