Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup

ingredients:

• 1 pound lean Ground Beef 
• 1 medium onion, diced 
  
• 2-3 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1" pieces  
• 2 celery stalks, chopped 
• 1 cup shredded carrots 
• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 1 teaspoon basil 
• 1 teaspoon parsley 
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cups beef stock  
• 3 tablespoons butter 
• 1/4 cup flour 
• 2 cups milk 
• 2 cups cheddar cheese 

cooking: 

1. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add Ground Beef and onion; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into 3/4-inch crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings, if needed. Season with salt and pepper.              

Cook's Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed Ground Beef. Ground Beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. Color is not a reliable indicator of Ground Beef doneness. 

2.  Add Ground Beef, onions, potatoes, celery, carrots, garlic, basil, parsley, salt, pepper and beef stock to slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours.  

3. After 4 hours, combine butter and flour together in medium saucepan. Do not brown. Once thoroughly mixed, add milk. Pour into slow cooker. Add cheese, cover and cook on low an additional 30-60 minutes.  Garnish with bacon, chives and cheese.