MARIE’S CHEESEBURGER SOUP

Our friend Marie brought this to our cookie exchange one year. Yum!

1 1/2 cups water
2 cups peeled and cubed potatoes
2 small carrots, grated
1 small onion, chopped
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 Tablespoon beef bouillon granules
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey, browned and drained
2 1/2 cups milk, divided use
3 Tablespoons flour
8 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/4 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled (for garnish)

Combine water, potatoes, carrots, onion, green pepper, jalapeno, garlic, bouillon granules and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover and simmer until potatoes are tender.

Stir in browned beef or turkey and 2 cups of the milk. Heat through.

Mix flour and remaining 1/2 cup milk until smooth. Stir into soup. Bring to a boil, cooking and stirring mixture until thick and bubbly.

Reduce heat, stir in Velveeta until melted. Add cayenne and top with bacon just before serving.

Makes 2 quarts, about 6-8 servings