Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Cook the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

1. Add Potatoes: Stir in the diced potatoes, shredded carrots (if using), chicken or beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, thyme, paprika, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Make a Roux: In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
2. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese (if using), mixing until smooth and melted.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add Cheese Sauce to Soup: Pour the cheese sauce into the pot with the beef, potatoes, and broth. Stir well to combine everything into a creamy, cheesy soup.
2. Simmer for a Few Minutes: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped chives or green onions, crispy bacon bits, and extra shredded cheese for a finishing touch.
2. Serve: Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

Tips for Success:

• Cheese Selection: Use sharp cheddar for a more intense cheesy flavor, but you can also try a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for extra creaminess.
• Thicker Soup: For a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot before adding the cheese sauce.
• Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other vegetables like celery, corn, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a rich, comforting dish that will warm you up from the inside out. It’s packed with tender potatoes, juicy ground beef, and plenty of cheesy goodness, making it a perfect meal for cold evenings or whenever you’re craving something hearty and delicious!