Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

This recipe came from three different places.  The first time I saw this made was on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.  Everything went into the pot, including the lettuce!  I'm surprised she didn't throw in a sesame seed bun!  I liked the idea of it, everyone loves a cheeseburger, especially with bacon.  The second inspiration of the name came from one of my son's favorite cheeseburger from one of those nameless chains.  A Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger topped with all the traditional toppings and the addition of fried mozzarella sticks.  Cheesy!  Lastly, I saw a similar recipe in a magazine under "Feed Six for $10.00".  The ingredients looked good.  I decided to take this one on, with some variations of my own.  I "Rocked the Crock" today, as one of my blogger buddies would say, as it is 55 degrees out today and I'm getting out of the house.

Cheesy Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

• l/4 lb. bacon, chopped
• l lb. 85% ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, cubed
• 1 medium carrot, sliced
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 2 Tbs. Dijon Mustard
• 1-1/2 cups Queso Dip - Medium
• 1 32 oz. container Low Sodium Beef Broth
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

The original recipe called for a condensed cheddar cheese soup.  When I checked the label, this soup (marked less sodium) had 650 mg. or 27% salt.  I replaced this with the Queso which had 280 mg. or 12% sodium.  I try not to use processed food whenever possible, but everything in moderation.

Fry the bacon in a skillet on medium heat until crisp.  Drain on paper towel and reserve for garnish.  Drain all fat from the pan.  In same skillet, cook ground beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until beef is brown, drain fat.

In your slow cooker, combine beef mixture, potatoes, carrot, ketchup, mustard, and salt and pepper.  Add broth and Queso and stir to combine.

Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 10-11 hours or on high-heat setting for 5 to 5-1/2 hours.  Top each serving with cheese and bacon bits.  All you need is a pickle!  Cook's Note:  Total cost of meal approximately $9.92.  Makes 6 servings.

Adapted from ~Better Homes & Gardens
Gooseberry Patch - Soups and Stews
The Country Cook - Soups and Stews Linky Party

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