SPICY CHEESEBURGER SOUP

Ingredients

1-1/2 Cups Water
2 Cups Cubed Peeled Potatoes
2 Small Carrots, Grated
1 Small Onion, Chopped
¼ Cup Chopped Green Pepper
1 Jalapeno Pepper, Seeded and Chopped
1 Garlic Clove, Minced
1 Tbsp. Beef Bouillon Granules
½ Tsp. Salt
2 Lbs. Ground Beef, Cooked and Drained
3 Cups Milk, Divided
4 Tbsp. All-Purpose Flour
16 oz. Process American Cheese, Cubed
¼ Tsp. Cayenne Pepper, Optional
½ Lb. Peppered Bacon, Cooked and Crumbled

Instructions

  1. Cook ground beef until browned. 
  2. In a large pot, combine the first nine ingredients; bring to a boil.  Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender. 
  3. Stir in beef and 2 cups of milk; heat through.
  4. Combine flour and remaining milk until smooth; gradually stir into soup.  Bring to a boil, cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly.
  5. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted. 
  6. Add crumbled bacon and stir, leaving some for toppings.  Add cayenne if desired.

NOTE:  Prior to serving, sprinkle bacon on top. 

Yield:  6-8 servings (Approximately 2 Quarts)

Original Soup Recipe:  1 lb. beef, 2-1/2 cups milk, 3 Tbsp flour and 8 oz cheese. Meal:  Served with garlic bread.

ADAPTED RECIPE FROM 2007 TASTE OF HOME PIZZA WINNING RECIPES – NOVEMBER 2007