Spicy Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups water
• 2 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 small carrots, grated
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup green pepper, chopped
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon beef bouillon granules
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound ground beef, cooked and drained
• 2 1/2 cups 2% milk, divided
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 8 ounces processed cheese, cubed
• 1/4-1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
• 1/2 pound bacon, sliced, cooked, and crumbled