BEEF AND POTATO SOUP SLOW COOKER RECIPES

Steps:

• Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon strips and cook until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove to a paper towel lined plate. Reserve 2 pieces for garnish.  Crumble the remaining 4 pieces. 
• Place the crumbled bacon, potatoes, celery, leek, garlic, stock, salt, thyme sprigs, and pepper in the base of a 6- to 8-quart slow cooker. Put the lid on the slow cooker, and cook on high for 4 hours (or low for 6 to 8 hours) until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.  Remove the thyme sprigs and discard.
• Use an immersion blender to blend the soup to a semi-smooth consistency, leaving small chunks of potato and vegetables for texture. Stir in the sour cream. (Add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water, to thin the soup out to your desired consistency). Serve in bowls, garnished with cheese, chives, additional sour cream, and the reserved bacon slices crumbled over top. 

Steps:

• Spray 3 1/2- to 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Reserve 1/4 cup broth in small bowl; cover and refrigerate. In cooker, mix onions, potatoes and remaining broth.
• Cover; cook on Low heat setting 8 hours.
• Increase heat setting to High. In small bowl, beat cornstarch and reserved broth until smooth. Add to cooker; stir. Cover; heat to simmering, and cook 10 to 15 minutes longer or until thickened.
• Stir in cheese until well melted. Sprinkle servings of soup with green onions.