Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

By 1For_Him

Ingredients

• 1-1/2 * 1-1/2 cups water
• 2 * 2 cups cubed peeled potatoes
• 2 * 2 small carrots, grated
• 1 * 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 * 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
• 1 * 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 * 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 * 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
• 1/2 * 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 * 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
• 2-1/2 * 2-1/2 cups milk, divided
• 3 * 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 * 8 ounces process American cheese, cubed
• 1/4 to 1 * 1/4 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1/2 * 1/2 pound sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled

Details

Servings 6

Preparation

Step 1

Prep: 15 min. Cook: 30 min.

In a large saucepan, combine the first nine ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Stir in beef and 2 cups of milk; heat through. 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. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted. Add cayenne pepper if desired. Top with bacon just before serving. Yield: 6-8 servings (about 2 quarts).

Editor's Note: When cutting hot peppers, disposable gloves are recommended. Avoid touching your face.

Nutrition Facts: 1 serving (1 cup) equals 795 calories, 74 g fat (44 g saturated fat), 207 mg cholesterol, 1,552 mg sodium, 15 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 20 g protein.

Spicy Cheeseburger Soup published in Taste of Home April/May 1999, p27