Cook bacon on medium high heat in a stock pot. Once bacon is crispy, remove and place to the side. The bacon will be sprinkled on the final dish once ready to serve, so it does not get soggy.
Turn stove down to medium heat.
Remove all but two tablespoons of bacon grease.
Add onions, carrots, garlic. Sautee the vegetables until soft. Stiring occasionally.
In a seperate skillet, add the ground beef and cook on medium high heat until cooked through.
Once meat is cooked and vegetables are tender, place the ground beef in the stockpot with the cooked vegetables.
Add beef stock to the pot of ground beef and vegetables.
Add the can of diced tomatoes.
Add the thyme, oregano, and basil.
Add salt to taste.
Turn heat back up to medium high heat and allow the soup to come to a rolling boil.
Add the green beans.
Place the top on the pot and allow the soup to boil until the green bean are soft. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
While the green beans are cooking in the soup, grate your cheese and chop your bacon. You are going to want about ½ oz of cheese per bowl and 1 chopped bacon per bowl.
Once the green beans are softened, taste your soup again and make sure it has enough salt.
Place about 2 cups of soup in a bowl. Add the cheese and garnish with the bacon and chives. Serve immediately!
This can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days.