In a large Dutch oven, or heavy bottomed soup pot, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon to a paper towel lined plate. Set aside.
Add the ground beef to the pot with the bacon grease, and cook over medium heat, crumbling as it cooks. Once cooked through, transfer the meat to a strainer and let it completely drain of grease.
Return the beef to the pot, and stir in the onions. Cook until they've begun to soften, sweat, and turn translucent.
Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add all of the remaining ingredients EXCEPT the relish. Stir to combine.
Bring the soup mixture to a boil, and then immediately reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, just long enough for the flavors to meld.
Remove the pot from heat, and stir in the relish.
Ladle the soup into bowls & top with the crisp bacon crumbles & fried onions.