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## **How to Make Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup: Step-by-Step Guide**
### **Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef**
Start by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your **ground beef** and cook, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Cook the beef until it is no longer pink and has browned nicely. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
– **Tip**: If your beef releases a lot of fat, you can drain the excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy. A little bit of fat can be left in the pot for flavor, but be mindful not to add too much.
### **Step 2: Add the Aromatics**
Once the ground beef is browned, add the **onion**, **garlic**, and **celery**. Sauté them together with the beef for about 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. This will build a flavorful base for your soup.
– **Tip**: If you’re using carrots, add them at this stage as well. You want the vegetables to soften and absorb the flavors of the beef.
### **Step 3: Add the Potatoes and Broth**
Next, add the **diced potatoes** to the pot. Pour in your **broth** (beef or chicken broth) and bring the mixture to a simmer. The broth should just cover the potatoes and meat. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
– **Tip**: Be sure to use enough broth to cover the potatoes so they can cook properly. If necessary, add a bit more broth or water to ensure the potatoes are fully submerged.
### **Step 4: Cook the Potatoes**
Cover the pot and let the mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the potatoes cook evenly. If the soup looks too thick, add a bit of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
### **Step 5: Add the Cream and Cheese**
Once the potatoes are cooked, add the **milk** and **heavy cream** to the pot, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to heat through.
– **Tip**: Reduce the heat to low once you add the cream to avoid curdling.
Gradually add the **cheddar cheese** (and any other cheese you’re using) to the soup, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the soup becomes creamy. Be patient and stir until the cheese is fully incorporated.
### **Step 6: Season to Taste**
Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. Add **salt**, **pepper**, **paprika**, and any other spices you like. If you want a bit of heat, now’s the time to add some **red pepper flakes**.
– **Tip**: Don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjusting the seasoning is key to making the soup flavorful and balanced.
### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
Once the soup is perfectly seasoned and creamy, it’s time to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with **chopped parsley**, **shredded cheese**, or **crispy bacon bits** for extra flavor and texture.
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## **Variations and Customizations for Your Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup**
While the classic version of **Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup** is already delicious, you can customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to consider:
### **1. Add Bacon**
For an extra savory, crispy element, **bacon** can be a great addition to this soup. Cook some bacon separately and crumble it into the soup right before serving. This will add a delicious crunch and a smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy base.
### **2. Make it Spicy**
If you love a bit of heat, consider adding **jalapeños** or **green chilies** to the soup. You can also amp up the spice with more **red pepper flakes** or a dash of **hot sauce**.
### **3. Use Different Vegetables**
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables in your soup. **Corn**, **peas**, or **green beans** are all great options that can add texture and nutrition to the soup.
### **4. Make it Lighter**
If you want to make a lighter version of the soup, you can use **lean ground turkey** or **chicken** in place of the ground beef. You can also swap the **heavy cream** for **half-and-half** or **whole milk** to reduce the fat content.
### **5. Add Herbs**
Fresh or dried herbs like **thyme**, **rosemary**, or **bay leaves** can bring an extra layer of flavor to the soup. Add these early in the cooking process and remove them before serving.
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## **Conclusion: A Bowl of Comfort in Every Spoon**
**Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup** is a meal that brings warmth, comfort, and satisfaction to any occasion. Whether you’re craving a rich and creamy dish on a chilly evening or looking for a hearty meal to feed the whole family, this soup delivers on all fronts. With just a few simple ingredients—ground beef, potatoes, cheese, and some seasonings—you can create a soup that is both delicious and filling.
By following the simple steps outlined in this recipe and customizing it to suit your tastes, you can enjoy a bowl of this comforting soup in no time. So, grab your ingredients, get your pot ready, and dive into the creamy, cheesy goodness of this easy-to-make, satisfying soup. You’ll be glad you did!
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