Bacon Cheeseburger Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained of fat
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (32 ounce) container chicken broth
• 4 cups potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup carrot, chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, seeds removed, chopped
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)
• kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)