Comforting Cheeseburger Soup by Mealsandmunchies

Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef
• 1 White onion, chopped
• 4 Yukon Gold potatoes, diced
• 2 tbsp Minced garlic
• 3 cups Beef broth (or to desired consistency)
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 4 oz Cream cheese, cubed
• 1/4 cup Bacon bits (optional)
• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (or Velveeta)
• 1 tbsp Ketchup
• 1 tsp Mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 1 tsp Onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper, or to taste

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess fat.
2. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until well combined and fragrant.
3. Transfer the seasoned ground beef mixture to a greased 6-quart crock pot.
4. Add the diced potatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the crock pot.
5. Pour in 3 cups of beef broth, ensuring the potatoes are mostly submerged. Stir to combine.
6. Cover the crock pot and cook on high for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the potatoes are fork-tender.
7. Once the potatoes are tender, carefully mash about a quarter of them against the side of the crock pot with a sturdy spoon or potato masher to help thicken the soup.
8. Stir in the milk and cubed cream cheese until the cream cheese is mostly melted and the soup is starting to thicken.
9. Add the bacon bits and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
10. Cover the crock pot and let it cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is heated through.
11. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.