There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Crockpot Beef and Bacon Soup recipe is the definition of comfort food. It’s packed with tender beef, crispy bacon, and nutritious vegetables, all slow-cooked to perfection in a rich, savory broth. Forget spending hours over a hot stove; your slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. This set-it-and-forget-it meal will fill your home with an irresistible aroma, promising a delicious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. It’s the simple, flavorful solution you’ve been searching for.
Why This Crockpot Beef and Bacon Soup is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a game-changer for your dinner rotation. The magic lies in its simplicity and depth of flavor. By browning the beef and bacon before they go into the slow cooker, you create a foundational layer of savory goodness that elevates the entire dish. The low and slow cooking process tenderizes the beef until it’s melt-in-your-mouth soft and allows the flavors of the vegetables and herbs to meld together beautifully. It’s a truly satisfying, all-in-one meal that tastes like it took all day to make, but requires minimal effort.
The Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Soup
The beauty of this Crockpot Beef and Bacon Soup is its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients to create an extraordinary flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to bring this comforting dish to life.
- Beef Stew Meat: Choose a well-marbled cut like chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes. The slow cooking process will break down the connective tissues, making the beef incredibly tender.
- Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best as it provides a smoky flavor and a satisfying texture.
- Vegetables: A classic mirepoix of onion, carrots, and celery forms the aromatic base. We also add potatoes for heartiness and minced garlic for a punch of flavor.
- Beef Broth: Use a quality low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Tomato Paste: This adds a rich, umami depth that enhances the beefy flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: A key ingredient for adding a complex, savory tang.
- Herbs: Dried thyme and a bay leaf infuse the soup with a classic, aromatic flavor that complements the beef and bacon perfectly.
- Flour: A little all-purpose flour helps to thicken the broth, giving the soup a richer consistency.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Following these simple steps will guarantee a perfectly cooked, deeply flavorful soup every time. The most crucial step is browning the meat, as it builds the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.
Prep Your Ingredients
Begin by chopping your onion, carrots, celery, and potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic and cut the bacon into small strips. Pat the beef stew meat dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Brown the Bacon and Beef (The Secret to Deep Flavor)
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet. Add the beef stew meat to the hot bacon grease and sear on all sides until a deep brown crust forms. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the seared beef to your crockpot.
Slow Cook to Perfection
Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in the same skillet until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Whisk in the tomato paste and flour, cooking for one minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then pour it over the beef in the crockpot. Add the potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender. Stir in the crispy bacon just before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Beef and Bacon Soup
To make your Crockpot Beef and Bacon Soup truly exceptional, keep these simple tips in mind. A few small adjustments can make a big difference in the final result.
- Don’t Skip the Sear: Searing the beef is non-negotiable for a rich, deep flavor. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a complex, savory crust that you can’t get from just slow cooking alone.
- Deglaze the Pan: After browning the meat and vegetables, those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet are pure flavor. Pouring in the beef broth and scraping them up (deglazing) incorporates that flavor into your soup base.
- Thicken if Needed: If you prefer a thicker, stew-like consistency, you can create a slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir this into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Delicious Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking with these tasty variations.
- Add Mushrooms: For an extra layer of earthy flavor, add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet when you sauté the onions.
- Include Different Vegetables: Peas, green beans, or corn can be added during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to give the soup a little kick.
If you enjoy hearty, comforting meals like this, you might also love the rich flavors in our Slow Cooker French Dip Sandwiches.
What to Serve with Your Soup
This Crockpot Beef and Bacon Soup is a complete meal on its own, but serving it with a complementary side can make it even more enjoyable. A crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up every last drop of the delicious broth. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the soup. For another bacon-filled delight, consider trying our Bacon Cheeseburger Lasagna on another night.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This soup is perfect for meal prep, as the flavors continue to develop overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and then gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Fans of easy crockpot meals should also check out this satisfying Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup.
Crockpot Beef and Bacon Soup FAQs
You can, but it will change the texture of the soup. If using ground beef, brown it with the onions and drain off any excess grease before adding it to the crockpot. The soup will be less of a ‘stew’ and more like a hamburger soup.
The recipe includes flour to help thicken the broth. If you’d like it even thicker, you can create a cornstarch slurry. Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir it into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. The flavors are often even better the next day!
Yes, absolutely! Browning the beef creates a deep, savory crust through the Maillard reaction, which adds a significant amount of flavor to the soup that you won’t get by skipping this step. It’s the key to a rich, complex broth.
This soup is a hearty meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
More Hearty Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of this easy and comforting soup, we have a whole collection of recipes you’ll adore. For a different but equally delicious slow cooker meal, give our Creamy Cowboy Soup a try. It’s another family favorite that’s sure to warm you up!
We hope you love this Crockpot Beef and Bacon Soup recipe! If you make it, please feel free to leave a comment and a rating below. We love hearing from you! For more delicious recipe inspiration, be sure to follow us on Pinterest.
Crockpot Beef and Bacon Soup Recipe
Crockpot Beef and Bacon Soup (The Ultimate Comfort Meal)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the beef stew meat dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.
- Add the beef to the skillet in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and sear on all sides until well-browned. Transfer the seared beef to the crockpot.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Whisk in the tomato paste and flour, and cook for 1 minute. Gradually pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Pour the broth mixture over the beef in the crockpot. Add the cubed potatoes, thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Remove the bay leaf. Stir in the reserved crispy bacon just before serving. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
