Cheeseburger Wild Rice Soup

1 tbsp canola oil
1 lb ground beef
1 bag (12 oz) frozen Green Giant® Steamers Mixed Vegetables
¼ cup chopped green pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
4 cups beef broth
½ tsp salt
2½ cups milk, divided
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups cooked wild rice
8 oz Crystal Farms® Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese
½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled

In large saucepan, combine first seven ingredients, cook until beef is browned. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and add 2 cups milk; heat through. Combine remaining milk and flour until smooth; gradually stir into soup. Add wild rice; bring to a boil. Cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; stir in cheese until melted. Top with bacon just before serving.

Recipe compliments of the Minnesota Cultivated Wild Rice Council