Why spend 30 minutes cooking when your microwave can deliver smoky bacon and hot soup in 5? This recipe is emergency hunger relief for busy days, dorm rooms, or “I just can’t” evenings.
We’re talking minimal effort (think: open, pour, nuke) with maximum comfort. The salty crunch of pre-cooked bacon elevates even the simplest canned soup into something that feels… almost fancy.
We’ll walk through choosing microwave-safe bowls, avoiding rubbery bacon, and turning this lazy hack into a legit meal.
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Lazy Microwave Pre-Cooked Bacon and Canned Soup
Recipe by Lisa MartinCourse: LunchCuisine: American2
2
minutes5
minutes300
kcal7
minutesIf you're looking for a zero-fuss meal that comes together in minutes, this lazy microwave recipe is for you. We combine savory pre-cooked bacon with the convenience of canned soup, allowing you to whip up a warm and nourishing dish without any hassle.
Ingredients
of your favorite canned soup
of pre-cooked bacon
shredded cheese optional
salt and pepper to taste
green onions . optional for garnish
Directions
- Open the canned soup and pour it into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Break the pre-cooked bacon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the soup.
- Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plate to prevent splatter.
- Heat the bowl in the microwave on high for 3-4 minutes, stopping to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave, as it will be hot.
- Add salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle shredded cheese on top if desired.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for an extra touch.
- Serve hot and enjoy your lazy meal..
Notes
- Feel free to customize this recipe by using different types of canned soup or adding your favorite toppings. This can be a great way to use up leftover ingredients. The pre-cooked bacon can be replaced with any protein of your choice, and you can also add vegetables for added nutrition.
Can You Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon?
Absolutely – but timing is everything. Pre-cooked bacon (like Hormel Black Label or Oscar Mayer Ready Bacon) needs just 30-60 seconds to warm through. We learned this the hard way when John tried “saving time” by microwaving breakfast bacon for my birthday party – cue smoke alarms and charcoal strips.
Use a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Arrange bacon in a single layer, cover with another towel, and zap at 50% power. This prevents the fat from overheating while keeping that satisfying crispness. For extra crunch? Some brands sell pre-cooked bacon designed for microwave crisping (like Farmland Thick Cut).
What Does Canned Soup Taste Like With Bacon?
Imagine your sad desk soup getting a red-carpet glow-up. Bacon adds smoky depth to bland broths and turns creamy soups into savory masterpieces. My dad George – a canned soup connoisseur – swears crumbling two strips into Campbell’s Tomato Soup mimics his “fancy bistro tomato bisque.” For an even easier option, creamy tomato soup can be made in just one pot in the microwave. This simple method brings all the delicious flavors together quickly, making it perfect for a satisfying meal.
Pair smartly:
- Chicken noodle: Bacon adds meaty heft (use lower-sodium broth)
- Clam chowder: Smoky+saltwater tang = coastal diner vibes
- Broccoli cheddar: Crumbled bacon bits create texture contrast
Pro tip: Blot excess bacon grease with a paper towel before mixing into soup. Canned soups already average 600-800mg sodium per serving – no need for extra oil slick. Trust us, your taste buds (and arteries) will thank you. If you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly meal, consider pairing your soup with cheap microwave canned soup instant couscous for a hearty option that’s easy to prepare.
Ready to turn this dynamic duo into a meal? Let’s assemble your lazy kitchen arsenal…
Ingredients for Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon and Canned Soup
You’ll need just two stars here: pre-cooked bacon strips and one can (10.5-19 oz) of soup. We’re partial to Hormel Black Label bacon crumbles for their smoky punch, but Oscar Mayer’s pre-cooked strips work if you prefer tearing your own. For a quick and satisfying meal, consider pairing them with lazy microwave pre-cooked bacon cheese grits. This delicious combination offers a savory addition that’s especially perfect when time is short.
Pre-cooked Bacon Alternatives and Substitutes
Out of pre-cooked bacon? Turkey bacon (like Jennie-O) microwaves similarly but needs 15% less time. Vegetarian? Lightlife’s plant-based bacon crisps in 45 seconds. For lower sodium, try Pederson’s No Sugar Added bacon – its 270mg per serving won’t overwhelm your soup’s salt content.
Canned Soup Varieties and Flavor Pairings
Not all soups play nice with bacon. Avoid seafood bisques (trust us) and lean into these winners: Microwave soup is a quick and convenient meal option that’s perfect for busy nights. Whether you’re craving a hearty vegetable soup or a creamy tomato bisque, using the microwave can save you time while still delivering delicious flavors.
- Creamy potato (Progresso): Bacon mimics loaded baked potato toppings
- Bean & ham (Campbell’s): Doubles down on smoky protein
- Butternut squash (Pacific Foods): Sweet-savory balance with bacon’s umami
Our intern Mia swears by adding bacon to Campbell’s Chicken & Stars when nostalgia strikes. “Tastes like mom’s soup… if mom owned a food truck.” For anyone looking to elevate their meals, microwave bacon is a quick and tasty option. Cooking bacon in the microwave not only saves time but also keeps the mess to a minimum.
Also See: Bengali Fish Recipe in Microwave – 5 Variations, Tips, Tools, FAQs & More
How to Make Lazy Microwave Pre-cooked Bacon and Canned Soup
This isn’t so much cooking as it is strategic ingredient deployment. We’ve streamlined it to four foolproof steps.
Step 1: Preparing the Microwave-safe Bowl
Grab a 4-cup ceramic or glass bowl – plastic can warp from steam. Pour in your entire can of soup (no water added). Our 1250W microwave tests show wider bowls heat more evenly than deep mugs. To enhance your soup experience, consider using a lid during reheating. This simple trick helps keep toppings crunchy while your soup warms up.
Step 2: Adding Pre-cooked Bacon to Soup
Crumble 3-4 bacon strips (about ¼ cup) into the soup. For thicker soups like chowder, slice bacon into ½” pieces instead. Pro tip: Reserve some crispy bits for topping – texture matters! If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to prepare your bacon, a microwave bacon recipe can save you time and effort. This method ensures perfectly cooked bacon that can enhance any dish, including your favorite soups.
Step 3: Microwaving Time and Power Settings
Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe plate or vented lid. Heat on 70% power for 2 minutes – lower intensity prevents bacon fat from splattering. If your microwave lacks power settings, do 1-minute intervals with stirring. It’s also important to know how to reheat bacon in the microwave while keeping it crispy. By following proper methods, you can enjoy delicious, warm bacon without compromising its texture.
Step 4: Stirring and Testing Temperature
Use a spoon to check if bacon bits have sunk (they’re heated through). Aim for 165°F – the USDA’s safe zone for reheated foods. No thermometer? The soup should steam vigorously when stirred. A simple microwave soup recipe can easily achieve this temperature while enhancing flavors with minimal effort.
Also See: Spinach-cheese Frittata in a Mug Microwave Style

Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
We’ve all nuked a soup-bomb. Here’s how to avoid the classics.
Avoiding Overheated Bacon
Bacon turns leathery at 45+ seconds in liquid. If yours feels rubbery, remove it immediately post-microwave and let residual heat finish warming. Next time, reduce power to 50%.
Preventing Soup Splatter in the Microwave
That tomato soup explosion on John’s microwave ceiling? Preventable. Always cover your bowl and leave a 1” gap between bacon pieces – clustered bits create steam pockets. For creamy soups, add 1 tbsp water before heating to loosen thickness. For mess-free bacon, using a similar covering technique can make all the difference, ensuring crispy results without the splatter. Discovering the secret to microwaving bacon without any mess can transform your morning routine into a breeze.
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, let’s talk about keeping leftovers edible (yes, it’s possible). With 7 microwave tricks, those leftovers can be transformed into gourmet meals, full of flavor and texture. These methods not only help reheat food but can elevate your dining experience right at home.
Now It’s Your Turn to Try!
We’ve covered everything from microwaving pre-cooked bacon to pairing it with your favorite canned soups. This lazy meal comes together in minutes with minimal cleanup – perfect for those “can’t be bothered” days.
Why not experiment with different soup varieties or bacon alternatives? Just remember our power settings (50-70% for even heating) and splatter prevention tips. Your microwave is about to become your new best friend for quick comfort food.


