I love coming up with new soups for our family. We’re all such soup fans and while I could easily be happy just eating two or three different kinds of soup, I know that the rest of my family prefers more variety than that. So I view it as a personal challenge to see how often we can eat soup without repeating the recipe.

I was really surprised with how this soup turned out. It smelled great while it was cooking but I felt leery right up until I took that first bite. Then I realized it tasted as good as it smelled. Everyone loved it. The cheeseburger taste was definitely there, but it was an underlying flavor that didn’t overpower the whole soup. Definitely warm and hearty on a chilly day!

Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1/2 lb carrots, sliced
• 1 t. salt
• 1/2 t. garlic powder
• 1/4 t. black pepper
• 3 large potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 5 c. chicken stock
• 2 c. milk
• 1 1/2 c. shredded or cubed cheddar cheese
• 2 T. ketchup
• 2 t. yellow mustard
• 1 t. pickle relish
• 1/2 lb. bacon, diced and fully cooked

1. In a large stockpot, combine ground beef, onion, carrots, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Cook until beef is browned. Drain.

2. Add potatoes and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and simmer until potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in milk and continue boiling for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened. Add cheese and stir until melted.

3. Remove from heat. Stir in ketchup, mustard, relish and bacon. Serve and enjoy.