Beef Bacon Chowder
Hearty beef and bacon chowder combines savory flavors with tender vegetables, perfect for cozy family dinners or weekend gatherings craving comfort food with a smoky twist.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Fry bacon until crisp and drain.
- Cook celery and onion with hamburger meat until meat is browned and vegetables are tender.
- Drain excess fat from the meat mixture.
- Add mushroom soup, milk, diced potatoes, and diced carrots to the meat mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat on low until everything is heated through, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked bacon instead of regular. If you don't have mushroom soup, you can substitute it with a creamy white sauce or even a homemade mushroom roux. To save time, pre-cooked frozen diced potatoes can be used as a shortcut. Additionally, adding some diced carrots can enhance the color and sweetness of the chowder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty chowder with crusty bread for dipping or a simple side salad for freshness. It pairs beautifully with Breakfast Pork Sausage Patties for a satisfying meal. For a more festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore the chowder’s creamy texture as it thickens when cooled.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Beef Bacon Chowder contains roughly 787 calories, with 28g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 40g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (56% of the Daily Value), potassium (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2243mg per serving (98% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chowder ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chowder a day in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, making it even tastier.
Can I use turkey bacon in this recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon can be used as a healthier alternative to pork bacon. However, it may not provide the same depth of flavor, so consider adding a bit of smoked paprika for that extra smokiness.
Is it possible to make this chowder gluten-free?
Yes, you can make this chowder gluten-free by ensuring that the mushroom soup used is gluten-free. Additionally, check the labels on your bacon and any other processed ingredients to avoid gluten.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).