Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients

• ½ lb bacon, diced
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 4 potatoes, diced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 4½ cups chicken broth
• 1½ cups whole milk or half-and-half
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tsp salt, divided, plus more to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder, divided
• 1 tsp paprika, divided
• ½ tsp black pepper, plus more to taste
• Optional Toppings:u2028Reserved bacon, green onions, extra shredded cheese, and chopped pickles.

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the bacon until browned and crisp. Remove and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pot.

2. 2

   Add the onion and carrots. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with ½ tsp each salt, garlic powder, and paprika, plus ¼ tsp black pepper.

3. 3

   Once the beef is fully cooked, carefully drain about half the grease. Then, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. 4

   Gradually stir in the chicken broth, then add the potatoes. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and cover. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender, stirring every 3-5 minutes to prevent sticking.

6. 5

   Partially mash the potatoes in the pot to thicken the soup, leaving plenty of chunks. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk or half-and-half, Velveeta, cheddar, and mozzarella until melted and creamy.

7. 6

   Add the remaining salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Taste and adjust as needed. Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for topping.

9. 7

   Remove from the heat, cover, and let sit for about 10 minutes before serving. Top with the reserved bacon, extra cheese, and any other toppings you love!