Bacon Cheese Burger Soup (crock pot)

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 bag of frozen hash browns (the small square ones)
• 4 strips of cooked crumble bacon (reserved some for topping)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups canned chicken broth, divided
• 1 cup 1/2 and 1/2 cream
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Worchestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces cubed cheese (I used Velveeta)
• shredded cheese for topping
• 1 small white onion (optional.. husband HATES onions.. so I had to use onion powder, about 2 tablespoons.If you use it, saute with garlic and meat)

Instructions

1. Preheat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic. saute, then brown your hamburger meat. Drain, and add meat to your slow cooker.
2. In a small cup, combine flour and 1/2 cup of broth. Whisk to combine, making sure it’s smooth. Add the mixture to your skillet, and then slowly pour in the remaining 2 ½ cups of broth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and allow to cook until just thickened. Pour over meat in slow-cooker.
3. Stir in your remaining ingredients, through the black pepper. Cook on low for 2-4 hours. Just before serving, add in your cheese and stir until it is melted. Top with additional shredded cheese, and bacon if desired.

Serve with some crusty bread! (french loaf)