Savory crockpot soup with beef, cheddar, potatoes, and crispy bacon for a cozy meal.
# Components:
→ Meats
01 - 4 strips bacon
02 - 1 pound lean ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 1 yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch pieces
→ Seasonings
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Liquids
08 - 4 cups beef broth
→ Dairy & Cheese
09 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) cheddar cheese soup
10 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
11 - 8 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese, plus additional for serving
→ Toppings (Optional)
12 - Pickle slices
13 - Diced tomatoes
# Method:
01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crisp, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease in pan. Chop cooled bacon for topping.
02 - Add ground beef to skillet with bacon grease. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking apart until browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper; sauté 2 to 3 minutes until onion softens. Drain excess fat if necessary.
03 - Transfer beef mixture to 6-quart crockpot. Add beef broth, diced potatoes, and cheddar cheese soup. Stir thoroughly to combine.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH setting for 4 hours, until potatoes are tender.
05 - During last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until cheese is melted and mixture is creamy.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls. Top with chopped crispy bacon, extra cheddar cheese, pickle slices, and diced tomatoes as desired. Serve immediately while hot.
