SPICY CHEESEBURGER SOUP

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 c. water
• 2 c. cubed peeled potatoes
• 2 small carrots, grated
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/4 c. chopped green pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 Tbsp. beef bouillon granules
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 lb. ground beef, cooked and drained
• 2 1/2 c. milk, divided
• 3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
• 8 oz. process American cheese, cubed
• 1/4 to 1 tsp. cayenne pepper (opt.)
• 1/2 lb. sliced bacon, cooked and crumbled