Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 bag (about 32 oz) frozen hash browns or diced potatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of potato soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cheddar cheese soup
- 2 cans of water (use the soup cans for measuring)
- Seasonings of your choice (e.g., parsley flakes, salt, pepper)
- 1 cup bacon bits
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- Optional: Shredded pepper-jack cheese for topping
Instructions:
- Brown the Meat:
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and diced onion until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Transfer to Crockpot:
- Transfer the browned meat and onions to the crockpot.
- Add Potatoes:
- Add the frozen hash browns or diced potatoes to the crockpot. Ensure an even distribution across the meat mixture.
- Soup Base:
- Pour in the cream of potato soup and cheddar cheese soup over the meat and potatoes.
- Add Water:
- Use the empty soup cans to measure and add two cans of water to the crockpot.
- Season and Stir:
- Season the mixture with your preferred seasonings, such as parsley flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients well to combine.
- Bacon Bits:
- Mix in the bacon bits, distributing them evenly throughout the soup.
- Creamy Goodness:
- Pour in the heavy cream and add the shredded cheese. Stir thoroughly to ensure the cheese is well incorporated into the soup.
- Cooking Time:
- Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to reach a delicious consistency.
- Optional Toppings:
- Serve the soup hot, and if desired, top each bowl with shredded pepper-jack cheese for an extra kick.
- Garnish (Optional):
- Garnish with additional bacon bits, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy:
- Ladle the Bacon Cheeseburger Soup into bowls and enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal straight from the crockpot!
Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences, and don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings for an extra layer of deliciousness.
Here are some tips to make your Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – Crockpot Edition even more delightful:
- Quality Ingredients:
- Use high-quality ground beef, fresh onions, and good-quality bacon bits to enhance the overall flavor of the soup.
- Fresh Herbs:
- Add a handful of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives just before serving for a burst of freshness and color.
- Sautéed Vegetables:
- Consider sautéing some diced carrots and celery along with the onions for added depth and flavor in the soup.
- Customize Cheese Blend:
- Experiment with different cheese blends for added complexity. A mix of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper-jack can bring diverse flavors to the dish.
- Extra Cheese Toppings:
- Serve the soup with additional shredded cheese on the side, allowing each person to customize the cheesiness of their bowl.
- Spice it Up:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
- Beer or Broth Addition:
- Consider replacing one can of water with a light beer for added depth, or use chicken or beef broth for a richer base.
- Freshly Ground Pepper:
- Finish each bowl with a twist of freshly ground black pepper just before serving. The aromatic pepper enhances the overall flavor.
- Roasted Garlic:
- Roast a couple of garlic cloves and mash them into the soup for a subtle roasted garlic undertone.
- Toppings Bar:
- Set up a toppings bar with options like diced tomatoes, sliced green onions, avocado, or even a dollop of sour cream for everyone to customize their bowl.
- Thickening with Mashed Potatoes:
- For a creamier texture, consider mashing a portion of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- Garnish Creatively:
- Garnish each serving with creative toppings like crumbled blue cheese, crispy fried onions, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added gourmet flair.
- Serve in Bread Bowls:
- Hollow out bread bowls and serve the soup inside for a fun and unique presentation.
- Make it a Day Ahead:
- Soups often taste better the next day. Consider making it a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld even more, and reheat gently before serving.
Remember, these tips are suggestions, and you can adjust them according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your upgraded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup!
Here are some commonly asked questions and their answers related to Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – Crockpot Edition:
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
- Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Can I freeze Bacon Cheeseburger Soup?
- While soups with dairy may experience texture changes after freezing, you can freeze this soup. Thaw and reheat gently, stirring well.
- Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?
- Yes, you can use fresh diced potatoes. Ensure they are cooked until fork-tender.
- What can I substitute for cream of potato soup and cheddar cheese soup?
- You can use homemade versions or substitute with cream of mushroom soup for creaminess and additional shredded cheddar cheese for the cheese flavor.
- Can I cook this soup on high for a shorter time?
- While it’s designed for low and slow cooking, you can cook on high for a shorter time, around 3-4 hours, but low and slow generally yields better flavor.
- Can I add vegetables to the soup?
- Absolutely! Consider adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or green peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- What type of shredded cheese works best?
- Cheddar cheese or a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and pepper-jack work well. Use your favorite cheese blend for added flavor.
- Can I make this soup without a crockpot?
- Yes, you can adapt the recipe for stovetop cooking. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld.
- What do I do if the soup is too thin?
- If you find the soup too thin, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot or add a small amount of instant potatoes to thicken it.
- How do I prevent the soup from curdling when reheating?
- Reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling. You can also add a splash of milk if needed.
- Can I make this soup gluten-free?
- Use gluten-free versions of cream of potato soup, cheddar cheese soup, and check the labels for bacon bits to ensure they are gluten-free.
- What toppings go well with this soup?
- Toppings like shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, green onions, avocado, sour cream, or crumbled blue cheese work well. Set up a toppings bar for customization.
- What type of bread is good to serve with this soup?
- Serve with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Consider toasting the bread for added crunch.
Feel free to ask if you have more questions or need further clarification on any aspect of the recipe!
Achieving the perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Soup – Crockpot Edition involves some culinary secrets and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you create an exceptional bowl of soup:
- Caramelize Onions:
- Consider caramelizing the diced onions in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This adds a rich, sweet flavor to the soup.
- Render Bacon for Homemade Bacon Bits:
- Instead of store-bought bacon bits, cook bacon strips until crispy, then crumble them for a more robust and authentic bacon flavor.
- Layered Seasoning:
- Season each component separately as you add them to the crockpot. This ensures that every layer of the soup is well-seasoned.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper:
- Use freshly ground black pepper just before serving. The aromatic flavor of freshly ground pepper enhances the overall taste of the soup.
- Choose the Right Potatoes:
- If using fresh potatoes, consider Yukon Gold for a creamy texture. Ensure they are diced uniformly for even cooking.
- Adjust Dairy Towards the End:
- Add the heavy cream and shredded cheese towards the end of the cooking time to prevent them from breaking down and losing their creamy texture.
- Cheese Rind Trick:
- If using a block of cheese, add a small piece of the cheese rind to the soup while it cooks. This adds a subtle, rich flavor.
- Use Beef Broth for Intensity:
- If you prefer a heartier flavor, replace one or both cans of water with beef broth. It adds depth and richness to the soup.
- Optional Beer Addition:
- Consider adding a splash of beer for an extra layer of flavor. Choose a light beer that complements the other ingredients.
- Cook Slow and Low:
- Allow the soup to cook slowly over low heat. This allows the flavors to meld and ensures that the potatoes are tender without becoming mushy.
- Mash Potatoes for Thickness:
- For a thicker consistency, mash some of the potatoes against the side of the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
- Add a Splash of Vinegar:
- A small splash of vinegar (white or apple cider) added towards the end can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the soup.
- Garnish Creatively:
- Garnish each bowl with creative toppings like sliced green onions, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness.
- Let it Rest Before Serving:
- Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes before serving. This gives the flavors a chance to meld even further.
Remember, these tips are suggestions, and you can customize the recipe based on your preferences. Enjoy your perfect Bacon Cheeseburger Soup from the crockpot!
