Cheeseburger Potato Soup - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 baking potatoes
1 lb. of extra lean ground beef
2/3 c. butter or margarine
6 c. milk
3/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 1/2 c (6 oz.) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
12 sliced bacon, cooked, crumbled and divided
4 green onion, chopped and divided
1 (8 oz.) carton sour cream (optional)

Preparation

Wash potatoes; prick several times with a fork.
Microwave them with a wet paper towel covering the potatoes on high for 6-8 minutes.
The potatoes should be soft, ready to eat.
Let them cool enough to handle.
Cut in half lengthwise; scoop out pulp and reserve.
Discard shells.
Brown ground beef until done.
Drain any grease from the meat.
Set aside when done.
Meat will be added later.
Melt butter in a large kettle over low heat; add flour, stirring until smooth.
Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually add milk; cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and bubbly.
Stir in potato, ground beef, salt, pepper, 1 cup of cheese, 2 tablespoons of green onion and 1/2 cup of bacon.
Cook until heated (do not boil).
Stir in sour cream if desired; cook until heated (do not boil).
Sprinkle with remaining cheese, bacon and green onions.