Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When those comfort food cravings hit, and you’re torn between a juicy cheeseburger and a warm bowl of soup, why not have both? Today, I’m bringing you a true culinary marvel: Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Soup. This isn’t just soup; it’s a rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying concoction packed with all the savory goodness of your favorite burger, complete with tender ground beef, earthy mushrooms, crispy bacon, and gooey Swiss cheese. It’s pure comfort in every spoonful and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a soup that perfectly captures the essence of a beloved classic? I am absolutely obsessed with Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Soup because it takes all the best elements of a gourmet burger and transforms them into a comforting, easy-to-eat bowl. The combination of savory ground beef, umami-rich mushrooms, salty bacon, and the distinct nutty flavor of Swiss cheese, all in a creamy broth, is incredibly harmonious and deeply satisfying. It’s fantastic for a cozy weeknight dinner, perfect for feeding a hungry family, or an absolute must for chilly evenings. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite burger toppings, making it a versatile and deeply satisfying meal for everyone.

The Rise of “Burger” Soups

The concept of “cheeseburger soup” gained popularity as home cooks looked for creative ways to transform familiar comfort foods into a different format, often for convenience or a novel eating experience. These soups typically feature ground beef, cheese (often cheddar or American), and ingredients that mimic classic burger toppings like pickles, onions, or ketchup.

The “Bacon Mushroom Swiss” variation elevates the humble cheeseburger soup to a gourmet level, specifically drawing inspiration from the beloved Bacon Mushroom Swiss Burger. This adds a layer of sophistication with the earthy notes of mushrooms and the distinct, nutty melt of Swiss cheese, alongside the irresistible crunch and saltiness of bacon. By translating these complex flavors into a creamy soup, it offers a deeply satisfying, hearty meal that feels both familiar and exciting, perfect for comforting the soul on a cold day.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly savory and satisfying Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Soup:

• 8 slices bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 8 ounces fresh mushrooms (cremini or button), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 6 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups), plus more for topping
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
• Optional Garnishes: Sliced green onions, extra crispy bacon bits, croutons

Swaps and Notes

• Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for more flavor and texture. Cook it until extra crispy so it crumbles well and adds a fantastic crunch.
• Ground Beef: You can use ground turkey or a mix of ground beef and ground sausage.
• Mushrooms: Cremini (baby bella) or button mushrooms work well. For a deeper umami flavor, you could rehydrate and chop some dried shiitake or porcini mushrooms and use their soaking liquid as part of the broth. My Mushroom Rice Recipe shows how to best bring out mushroom flavor!
• Broth: Low-sodium beef broth is recommended to control the saltiness. Chicken or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.
• Diced Tomatoes: Undrained diced tomatoes add a nice chunky texture and acidity. You can use crushed tomatoes for a smoother soup.
• Swiss Cheese: Shred your own Swiss cheese from a block for the best melt. Pre-shredded can sometimes be grainy. Gruyere is an excellent substitute for Swiss if you want an even nuttier flavor.
• Dairy: The combination of milk and heavy cream provides richness and creaminess. You can adjust the ratio or use all milk for a lighter soup, though it will be less decadent.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This adds a crucial savory, umami punch that enhances the “burger” flavor.
• Vegetables (Optional): You can add finely diced carrots or celery with the onion, or a cup of frozen corn towards the end.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get this comforting Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Soup simmering!

1. Cook Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1-2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot (drain off any excess). If you don’t have enough bacon grease, add olive oil to make up the difference.
2. Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot with the reserved bacon grease (or olive oil). Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess grease and remove the beef to a separate bowl.
3. Sauté Aromatics & Mushrooms: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the pot. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the mushrooms are nicely browned and have released their liquid. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Liquids & Seasonings: Return the browned ground beef to the pot. Stir in the beef broth, undrained diced tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Add Dairy & Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and shredded Swiss cheese (and optional shredded cheddar). Stir well until all the cheeses are completely melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. If the soup seems too thick, you can add a splash more beef broth or milk until desired consistency is reached.
7. Serve & Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls, top with the crumbled crispy bacon, sliced green onions, and any other desired burger-style toppings like croutons or a dollop of sour cream. Serve hot.

Tips for Success

• Crispy Bacon: Ensure bacon is truly crispy for the best texture contrast.
• Brown Meat & Mushrooms Well: Searing these components first develops deep, rich flavors that are essential for the soup.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest, smoothest cheese melt, shred cheese from blocks. Pre-shredded often contains anti-caking agents that can make the soup grainy.
• Gentle Simmer with Dairy: Once you add milk and cream, keep the heat low and maintain a gentle simmer to prevent the dairy from scorching or curdling.
• Don’t Forget the Toppings: Just like a burger, toppings are crucial for this soup!
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your soup before serving and adjust seasonings as needed. Broths and cheeses can vary in saltiness.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for dipping and soaking up all that delicious creamy broth.
• French Fries or Tater Tots: A fun, meta pairing with the “cheeseburger” theme. You could even use some crispy tots in the soup like Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos) for the Win!.
• Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
• Beverage Pairings: A simple glass of water, iced tea, a light beer (like a lager), or even a robust red wine would complement this soup nicely.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Soup makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen even more the next day!

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The soup will thicken considerably upon chilling.
• Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a saucepan on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to thin out the soup and bring it back to your desired creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
• Freezing: Freezing is possible, but the texture of the cream and cheese can sometimes change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, use freezer-safe containers and leave some headspace. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently, adding liquid as needed.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the comfort and savory flavors of this soup, you might also like these other hearty and easy-to-make meals:

• For another fantastic cheesy dip that’s always a hit, check out This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
• If you love deep, comforting bowls of flavor, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a must-try.
• For an easy one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is fantastic.
• For truly simple, satisfying comfort food that lets your oven do the work, you’ll love These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
• And for another great way to use mushrooms in a savory side dish, my Mushroom Rice Recipe is excellent.

---

Final Thoughts

Bacon Mushroom Swiss Cheeseburger Soup is a true triumph of comfort food – it offers all the rich, savory, and cozy flavors of your favorite burger in a hearty bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, easy meal prepping, or simply indulging in pure, cheesy comfort. This recipe is a game-changer that will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen.

I hope you give this amazing soup a try and enjoy every comforting spoonful! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes your new go-to soup recipe, or what your favorite burger-inspired dishes are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!