Cheeseburger Paradise Soup

Here is an incredibly good soup
 * Yield: 14 servings (about 3½ quarts).
 * Contributed by Catsrecipes Y-Group

Ingredients

 * 6 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
 * 1 small carrot, grated
 * 1 small onion, chopped
 * ½ cup chopped green pepper
 * 2 tablespoons chopped seeded jalapeño pepper
 * 3 cups water
 * 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules
 * 2 garlic cloves, minced
 * ⅛ teaspoon pepper
 * 2 pounds ground beef
 * ½ pound sliced fresh mushrooms
 * 2 tablespoons butter
 * 5 cups milk, divided
 * 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
 * 1 package (16 ounces) process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
 * crumbled cooked bacon

Directions

 * 1) In a soup kettle, combine the first nine ingredients; bring to a boil.
 * 2) Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
 * 3) Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook beef and mushrooms in butter over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add to soup.
 * 4) Stir in 4 cups milk; heat through.
 * 5) In a small bowl, combine flour and remaining milk until smooth; gradually stir into soup. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.
 * 6) Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted. Garnish with bacon.