Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup

Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for cooler weather. Here’s a breakdown of the construction, variations, and tips to make it your own.

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Basic Recipe Construction

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
• 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 1 cup milk or heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: diced carrots, celery, or corn for added texture.

Steps:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:
   In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables:
   In the same pot, melt butter, then sauté onions and garlic until softened. Add optional vegetables like carrots or celery if desired.
3. Add Potatoes and Broth:
   Stir in the diced potatoes and pour in the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender (about 15–20 minutes).
4. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   In a separate saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, stir in the flour, and cook for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk or heavy cream until thickened.
5. Combine Everything:
   Add the thickened sauce to the pot with potatoes and stir in the cooked ground beef. Slowly mix in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Season and Serve:
   Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

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Variations

1. Protein Swaps:
   • Use ground turkey, sausage, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a different flavor.
   • Add crumbled bacon for smokiness.
2. Vegetable Additions:
   • Include broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach for extra nutrition.
   • Add a can of diced tomatoes or green chiles for a southwestern twist.
3. Spice It Up:
   • Stir in chili powder, paprika, or a dash of hot sauce.
   • Garnish with sliced jalapeños.
4. Cream Alternatives:
   • Substitute milk or cream with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
   • Blend a portion of the potatoes to make the soup creamy without adding flour or dairy.
5. Cheese Choices:
   • Experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Gouda for a unique flavor.
   • Sprinkle parmesan on top for extra zest.

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Tips for the Perfect Soup

1. Use Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes:
   They become tender and creamy, perfect for soups.
2. Grate Your Own Cheese:
   Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the soup’s smoothness.
3. Don’t Overcook:
   Once the cheese is added, keep the soup on low heat to prevent it from separating.
4. Make It Ahead:
   The flavors deepen over time. Prepare it a day ahead and reheat gently.
5. Thicken to Your Preference:
   Add more flour or blend some of the soup for a thicker consistency.

Enjoy experimenting with your cheesy hamburger potato soup!