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#### Instructions:
**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Drain any excess fat from the beef, then add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
**Step 2: Add the Broth and Potatoes**
1. Add the beef broth and diced potatoes to the pot, stirring to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
**Step 3: Add the Cream and Cheese**
1. Once the potatoes are soft, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream (or half-and-half) and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the soup becomes creamy.
2. Add the sour cream (if using) and dried mustard powder (optional) for extra flavor. Stir everything together until smooth and well combined.
**Step 4: Season and Adjust**
1. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. You can also add more cheese or sour cream if you prefer a richer soup.
2. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
**Step 5: Serve and Garnish**
1. Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Diced pickles, crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, and extra cheese are all great options that mimic the classic cheeseburger flavors.
**Step 6: Enjoy**
1. Serve the soup with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness of your homemade cheeseburger soup!
### Tips for Perfect Easy Cheeseburger Soup
– **Use Lean Ground Beef**: For a healthier version of this soup, opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey. You can also use ground chicken if you prefer a lighter protein.
– **Add Veggies**: Feel free to add extra vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just dice them finely and add them with the potatoes to cook.
– **Customize the Cheese**: While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can use a mix of your favorite cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicier kick.
– **Make It Spicy**: If you love heat, add some diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or crushed red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy twist.
– **Make It Gluten-Free**: This soup is naturally gluten-free, but if you’re serving it with crackers or bread, make sure to use gluten-free options to keep the entire meal safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.
### Creative Variations of Cheeseburger Soup
While this version is delicious as-is, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your cheeseburger soup. Here are a few ideas:
– **Bacon Cheeseburger Soup**: Add crumbled bacon to the soup during the cooking process or sprinkle it on top as a garnish for an extra savory, smoky flavor.
– **Vegetarian Cheeseburger Soup**: For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. The soup will still be hearty and full of flavor.
– **Cheeseburger Soup with a Twist**: Add a tablespoon of ketchup and a tablespoon of mustard to the soup to mimic the flavors of a classic cheeseburger even more. You can also toss in some pickle relish or top the soup with fresh pickle slices for an extra tang.
### Conclusion
Easy Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food in a bowl. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and satisfying ingredients, this soup brings all the delicious flavors of a cheeseburger into a cozy, heartwarming meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
So, whether you’re craving something indulgent or need a meal that both kids and adults will love, this cheeseburger soup has got you covered. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love? Try it out today and enjoy a delicious bowl of comfort that’s sure to hit the spot!
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