Bacon Cheeseburger Chowder

Yield: Serves 6–8 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes

For the most part, I try to eat relatively healthy. When chowders like this enter my life, however, I can’t help but indulge a little. It has everything you could ask for from a soup: lots of cheese, beef, potatoes, and, best of all, lots of bacon.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound lean ground beef

1 onion, diced

2 celery stalks, chopped

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 pound small red potatoes, quartered

1 cup beef broth

12 ounces Velveeta cheese, cut into small pieces

8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled, for garnish

2 hamburger buns, toasted and torn in pieces, for garnish

DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot, put in the beef, onion, celery, and pepper over medium heat. Cook for 8 minutes, until the meat is cooked through completely. Carefully drain off any fat. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.

2. Stir in the flour and cook until all the flour has been absorbed. Stir in the milk, potatoes, and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

3. Add the cheese and stir until it has melted and the soup is well combined.

4. Ladle into bowls and top each with crumbled bacon and toasted bun pieces. Serve.