Creamy Bacon Beef Potato Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ For the Soup

01 - 5 pieces of bacon, cut into small pieces
02 - 1 lb ground beef
03 - 1/4 cup butter
04 - 1/4 cup onion, diced
05 - 2 sticks celery, diced
06 - 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
07 - 6 tablespoons flour
08 - 4 cups chicken broth
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
11 - 1 lb Yukon potatoes, peeled & diced small
12 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
13 - Salt & pepper to taste
14 - 1/4 cup pickles, diced (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Use kitchen shears to cut bacon into small pieces. Cook in a soup pot over medium-high heat until crispy, about 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving the fat in the pot.
02 - Add ground beef to the same pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned. Drain the fat and place the beef on another paper towel-lined plate.
03 - Melt butter in the pot, then sauté onion and celery for 4-5 minutes until softened.
04 - Add garlic and flour, cooking for about 2 minutes while stirring to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a roux.
05 - Gradually whisk in chicken broth until the flour is fully dissolved and mixture is smooth. Stir in cream, Worcestershire sauce, potatoes, and return the beef to the pot.
06 - Bring soup to a boil on high heat, then lower to medium-low for a gentle simmer. Cover with lid slightly ajar and cook for about 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
07 - Turn off heat and gradually mix in shredded cheddar until melted. If soup is too thick, add more broth, milk, or cream to adjust consistency.
08 - Stir in most of the cooked bacon, reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Optionally add diced pickles or serve them as a topping.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, shred your own cheddar cheese instead of using pre-shredded which contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
02 - This soup thickens as it cools. When reheating leftovers, you may need to add more liquid.
03 - For extra flavor, try topping with additional toppings like sliced green onions, sour cream, or a dash of hot sauce.