When it comes to comfort food, this Bacon & Potato Soup is a winner! Packed with hearty potatoes, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy broth, this soup is a family favorite that’s perfect for chilly days or anytime you need a bowl of warmth and comfort. Made in the slow cooker, it’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Comforting: A rich, flavorful soup that’s perfect for cold days.
Easy to Make: Just toss the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.
Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients Breakdown:

Chicken Broth: The savory base that helps bring all the flavors together while giving a rich and hearty flavor.
Russet Potatoes: The star of the soup, adding texture and creaminess as they cook down.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Yellow Onion, Carrots, Celery: These vegetables add depth of flavor and a subtle sweetness, perfect for a well-rounded soup.
Ground Beef: Adds a savory, meaty richness that complements the bacon and potatoes.
Bacon: Crispy bacon brings that irresistible salty crunch and smoky flavor to every spoonful.
Butter & Flour: Helps thicken the soup to a creamy consistency, making each bite velvety smooth.
Half & Half: Adds a luxurious creaminess that takes this soup to the next level.
Cheddar or Pepper Jack Cheese: Melts into the soup for a rich, cheesy texture and flavor.
Seasonings: Dried parsley, garlic powder, basil, salt, and black pepper to bring the soup to life with aromatic and savory notes.

Tips and Tricks

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality bacon and cheese make a big difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Potatoes: Cook just until tender to avoid mushy potatoes.
Adjust the Thickness: Add more broth for a thinner soup or simmer longer for a thicker consistency.
Make Ahead: Prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat gently before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground beef and bacon, and use vegetable broth.
Spicy Kick: Use pepper jack cheese and add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Cheesy Twist: Add extra cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra vegetables.

Pairing Suggestions

Bread: Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or dinner rolls for dipping.
Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
Beverages: Enjoy with a glass of beer, iced tea, or hot cocoa.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
Freeze: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Bacon & Potato Soup

Author: easysweetmeal
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes - 8 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty and comforting Bacon & Potato Soup is a family favorite, filled with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food that combines rich flavors with a creamy texture. Perfect for chilly days or any time you need a cozy, satisfying meal!

Ingredients

Scale

3.5 cups chicken broth (for a flavorful base)
4 russet potatoes, peeled and diced (3–4 cups, for heartiness)
1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (for a touch of acidity and sweetness)
1 yellow onion, diced (for depth of flavor)
1 cup shredded carrots (for sweetness and color)
1 cup diced celery (for texture and flavor)
1 tbsp dried parsley (for herby notes)
1/2 tbsp garlic powder (for savory flavor)
1 tsp dried basil (for a hint of freshness)
1 tsp salt (to season)
1/2 tsp black pepper (to season)
1 lb ground beef (for savory richness)
12 oz bacon, cooked and chopped (for smoky, crispy goodness)
3 tbsp butter (for richness)
1/4 cup flour (for thickening; use gluten-free 1:1 if needed)
2 cups half & half (for creaminess)
2 cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (for cheesy goodness)
Green onions and reserved bacon (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook in the Slow Cooker:
- Add the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, onion, carrots, celery, parsley, garlic powder, basil, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the potatoes are tender.
Brown the Ground Beef:
- About 30 minutes before serving, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker.
Cook the Bacon:
- Cook the bacon in the same skillet until crispy. Chop into pieces and add to the slow cooker, reserving some for garnish.
Make the Creamy Mixture:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the half & half, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
Combine and Serve:
- Pour the creamy mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add the shredded cheese and stir until melted.
- Cover and let the soup sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Stir again before serving.
Garnish and Enjoy:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions and reserved bacon.
- Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

For a lighter version, use low-fat half & half and reduce the amount of cheese.
Double the recipe for larger gatherings—this soup is always a hit!

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker)
Category: Soup
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American