Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

🥣 Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup (Slow Cooker)

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 6 medium potatoes, peeled & diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup carrots, diced (optional)
• 1 cup celery, diced (optional)
• 1 can (10 oz) Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies) – optional for flavor
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour (to thicken)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Green onions or chives for garnish

Instructions:

1. Brown the beef
   
   • In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Add to slow cooker
   
   • Place beef, potatoes, onion, garlic, broth, carrots, celery, and seasonings in the slow cooker.
   • Stir well.
5. Cook
   
   • Cover and cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
7. Make cheesy cream base
   
   • In a small saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour (making a roux). Cook 1–2 minutes.
   • Slowly whisk in cream until smooth and thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
9. Combine
   
   • Stir cheesy cream mixture into the slow cooker. Mix well.
11. Finish
    
    • Add crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning.
13. Serve
    
    • Garnish with green onions or more cheese. Serve hot with bread or rolls.