Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions to create this delicious Slow Cooker Creamy Potato Bacon Soup.
Step 1: Prepare the Base
- In your slow cooker, combine the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, peeled and diced potatoes, diced yellow onion, shredded carrots, diced celery, dried parsley, garlic powder, dried basil, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld and the potatoes to become tender.
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Prepare the Bacon
- About 30 minutes before serving, it’s time to prepare the meat. In a separate pan, brown the ground beef. Make sure to drain any excess grease before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Fry or bake the bacon until it’s crispy and delicious. Once done, chop it into small pieces and transfer them to the slow cooker as well.
Step 3: Create a Creamy Roux
- Wipe out the pan used for the ground beef, removing any excess grease.
- In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Gradually whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste.
- Slowly pour in the half and half, continuing to whisk vigorously for about 2-3 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
