Savory Bacon Cheeseburger Mac Soup

Imagine the irresistible flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger, reimagined into a warm, deeply satisfying soup that’s perfect for any occasion. This hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Soup with Macaroni takes everything you love about your favorite burger – the savory ground meat, crispy bacon, tangy pickles, fresh tomatoes, and rich, creamy cheese – and transforms it into the ultimate comfort food experience. Each spoonful is packed with tender macaroni, vibrant vegetables, and a luxurious broth, making it an amazing choice for busy weeknight family dinners, cozy weekend meals, or even entertaining guests. It’s a dish that promises to warm you from the inside out, delivering a burst of familiar, beloved flavors in a comforting new format.

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Key Ingredients for the Perfect Cheeseburger Soup

Crafting an exceptional Bacon Cheeseburger Soup relies on a harmonious blend of high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in replicating that iconic burger flavor profile in a comforting bowl of soup.

• Ground Meat: Whether you prefer beef, turkey, or chicken, this forms the savory base.
• Bacon: Crispy, diced bacon adds a smoky, salty depth that’s quintessential to a cheeseburger.
• Onions: Aromatic onions provide a foundational sweetness and savory note when sautéed.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This secret weapon enhances the umami flavor of the meat and broth, giving it that classic burger tang.
• Spices: A blend of common spices elevates the overall flavor, creating a well-rounded taste.
• Flour: Used as a thickening agent, it helps create a rich, creamy consistency for the soup.
• Canned, Diced Tomatoes: These add a subtle acidity and a touch of sweetness, brightening the soup’s profile.
• Pickles (Optional but Recommended): Diced pickles offer a delightful tangy crunch that truly mimics the burger experience. Don’t skip them if you love that pickle pop!
• Elbow Pasta: Small pasta shapes like macaroni are perfect for absorbing the flavors and adding a satisfying chew.
• Broth: The liquid base, typically beef broth, infuses the soup with robust flavor.
• Cheese: The star of the show! Plenty of grated cheddar or your favorite melting cheese creates a luscious, creamy texture.

Choosing the Best Meat for Your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

While ground beef is the traditional choice for a classic cheeseburger, this versatile soup allows for various delicious alternatives. I personally used lean ground beef for its rich, familiar flavor, which pairs perfectly with the other ingredients. However, if you’re aiming for a leaner option or simply prefer a different taste, ground turkey or ground chicken work wonderfully, offering a milder flavor profile that still soaks up all the robust seasonings. For those who enjoy a richer or more unique flavor, ground pork, Italian sausage (for a hint of spice), or even ground bison can be excellent choices, each adding its own distinct character to the soup. No matter your preference, ensure your chosen meat is browned and properly seasoned to build a flavorful foundation for your soup.

Selecting the Ideal Pasta for Hearty Soups

The right pasta can significantly enhance the texture and eating experience of your soup. The key is to select a pasta that holds its shape and texture well, even after simmering in a rich broth. Avoid delicate pastas that might become mushy too quickly. Here are some excellent options:

• Elbow Macaroni: This is a classic for a reason! Its small, curved shape is perfect for fitting into each spoonful, and it cooks up tender without falling apart, making it ideal for a “macaroni” soup.
• Small Shells (Conchigliette): These tiny shells are fantastic because their concave shape expertly catches bits of meat, vegetables, and creamy broth, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and texture.
• Mini Farfalle (Bow Ties): For a touch of whimsy and a pleasant chew, mini bow ties are a great choice. Their unique shape adds a fun element to the soup.
• Rotini: The spirals of rotini pasta are excellent at holding onto the soup’s creamy broth and savory flavors, providing a satisfying and consistent texture throughout.

Whichever pasta you choose, ensure it’s cooked to al dente within the soup to maintain the best texture.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Creating this incredibly flavorful Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a straightforward process, resulting in a deeply comforting meal. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to bring this delicious dish to life in your kitchen.

1. Brown the Meat: Begin by heating a large Dutch oven or a sturdy soup pot over medium heat. Add your chosen ground meat (ground beef, turkey, or chicken) to the pot. Use a meat chopper or a wooden spoon to break the meat down into small, even pieces as it cooks.
2. Add Bacon: Once the ground meat is partially browned, add the diced bacon to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until both the ground meat and bacon are fully cooked through and no longer pink. While the bacon doesn’t need to be overly crispy at this stage (it will soften in the soup), ensure it’s cooked. Carefully drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving just a little for flavor. If you prefer crispy bacon, you can cook it separately and add it as a garnish when serving.
3. Season the Meat: Stir in the ground mustard (if using), smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed and coat the meat and bacon, infusing them with aromatic flavors.
4. Sauté Onions: Add the diced onions to the seasoned meat mixture. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions soften and become translucent and fragrant. This step builds a vital flavor base for the soup.
5. Thicken with Flour: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly throughout the meat and onion mixture. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, cooking the flour to create a roux. This step helps to thicken the soup later, preventing a watery consistency. Adding the flour gradually can help avoid clumps.
6. Introduce Vegetables & Pasta: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, diced pickles (if using), and the dry elbow pasta. Mix everything gently to combine.
7. Add Liquids & Deglaze: Gradually whisk in the broth (beef, chicken, or vegetable) and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps from the flour. Use your spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these are flavorful “fond” and will add depth to your soup. Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid; if not, add a little extra broth or water to cover it completely, as this is crucial for the pasta to cook properly and soften.
8. Simmer the Soup: Bring the entire mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the soup simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the pasta to cook to an al dente texture.
9. Melt the Cheese: After simmering, remove the lid and add the grated cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice) to the pot. Stir gently until all the cheese has completely melted into the soup, creating a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy broth. Taste the soup and make any final adjustments to seasonings as needed.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. This not only makes it safer to eat but also allows the flavors to deepen further. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!

The Importance of the Right Pot for Soup Making

Choosing the right pot is essential for successful soup making, especially for a rich, hearty recipe like Bacon Cheeseburger Soup. A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven is truly ideal for this recipe, ensuring even cooking and optimal flavor development.

• Even Heat Distribution: Heavy-bottomed pots and Dutch ovens excel at distributing heat uniformly across the base and up the sides. This prevents hot spots where ingredients might burn and ensures that your soup cooks evenly, preventing scorching and promoting consistent simmering.
• Ample Capacity: A generous pot, typically at least 6-8 quarts, provides sufficient space for all the ingredients. This allows you to comfortably stir and combine everything without the risk of overflow, which is particularly helpful when adding broth and pasta.
• Superior Heat Retention: High-quality soup pots and Dutch ovens retain heat exceptionally well. This is perfect for simmering soups over extended periods, keeping the broth at a consistent temperature and allowing the flavors to slowly meld and deepen without constant adjustments to your stove’s heat.
• Durability: Pots made from robust materials like cast iron (enameled or traditional) or heavy-gauge stainless steel are built to withstand the high temperatures and extended cooking times often required for soup recipes. They are an investment that will serve you well for many years of delicious meals.

For this specific recipe, I personally use and highly recommend this Dutch oven, which can be found on Amazon. Its performance ensures perfect results every time.

Creative Toppings and Add-ins for Your Soup

Transform your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup into a personalized culinary masterpiece with a variety of exciting toppings and delicious add-ins. These additions not only enhance the flavor but also introduce intriguing textures, allowing everyone to customize their bowl to perfection.

For classic burger flair, consider these:

• Grated Cheddar Cheese (extra, for that ultimate cheese pull!)
• Crumbled Bacon (crispy, for added texture and smoky flavor)
• Sliced Green Onions (for a fresh, mild onion kick)
• Pickle Slices or Relish (to boost that signature tangy burger taste)
• Fried Onion Strings (for a crispy, savory crunch)
• Mustard (a drizzle of yellow or Dijon for an authentic burger bite)
• BBQ Sauce (a swirl for a smoky, sweet note)
• Hot Sauce (for those who love a spicy kick)

If you’re feeling adventurous or want to sneak in some extra veggies, try these:

• Chopped Fresh Parsley or Cilantro (for herbaceous freshness)
• Diced Avocado (for creamy richness)
• Croutons (for a crunchy texture contrast)
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt (a dollop for cooling creaminess)
• Bell Peppers (diced and sautéed with onions, or fresh for crunch)
• Jalapeños (fresh or pickled, for heat)
• Corn Kernels (for sweetness and texture)
• Black Beans (drained and rinsed, for added protein and heartiness)
• Mushrooms (sautéed, for an earthy umami flavor)
• Spinach or Kale (stirred in at the end for a healthy boost)

Mix and match to discover your favorite combinations, making each bowl uniquely yours!

Tips for Adjusting Soup Consistency

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup tends to thicken as it cools, especially due to the flour and melting cheese. If you find your soup has become too thick for your liking, don’t worry – it’s an easy fix! Simply add additional broth or water, a splash at a time, stirring well after each addition, until it reaches your desired consistency. You can do this while reheating on the stove or even when serving individual bowls. Just be sure to whisk gently to incorporate the new liquid smoothly.

Best Practices for Storing Leftover Soup

Proper storage is crucial for enjoying your delicious Bacon Cheeseburger Soup for days to come. Once the soup has cooled completely to room temperature (this is important to prevent bacterial growth and preserve quality), transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air exposure, which can lead to spoilage and flavor degradation. Stored this way, the soup will stay fresh and flavorful in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches.

Reheating Your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Without Losing Flavor

Reheating your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is simple, whether you prefer the stove or microwave. For best results, gently reheat the dish until it is just warm through. Be cautious not to overcook the soup during reheating, as this can cause the pasta to become mushy and the flavors to diminish.

A helpful tip to ensure perfectly textured pasta, especially if you plan to enjoy leftovers: consider cooking the pasta separately and storing it separately from the soup. Then, add the freshly cooked pasta to individual portions of reheated soup just before serving. This method guarantees that your pasta remains al dente and avoids any mushiness.

Upon reheating, if you notice the soup has thickened significantly (which is common due to the flour and cheese), simply add a splash of additional broth, milk, or water. Stir it in gradually until you achieve your desired creamy consistency. This ensures every serving is as delightful as the first.

Freezing Bacon Cheeseburger Soup for Later Enjoyment

This Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a fantastic candidate for freezing, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal even on your busiest days. To freeze, ensure the soup has cooled completely to room temperature. Transfer it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving about an inch of headspace to account for expansion. Tightly cover and seal the containers. The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply transfer the frozen soup to the refrigerator to defrost overnight. Once thawed, you can reheat it on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. Remember to add a splash of broth or water if the consistency is too thick after thawing and reheating. If you omitted pasta during the initial cooking for better texture upon reheating, cook fresh pasta and add it just before serving.

Explore More Comforting Soup Recipes

If you loved this hearty Bacon Cheeseburger Soup, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other comforting and flavorful soup recipes from our collection. Whether you’re craving something creamy, spicy, or classic, we have a soup for every taste and occasion. Dive into these delicious options:

Italian Sausage Soup
Shrimp and Corn Chowder
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Creamy Crab Bisque
Salmon Corn Chowder
Cajun Jambalaya Soup
Marry Me Chicken Soup
Beer Cheese Soup with Bacon
Stovetop Broccoli Cheddar Soup

For a hands-off approach, discover our Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup. If you prefer pasta over potatoes in that version, simply omit the potatoes and stir in cooked pasta at the very end of the cooking process for a similar comforting experience.

For visual learners, watch step-by-step instructions on how to make this recipe on YouTube.

Bacon Cheeseburger Macaroni Soup

By Brandi Crawford

Imagine the flavors of a classic bacon cheeseburger transformed into a warm, savory soup that’s perfect for any meal. Packed with tender macaroni, tangy pickles, juicy tomatoes, and creamy cheese, this hearty dish transforms your favorite burger into a comforting bowl of soup. It’s rich, hearty, and bursting with flavor, making it an amazing choice for both family dinners and cozy nights at home.

Prep Time

15 mins

Cook Time

30 mins

Total Time

45 mins

Course

Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine

American

Servings

7 cups

Calories

381 kcal

Equipment

• Cast Iron Dutch Oven
• Meat Chopper

Ingredients

(Quantities for 7 servings)

• 1 pound ground beef (Ground turkey or chicken can be used)
• 4 slices bacon (Diced into 1 inch pieces)
• ½ cup diced onions
• ½ tablespoon ground mustard (Optional. Start with 1 teaspoon, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 15.5 oz canned diced tomatoes (Drained)
• ¼ cup diced pickles (Optional)
• 5-6 oz dry elbow pasta (Approximately 1 ½ cups)
• 4 cups broth (Any broth, beef broth recommended)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2-3 cups grated cheddar cheese (Use enough to get the soup as cheesy as you like)

Instructions

1. Heat a Dutch oven or soup pot on the stove at medium heat and add the ground beef. Break down the meat using a meat chopper or spoon.
2. Add in the diced bacon. Stir and cook until the ground beef and bacon are cooked through and no longer pink. (There’s no need to get the bacon crispy here because it will soften up in the soup as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the pot. If you prefer crispy bacon, add crisp pieces at the end when you serve the soup.)
3. Add in the ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine thoroughly.
4. Add the diced onions and stir. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onions are fragrant and softened.
5. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour throughout and stir well to combine. Add the flour in stages to avoid excess drying.
6. Add in the drained diced tomatoes, diced pickles, and dry elbow pasta. Stir gently.
7. Gradually whisk in the broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir repeatedly, ensuring there are no lumps. Deglaze the bottom of the pot using a spoon to scoop up any flavorful browned bits from the pot. (Use enough broth to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in liquid. If the pasta is not submerged, it will not fully soften. Add additional broth or water as necessary.)
8. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Cover the pot with the lid and lower the heat to low to let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the soup thickens and the pasta is al dente.
9. Open the pot and add the grated cheddar cheese. Stir and cook until the cheese has completely melted into a creamy consistency. Taste the soup repeatedly and make adjustments to the spices and seasoning if necessary.
10. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Feel free to use any type of pasta you wish or omit it entirely. Elbow Macaroni, small Shells, farfalle (bow ties), or rotini all work well in this recipe.
• You can use any of your favorite melting cheeses, not just cheddar. Monterey Jack, American, or a blend of cheeses would also be delicious.
• Worcestershire sauce is a fantastic addition to burger and beef recipes because it helps tenderize the meat while adding a sweet and savory, slightly tangy flavor that compliments the beef wonderfully. You can omit it or substitute with soy sauce if preferred.
• The soup will naturally thicken more as it sits and cools. If you find the soup becomes too thick upon reheating or after storage, simply add additional broth or water, a splash at a time, to thin it out to your desired consistency.
• When reheating, be careful not to overcook the soup, as this can cause the pasta to become mushy and the flavors to diminish. For the best texture in leftovers, it’s best to cook the pasta separately (and store it separately from the soup) and add it when you wish to serve the reheated dish. This method will ensure you avoid mushy pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 cup
Calories: 381 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20 g
Protein: 26 g
Fat: 21 g

Important Nutrition Data Disclaimer

Macros and nutritional information are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is typically calculated using third-party nutrition calculators like MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for a given recipe, you should calculate it with the actual ingredients used in your specific recipe, utilizing your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful for your dietary needs.