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