Creamy Hearty Cheeseburger Soup | Charlotte Fashion Plate

Ingredients

• 1/4 pound bacon, diced
• 1 1/4 pounds ground beef (80/20)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 1 celery stalk, minced
• 1 carrot, minced
• 1/2 white or yellow onion, minced
• 3 small Yukon gold potatoes, tiny diced
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 12 ounces Velveeta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
• Cracked black pepper, for garnish
• 1/3 pound ground beef
• 1-2 slices American cheese
• 3 slices bread
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds