Scale

1½ lbs ground beef

6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 small onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth

2 cups potatoes, diced

1 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the creamy finish:

8 oz cream cheese, cubed

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup heavy cream

Optional garnish:

Green onions

Extra bacon

Cracked black pepper

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked; drain excess grease.

2. Add cooked beef to the crockpot.

3. Add onion, garlic, beef broth, potatoes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or HIGH for 4–5 hours until potatoes are tender.

5. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream.

6. Cover and cook another 20–30 minutes until melted and creamy.

7. Stir in crumbled bacon.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning.

9. Serve hot, garnished as desired.

• Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor.

• Soup thickens as it sits—add broth if needed.

• Leftovers taste even better the next day.

Keywords: million dollar beef soup, beef and bacon soup, crockpot comfort soup