A warm, savory crockpot dish featuring beef, cheddar, potatoes, and bacon for an easy comforting meal.
# Ingredient list:
→ Meats
01 - 4 bacon strips
02 - 1 pound lean ground beef
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
03 - 1 yellow onion, diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 3 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about 1-inch pieces)
→ Seasonings
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Liquids
08 - 4 cups beef broth
→ Dairy & Cheese
09 - 1 (10.5-ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
10 - 1 cup heavy whipping cream
11 - 8 ounces freshly grated cheddar cheese, plus extra for serving
→ Toppings (Optional)
12 - Pickle slices
13 - Diced tomatoes
# Step-by-Step Guide:
01 - In a large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crisp, about 5 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet. Once cooled, chop bacon for topping.
02 - Add ground beef to the skillet with reserved bacon grease. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up meat until browned, about 7 minutes. Stir in diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes until onion softens. Drain excess grease if necessary.
03 - Transfer beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add beef broth, diced potatoes, and cheddar cheese soup. Stir to combine evenly.
04 - Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until potatoes are tender.
05 - In the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in heavy cream and freshly grated cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the mixture turns creamy.
06 - Ladle soup into bowls and top with chopped crispy bacon, additional cheddar cheese, and optional pickle slices or diced tomatoes. Serve hot.
