This Creamy Potato Bacon Soup is a hearty, comforting dish made easy in the slow cooker. Packed with tender potatoes, savory ground beef, smoky bacon, and a rich cheese sauce—it’s the ultimate one-pot meal for chilly nights or lazy weekends.
Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or when you want something warm and filling!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥔 Comforting Base: Russet potatoes give that classic soft texture everyone loves.
- 🥓 Bacon & Beef Boost: Adds depth, richness, and protein for a satisfying bowl.
- 🧀 Cheesy Goodness: Melty cheddar or pepper jack gives it that silky, creamy finish.
- ⏱️ Set-and-Forget Simplicity: Just layer, cook, and stir in the cheese at the end.
- 🍲 Great for Meal Prep: Tastes even better the next day—store in fridge or freeze for later.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8):
For the Slow Cooker Base:
- 3.5 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for lighter version)
- 4 cups Russet potatoes , peeled and diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion , diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup celery , diced
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef (optional – skip for vegetarian version)
- 12 oz bacon , cooked and chopped (about 1 cup)
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup flour (use gluten-free if needed)
- 2 cups half and half (or whole milk for lighter option)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
For Garnish (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Extra crispy bacon bits
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions:
Step 1: Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker , combine:
- Chicken broth
- Diced potatoes
- Diced tomatoes (with juices)
- Onion
- Carrots
- Celery
- Parsley
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Basil
Mix well before placing the lid on.
Step 2: Cook Until Tender
Cover and cook on:
- Low for 6–8 hours , or
- High for 3–4 hours
until the potatoes are fork-tender and the vegetables are fully softened.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef (Optional)
While the soup simmers, heat a skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly.
Drain excess fat if needed.
Set aside while preparing the cheese base.
Step 4: Cook the Roux & Add Creaminess
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt:
- Butter
Stir in:
- Flour
- Whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes to make a smooth roux.
Gradually pour in:
- Half and half , whisking continuously
Cook for 2–3 minutes , stirring often, until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and stir in:
- Shredded cheese
- A splash more salt if needed
until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker (if using).
Pour in the cheese mixture and stir well until fully incorporated.
Let everything simmer together for 10–15 minutes uncovered, on low or warm setting.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve Hot
Ladle the soup into bowls.
Top with:
- Crispy bacon bits
- Chopped green onions
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful of this rich, cheesy comfort soup!
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Use Real Butter: For best flavor—don’t substitute with margarine unless necessary.
- 🧀 Fresh Cheese Matters: Use real shredded cheese for smooth melting—pre-shredded cheese may clump.
- 🍲 No Slow Cooker? No Problem: Make this on the stovetop instead—simmer until potatoes are tender.
- 🌱 Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and bacon, add mushrooms or white beans for heartiness.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for future meals.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with crusty bread or cornbread for dipping.
- Great with a green salad or roasted broccoli for balance.
- Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or packed lunches.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 6 – with beef & bacon):
(Approximate values – without garnish)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~15g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~5g
This Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup brings all the best elements of comfort food into one pot. With its velvety texture, smoky bacon, and deep vegetable flavor—it’s a cozy, hearty soup that warms both body and soul.
So go ahead and make this today… because once you taste it—you won’t want to eat anything else!
