Spicy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

A Soup That Hugs You Back

Some days, you just need a hug from the inside. That’s this soup. It’s like your favorite cheeseburger decided to get cozy in a bowl. I make it when the wind howls or someone needs cheering up.

My grandson calls it “superhero soup.” He says it gives him powers. I think it’s the bacon. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it starts to sizzle? What’s your go-to meal for a rainy day?

Why The Little Things Matter

This recipe has two secret weapons. First, the pickle relish. It sounds funny, I know. But it adds a little tangy zip. It cuts through all the rich, cheesy goodness.

The second is the bacon grease. You cook the meat in it. This matters. It gives the turkey or beef a smoky, bacony flavor all through the soup. It makes everything taste like it belongs together.

A Funny Little Kitchen Mistake

I first made this by accident. True story! I was making burgers and soup on the same night. I got my pots mixed up. I added broth to my burger meat. I had to think fast.

I tossed in some cheese soup and noodles. A happy accident was born! My family loved it. I still laugh at that. Have you ever made a kitchen mistake that turned out great?

Making It Just Right For You

This soup is very friendly. Use ground turkey or beef. Whatever you like. The jalapeno is for a warm-you-up spice. You can use less, or none at all.

Fun fact: Worcestershire sauce is full of aged, tasty things like anchovies and tamarind. It gives a deep, savory flavor. Do you prefer your soups spicy or mild?

The Final Touches of Love

Don’t skip the crunchy onions on top. They are the best part! They add a fun crunch, like the lettuce on a burger. It’s all about the textures.

This matters too. Food should be fun to eat. The creamy soup, the soft noodles, the crunchy topping. It makes you smile with every spoonful. That’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Bacon	8 slices	cut into ½ inch pieces
Ground turkey	2 pounds	can use ground beef
Onion	1	diced
Garlic	3 teaspoons	minced
Chicken broth	6 cups
Jalapeno	¼ cup	chopped
Cheddar cheese soup	21 ounces	I used Campbells
Worcestershire sauce	3 Tablespoons
Dill pickle relish	¼ cup
Fried Onions	6 ounces	for garnish if desired
Egg noodles	16 ounces

My Cozy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Hello, my dear. Come sit at my kitchen table. The wind is howling outside today. It makes me want a hug in a bowl. This soup is just that. It has all the best parts of a cheeseburger. Doesn’t that sound fun? I first made it for my grandkids on a snowy day. They still ask for it every winter. I hope it becomes a favorite in your home, too. Let’s get that pot warm.

• Step 1: Grab your big, heavy pot. Put your bacon pieces in it. Turn the heat to medium. We want to cook them until they are almost crispy. The smell will make your stomach rumble. I still laugh at that. Take the bacon out with a slotted spoon. Let it drain on a paper towel. (Hard-learned tip: The bacon grease stays in the pot! That’s our flavor secret.)
• Step 2: Now, add your ground meat to that lovely bacon grease. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, too. Stir it all around. Cook until the meat is brown and the onion is soft. See how the onion turns clear? That means it’s ready. Now, carefully drain all that grease away. We want taste, not too much grease.
• Step 3: Time for the magic. Pour in your chicken broth. Add the chopped jalapeno, cheese soup, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it a good stir. Doesn’t that smell amazing? Let it bubble gently for about 15 minutes. This lets all the flavors become friends. Do you think the jalapeno makes it spicy or just tasty? Share below!
• Step 4: While the soup simmers, cook your egg noodles. Follow the time on the package. They should be just tender. Drain them well. Then, stir them right into your soup pot. Now, add the pickle relish and the bacon you saved. Mix everything together. The pickle relish is the surprise. It makes the whole thing sing.
• Step 5: Ladle the soup into big bowls. Top it with a handful of those crispy fried onions. They add a wonderful crunch. Serve it right away while it’s steaming hot. It warms you from the inside out. I love to see everyone’s happy faces at the table.

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dinner, Soup

Three Fun Twists to Try

This soup is like a good friend. It’s happy to change its outfit. Here are some fun ideas for you. Make it “Pizza Burger” Soup: Use Italian sausage instead of turkey. Add a spoon of pizza sauce. Top with mini pepperoni. Make it Garden Veggie Style: Skip the meat. Use a can of drained white beans. Add diced carrots and celery with the onion. Make it Extra Creamy & Mild: Use potato chunks instead of noodles. Omit the jalapeno. Stir in a cup of sour cream at the end. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Just Right

This soup is a full meal by itself. But I love to add a little something. A simple green salad is perfect. So is a piece of buttery toast for dipping. For a fun garnish, put extra pickle relish in a small bowl. Let people add more if they like. To drink, a frosty root beer is classic. Grown-ups might enjoy a cold lager beer. It cuts through the richness nicely. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Cozy Soup Just Right

Let’s talk about keeping this soup tasty for later. It stores beautifully in the fridge for three days. Just let it cool first. For the freezer, skip the noodles and fried onions. Freeze the soup base for up to three months.

Thaw it overnight in your fridge. Reheat it gently on the stove. Add freshly cooked noodles when you serve it. I once reheated it too fast and the cheese separated. A low heat fixes that perfectly.

Batch cooking this soup is a lifesaver. Making a double batch takes little extra time. It means a warm, homemade meal on a busy night. This matters because it saves your energy for your family. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Soup Hiccups

Is your soup too thick? Just add a splash of broth. Too thin? Let it simmer a few extra minutes. The noodles will soak up some liquid too.

Worried about spice? Start with half the jalapeno. You can always add more. I remember when my grandson added the whole jalapeno. His eyes got very wide! We added extra broth to calm it down.

If your soup tastes flat, check your seasoning. A pinch more Worcestershire sauce often helps. This matters because small tweaks make the flavor yours. Fixing little problems builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Soup Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use gluten-free noodles and check your broth labels.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Prep everything but the noodles. Cook those fresh when serving.

Q: What can I swap? A: Use ground beef for turkey. Try different pickles or cheese soup.

Q: Can I scale the recipe? A: You can easily halve it. Just use a smaller pot.

Q: Are the fried onions needed? A: No, but they add a fun crunch. *Fun fact: Those crispy onions were invented in the 1950s.* Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this soup warms your kitchen and your heart. It is one of my favorite cozy meals. I love seeing your own versions come to life.

Please share your family’s reaction. Did you add a special twist? Your stories make this whole adventure so much sweeter. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!
—Anna Whitmore.