Description
Comfort meets classic in this hearty cheesy hamburger potato soup, blending rich ground beef with creamy potatoes and melted cheese. Warm spoons promise delightful spoonfuls of home-style goodness that will comfort and satisfy with each savory bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Protein:
- 1 lb ground beef
- Bacon bits (optional, for garnish)
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups diced potatoes (about 4 medium potatoes)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy and Seasonings:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sear the ground beef in a spacious pot over medium-high heat until completely browned, ensuring no pink remains. Meticulously drain excess fat, transferring the meat to a separate dish.
- Without cleaning the pot, introduce a splash of olive oil and gently sweat the onions until translucent and softened, releasing their aromatic essence.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and awaken its fragrant notes. Allow the garlic to bloom for approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Introduce diced potatoes, pouring in broth with a confident stream. Sprinkle smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper, creating a harmonious flavor foundation.
- Elevate the mixture to a robust boil, then immediately reduce heat, allowing the potatoes to simmer and tenderize. The liquid should gently bubble, transforming the potatoes into fork-soft morsels.
- Prepare a silky thickening agent by whisking milk and flour until completely smooth, eliminating any potential lumps.
- Gradually incorporate the milk mixture and heavy cream into the simmering soup, stirring consistently to create a luxurious, creamy consistency.
- Reduce heat to low, gently folding in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they melt seamlessly into the soup’s landscape.
- Reintroduce the cooked ground beef, stirring to distribute evenly and reheat throughout the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors.
- Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of green onions, crispy bacon bits, and an additional cheese flourish if desired.
- Serve immediately alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers for a comforting, hearty meal.
Notes
- Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base.
- Consider using sweet potatoes or cauliflower as a lower-carb alternative to traditional white potatoes for those watching their carbohydrate intake.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like gruyere or pepper jack to add unique flavor complexity and depth to the soup.
- For gluten-free options, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend when thickening the soup, ensuring smooth consistency without compromising taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg