Bacon Cheeseburger Stew

2 oz. vegetable oil
8 oz. bacon
1 1/2# ground beef
1 large onion, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 C. chopped tomatoes
6 red potatoes, cut into 1" cubes
1 large carrot, washed and peeled
2 ribs of celery, washed and peeled
2 C. beef stock
2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbsp. yellow mustard
1/2 C. shredded cheddar cheese
kosher salt and fresh cracked black pepper

Place the beef in a bowl and season with salt and pepper.  Form into small meatballs and reserve on the side.

Place a large pot over medium high heat, add oil and heat until shimmering.  Add bacon and cook until golden brown, 7-8 minutes.  Remove browned bacon, chop and reserve warm.   To the pot add the meatballs and brown on all sides.  Remove and reserve warm on a plate.  To the pot add onions, carrots, and celery, cook until onions soften, about 5 minutes.  Add garlic and cook another minute.  Add tomato paste, stir mixture well and cook paste for 6-8minutes.  Add chopped tomatoes, stock, worcestershire, mustard, meatballs, and potatoes.  Stir and cook for 30 minutes.  Correct seasoning with salt and black pepper.

5 minutes before stew is ready pre-heat broiler.  Once stew is done, spoon portions into shallow bowls, sprinkle bacon and cheese on top of each.  Place bowls under the broiler to melt cheese.  Serve and enjoy!