1 pound lean ground beef

1 (16 oz.) package Velveeta, cubed

1 yellow onion, finely chopped

1 cup carrots, finely chopped

1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

4 small potatoes, peeled and diced

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups whole milk

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

bacon bits

cheddar cheese, grated

Heat a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks, until browned. Season generously with salt and pepper and garlic powder.

Drain the fat, then wipe out the skillet with a paper towel. Melt butter in a skillet, then whisk in flour. Cook roux for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, then whisk in whole milk. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat and refrigerate until ready to use.

Place beef, onion, carrot, celery, and potatoes in slow cooker and cover with chicken broth. Season with basil and parsley, cover, and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until potatoes are tender.

Stir in refrigerated roux mixture, then add in cubed Velveeta. Cover again and cook for another 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is thick and smooth.

Serve hot, topped with cheese and bacon bits.