As the autumn breeze sweeps in, there’s nothing more comforting than gathering around the dinner table with a hearty, flavor-packed meal. Our Southwest Beef and Bacon Cheeseburger Soup is a culinary delight that brings together the bold flavors of the Southwest, the comforting essence of a cheeseburger, and the smoky goodness of turkey bacon. This soup is a tribute to family bonding, where every spoonful tells a story of warmth and togetherness. Perfect for a cozy night in or a festive family gathering, this recipe will become a cherished favorite.
Recipe Summary
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Skill Level: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 6 slices turkey bacon, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Optional: cornbread, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, cook turkey bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onion, garlic, and red bell pepper until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Return the cooked bacon to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, beef broth, cumin, chili powder, and paprika. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Helpful Tips
To make this recipe even easier, consider using pre-cooked bacon and pre-shredded cheese. For a spicier kick, add a chopped jalapeño along with the other vegetables. This soup is great for meal prep; simply store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have turkey bacon, regular bacon or pancetta can be used. For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Pairings
This Southwest Beef and Bacon Cheeseburger Soup pairs beautifully with freshly baked cornbread and a crisp green salad. For drinks, a chilled glass of iced tea or a refreshing Mexican lager would be perfect.
We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious, heart-warming soup! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your culinary creations with us using #ZynahzRecipes or tag @Zynahz on Instagram. We’d love to hear your feedback at Zynahz. If you haven’t already, join our newsletter for the latest recipes and updates, and follow us on our social media channels to stay connected with our culinary journey. Happy cooking!