Tale of Two Soups

My husband LOVES cheeseburgers and fries (with a draught of good beer)...what man doesn't?!  I remember Mom making a delactable soup that tasted just like one.  I have made the recipe a few times; we have loved it each and every time. About a week ago I thought I would switch it around and make a similar one.  Both soups are so good. One soup recipe is more along the lines of cheeseburger with ketchup and all the trimmings where the other is just a chowder-y recipe. Take your pick - they are both delectable.

Bacon Double Cheeseburger Soup (great with grilled cheese sandwiches or cheese quesadillas on the side) 

adapted from: http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/09/bacon-double-cheeseburger-soup.html

1 pound ground beef

8 slices smoked bacon, cut into pieces (I used peppered bacon)

1 cup onion, diced

1/2 cup diced carrot

1/2 cup diced celery

10 pickled jalapeno slices (or 1 jalapeno, seed and finely diced)

2 garlic cloves chopped

1/4 cup flour

2 cups beef broth

1 cup beer (I used Guiness)

1 large potato diced (I used a few medium-sized), peeled and cut into bite size chunks

2 T ketchup

1 t mustard

1 T Worcestershire sauce

1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (do NOT drain)

2 cups shredded lettuce (I used the pre-shredded)

1 cup milk

2 cups cheddar cheese, grated

Brown ground beef in a large sauce pan (drain) and put aside.  Cook bacon until crispy (reserve grease); set aside with ground beef.  Saute carrots, onion, celery and jalapeno in reserved grease. Add garlic. Stir in flour; cook slightly.  Add broth, beer, bacon, beef, potato, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and tomatoes. Boil; lower heat and simmer (covered) until potatoes are tender. Add milk and cheese. Stir until cheese is melted (do NOT boil again).  When serving, top with shredded lettuce.