Instructions
Brown the bacon in a large Dutch oven or heavy stockpot over medium heat. About halfway through the browning process, add the ground beef and cook until it is almost browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add the onions, celery, and carrots. Cook until the onions and celery are softened. Add the garlic, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried parsley. Cook for 1 minute while stirring.
Turn the heat to medium-low and add enough butter to have three tablespoons of total fat in the pan. Tilting the pan will help you establish how much fat is in the pan.
Sprinkle in the flour and cook for a couple of minutes while stirring. Slowly stir in the chicken broth. Add the potatoes and bring the mixture to a boil. Simmer until the potatoes are soft.
Reduce the heat to low and slowly add the milk. Add the beef and bacon back to the pot.
Remove from the heat and slowly stir in the shredded cheddar, stirring until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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