Name: Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 8-10 slices Beef Bacon, cooked and chopped; 1 tbsp butter or olive oil; 1 large onion, diced; 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced; 4 cups Beef Broth; 1-2 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder (or 4 cloves minced garlic); ¼ tsp dried thyme; ½-1 tsp red chili flakes (optional); 16 oz gnocchi; 2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (medium or sharp)

Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm embrace in a bowl, a culinary masterpiece that combines hearty flavors with an incredibly satisfying texture. I’ve always found immense joy in dishes that offer both comfort and excitement, and this particular soup truly delivers on all fronts. Imagine a chilly evening, a steaming bowl, and every spoonful bringing a harmonious blend of savory goodness and comforting warmth. It’s truly an experience.

While gnocchi, those delightful potato dumplings, have a rich Italian heritage dating back centuries, this recipe takes a truly innovative and comforting turn. We’re infusing that classic element with the universally adored flavors of robust beef, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, transforming it into a modern American comfort food classic. It’s a beautiful testament to how traditional components can be reimagined into something utterly new and profoundly delicious, bridging cultural divides through taste.

What makes this Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup so universally adored?

I believe it’s the symphony of textures and tastes: the pillowy softness of the gnocchi, the rich, umami depth of tender beef, the crispy, salty bite of bacon, and the creamy, tangy embrace of cheddar, all suspended in a velvety, flavorful broth. This dish isn’t just hearty; it’s an intensely satisfying experience that comforts the soul. It’s perfect for cozy weeknights when you crave something special, or for impressing guests at a casual gathering. Prepare to fall in love with your new go-to comfort soup!

Ingredients:

1 pound (450g) thick-cut bacon, preferably unsmoked, diced into ½-inch pieces
1.5 pounds (680g) lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 recommended for best flavor)

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if needed
1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1.5 cups)

2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
2 stalks celery, finely diced (about 1 cup)
4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 bay leaf

½ cup all-purpose flour
8 cups (2 liters) beef broth, high quality recommended
2 cups (480ml) whole milk

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 pound (450g) shelf-stable or fresh potato gnocchi
3 cups (340g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (don’t use pre-shredded if possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture)

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Ingredients

Before we even think about turning on the heat, let’s get all our ingredients prepped and ready to go. This “mise en place” step is crucial for a smooth cooking experience, especially with a multi-component soup like our Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup. Trust me, having everything within arm’s reach makes the process so much more enjoyable and prevents any frantic scrambling!

First things first, let’s tackle the bacon. Grab your thick-cut bacon and dice it into neat ½-inch pieces. The goal here is uniformity so it cooks evenly. Set these aside.

Next, open up your package of lean ground beef. If it’s a solid block, you can break it up a bit with your hands now, or wait until it hits the pan.
Now for the aromatics! Peel your large yellow onion and finely dice it. We want small pieces that will melt into the soup, contributing flavor without being too chunky. Aim for pieces no larger than ¼-inch.
Move on to the carrots. Give them a good peel, then finely dice them. Again, consistency is key here. These will add a lovely sweetness and color to our soup.

The celery stalks are next. Wash them thoroughly, then finely dice them to match the size of your onion and carrots. This trio – onion, carrot, and celery – is our “mirepoix,” the classic aromatic base for so many delicious dishes, and it’s absolutely fundamental to the incredible depth of flavor we’re building in this soup.
Peel your garlic cloves and get them minced. You can use a garlic press for speed, or finely chop them by hand.
Measure out your dried thyme, dried rosemary (give it a little crush between your fingers to release its oils), and have your bay leaf ready.

Get your ½ cup of all-purpose flour ready in a small bowl. This will be essential for thickening our soup later.
Measure out your beef broth, whole milk, and heavy cream. It’s always good to have these liquids pre-measured, especially when you’re about to add them to a hot pan.
If you’re using shelf-stable gnocchi, have the package ready. If you have fresh gnocchi, just ensure it’s out of the fridge and ready to be added at the appropriate time.

Finally, the star of the show for creaminess: the cheddar cheese. This is where freshly shredding your cheese makes a monumental difference. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain cellulose or starches to prevent clumping, which can lead to a slightly grainy or less silky texture in your soup. Take the extra five minutes to shred a block of sharp cheddar; you will absolutely taste the difference in the final product.
Have your salt, freshly ground black pepper, fresh parsley, and chives ready for seasoning and garnish. A quick chop for the herbs will do.

Building the Flavor Base: Sautéing and Browning

This is where the magic truly begins! The foundation of any great soup is a robust flavor base, and for our Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup, that means perfectly crispy bacon, deeply browned beef, and tender, aromatic vegetables. Don’t rush these steps; they are vital for unlocking the full potential of your ingredients.

Grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven – something with plenty of space to accommodate all our delicious ingredients. Place it over medium heat. Add your diced bacon to the cold pot. Starting with a cold pan allows the bacon fat to render slowly and evenly, resulting in perfectly crispy bacon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is beautifully crispy and golden brown. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Once crispy, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. We want to drain off any excess grease. Resist the urge to snack on all of it now; we’ll be adding it back to the soup later! Leave about 2 tablespoons of rendered bacon fat in the pot. If there’s more, carefully spoon some out. If there’s less, add a tiny splash of olive oil to make up the difference.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Add your lean ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula. We’re not just cooking it through here; we’re aiming for a really good brown sear on the beef. This browning creates deep, complex flavors through the Maillard reaction that are absolutely essential for a rich, hearty soup. Cook, stirring occasionally and continuing to break up the beef, until it’s nicely browned all over and any liquid has evaporated. This can take about 8-12 minutes.

Once the beef is beautifully browned, carefully drain off any excess fat. You can tilt the pot and spoon it out, or use a paper towel to absorb it if you’re careful. Return the pot to the stove.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot (if you drained all the fat, or if you need a bit more). Immediately add your finely diced onion, carrots, and celery – our fantastic mirepoix. Sauté these vegetables, stirring frequently, until they have softened significantly and the onion becomes translucent. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Don’t skimp on this step; properly softened vegetables release their natural sugars, adding a wonderful sweetness to the soup.
Once the vegetables are tender, add your minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary (remember to give it a little crush!), and the bay leaf. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter very quickly. The aroma filling your kitchen right now should be absolutely intoxicating!

Crafting the Velvety Soup Base

Now that our flavor base is established, it’s time to build the luscious, creamy body of our “Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.” We’ll be creating a roux to thicken the soup, then gradually incorporating our liquids to achieve that wonderfully smooth, velvety texture. Patience and a good whisk are your best friends in this phase!

Sprinkle the ½ cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and aromatics in the pot. Stir well to coat all the ingredients. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously. This step is crucial; cooking the flour eliminates any raw flour taste and helps to create a stable thickener for our soup. You’re essentially making a quick roux right in the pot, which will serve as the backbone for the soup’s consistency.
Gradually pour in the 8 cups of beef broth, whisking constantly as you add it. Pour slowly, allowing the flour to fully incorporate into the liquid to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly. Vigorous whisking is key here to ensure a perfectly smooth soup base.

Next, slowly pour in the 2 cups of whole milk, again whisking continuously as you add it. Once incorporated, do the same with the 1 cup of heavy cream. Whisk until everything is smoothly combined.
Bring the soup mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As it heats, you’ll notice it thickening to a beautiful, creamy consistency. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to prevent anything from sticking.
Add the previously cooked and drained ground beef back into the pot. Stir to combine thoroughly, ensuring the beef is well dispersed throughout the simmering soup.

Simmering and Adding the Gnocchi

With our rich, creamy base established, it’s time to bring all the remaining components together. We’ll simmer the soup to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, then add our gnocchi and the star ingredient – the cheddar cheese – to complete our Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup.

Once the soup is at a gentle simmer, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This simmering time is important for the flavors to fully develop and meld. The vegetables will become even more tender, and the broth will absorb all the wonderful essence of our aromatics and beef. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
After the simmering time, carefully remove and discard the bay leaf.

Now, it’s time for the gnocchi! Add the entire pound of gnocchi to the simmering soup. Stir gently to ensure they are submerged and not sticking to each other or the bottom of the pot. Cook the gnocchi according to package directions, which is typically only 2-3 minutes for fresh or shelf-stable gnocchi. You’ll know they’re done when they float to the surface and are tender yet still have a slight chew. Be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy.
Once the gnocchi are perfectly cooked, reduce the heat to its absolute lowest setting. Now, gradually add your freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup before adding more. This gradual addition and constant stirring are crucial for a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly creamy cheese soup. The sharp cheddar provides a fantastic tang and richness that perfectly complements the savory beef and bacon.
Stir in the crispy bacon bits that we set aside earlier. This adds an incredible burst of salty, smoky flavor and a delightful textural contrast.

Finishing Touches and Serving

We’re in the home stretch! A few final adjustments and garnishes will elevate our Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup from delicious to absolutely unforgettable. Get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Taste the soup. This is your chance to adjust the seasoning. Add your 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, then taste again. You might find you need a little more, especially given the rich flavors. Remember, it’s easier to add more salt than to take it away. Sometimes, a pinch of sugar can also help balance out the flavors if it tastes a little flat, though with the carrots and milk, it’s often not needed.
Stir in about half of your chopped fresh parsley. This adds a wonderful pop of freshness and color.

Ladle generous portions of the hot, comforting Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup into bowls.
Garnish each serving with the remaining fresh parsley and, if using, a sprinkle of fresh chives. The fresh herbs not only look beautiful but also add a vibrant, herbaceous counterpoint to the rich, creamy soup.
Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread or warm rolls for dipping. This soup is a meal in itself – hearty, satisfying, and bursting with incredible flavor. Enjoy every spoonful of this “Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup” masterpiece that you’ve created!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just any soup; it’s a revelation. From the first tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen to the very last spoonful, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about this recipe. It’s truly a symphony of flavors and textures that come together in the most comforting way imaginable. We’ve taken humble ingredients and transformed them into something extraordinary. Imagine the smoky, savory depth of perfectly rendered beef bacon, melding seamlessly with the sharp, creamy notes of rich cheddar. Then, add to that the delightful chewiness of tender gnocchi, all swimming in a velvety, flavorful broth. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for a chilly evening or whenever you crave pure comfort. I promise, once you experience this culinary masterpiece, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe repertoire. It’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, yet delivers a gourmet experience that belies its simplicity. The way the broth thickens naturally, coating each piece of gnocchi and every shred of bacon, creates a truly luxurious mouthfeel. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite, a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, and that, my friends, is why the

Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

is an absolute game-changer. It’s more than just a name; it’s a promise of culinary delight.

Now, while this soup is undoubtedly a star on its own, it also plays wonderfully with others! For a complete and utterly delightful meal, I highly recommend serving generous bowls of your freshly made soup alongside a warm, crusty baguette or some homemade garlic knots. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible broth. A light, crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette would also offer a lovely counterpoint, providing a refreshing balance to the soup’s richness. But let’s talk about making this recipe truly yours. This soup is incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment and personalize it to your heart’s content.

Variations to Explore:

Add more greens: For an extra boost of nutrition and color, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or chopped kale during the last few minutes of cooking until just wilted. It adds a lovely earthiness and vibrant hue.

Spice it up: If you enjoy a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the seasonings can really elevate the flavor profile, giving it a subtle warmth without overpowering the other ingredients.
Different cheeses: While cheddar is classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other melting cheeses. Smoked Gouda would add a fantastic smoky depth, or perhaps some Gruyere for a nutty, complex flavor. A blend of cheeses could also be truly spectacular, offering layers of richness.
Veggie boost: Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even frozen peas and corn can be added along with the broth for extra texture and flavor. Just be sure to cook the harder vegetables until tender before serving.

Creaminess factor: For an even more decadent and rich soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end, just before serving, making sure not to boil it once added. This will give it an extra layer of luxuriousness and a silkier texture.
Alternative gnocchi: If you’re feeling adventurous, try using sweet potato gnocchi for a subtly sweeter flavor profile that harmonizes beautifully with the savory elements, or even cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option that still delivers on texture.
Protein twist: While beef bacon is phenomenal, you could certainly substitute with crispy pancetta, smoked sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a different take on the protein component. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your chosen protein is cooked through and flavorful.

I truly believe that cooking is an act of love, and this particular

Beef Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup

is overflowing with it. So, please, gather your ingredients, set aside some time in your kitchen, and embark on this delicious journey. I am absolutely confident that you will be thrilled with the results. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from creating something so deeply flavorful and comforting from scratch. Once you’ve made it, once you’ve savored every single spoonful, I would be absolutely delighted to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the original recipe, or did you venture into some of the suggested variations? What were your favorite parts? Did it become an instant hit with your family and friends? Your feedback and stories are what truly inspire me and this community. Share your triumphs, your clever adaptations, and the joy this soup brought to your table. Cooking is a shared experience, and I love hearing how my recipes brighten your day. Don’t hesitate to tell me how it turned out; I’m genuinely excited to know! This recipe is a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly magical. So go on, give it a try – you won’t regret it!