Ingredients:
– 3.5 cups chicken broth
– 4 russet potatoes, peeled and diced (3–4 cups)
– 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1 yellow onion, diced
– One cup shredded carrots
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 tablespoon dried parsley
– 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 pound ground beef
– 1 package (12 ounces) bacon, cooked and chopped
– 3 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup gluten-free 1:1 flour (or regular flour)
– 2 cups half and half
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack cheese
– To garnish: green onions, reserved chopped bacon
PREPARATION:
1. In the slow cooker, add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, potatoes, onions, carrots, celery, parsley, garlic powder, basil, salt, and pepper. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
2. About 30 minutes before serving, brown the ground beef. Drain the grease and add the cooked beef to the slow cooker. Also, fry and chop the bacon, setting aside the chopped bacon for later. (Alternatively, you can bake the bacon in the oven at any point while the soup is cooking.)
3. Wipe out excess grease from the pan and add butter. Melt the butter, then whisk in the flour until fully combined. Whisk in the half and half and continue whisking for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Pour the half and half mixture into the slow cooker, stirring to combine with the rest of the soup. Add the cheese and stir again. Cover and let the cheese melt for a few minutes. Give it a couple of good stirs just before serving to fully incorporate the cheese.
5. Garnish with green onions and reserved chopped bacon.
As fall and winter embrace us with their cool temperatures, this soup steps up as a reliable go-to recipe. Its rich, creamy texture and the harmonious blend of ingredients create a symphony of flavors that resonate with the comforting essence of the seasons. Whether enjoyed as a heartwarming family dinner or served at gatherings with friends, the Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup encapsulates the spirit of home-cooked meals that warm both the body and the soul. It’s a culinary gem, fusing the best of tradition and convenience, ensuring that the taste of familiarity is never too far away, no matter how busy life may get.