Cheeseburger Soup Recipe

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are softened and translucent.
3. Cook the Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and stir them with the onions and garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Then, add the beef broth, dried thyme, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Add the Beef and Milk: Return the cooked ground beef to the pot. Add the whole milk (or half-and-half for a creamier consistency) and stir everything together. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to heat through.
5. Add the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until they are melted and the soup is smooth and creamy. If you like an extra creamy texture, you can also stir in the sour cream at this point.
6. Final Touches: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika, if desired. If using, sprinkle the crumbled bacon into the soup for added crunch and flavor.
7. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the cheeseburger soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or additional cheese for an extra touch. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad.

Tips and Variations:

• Make It Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils for a vegetarian version of this soup.
• Use Different Cheeses: If you love cheese, feel free to mix in other varieties like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for different flavors.
• Add Toppings: Just like a cheeseburger, you can customize the soup with your favorite toppings like pickles, mustard, or even a few extra slices of crispy bacon.
• Make It Healthier: Use lean ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef, or swap out the whole milk for a lower-fat alternative to reduce the calorie count.

Why You’ll Love Cheeseburger Soup:

1. Comforting and Hearty: The rich, cheesy broth and tender potatoes create a cozy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for cool weather.
2. Easy to Make: This one-pot recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or weekend dinners.
3. Customizable: Whether you want to add more vegetables, use different cheeses, or top it off with crispy bacon, this soup can be tailored to your preferences.
4. Filling: Thanks to the ground beef, potatoes, and cheese, this soup is filling and guarantees you won’t be left hungry.

Final Thoughts:

Cheeseburger Soup is the ultimate comfort food, offering all the flavor of a classic cheeseburger in a cozy, creamy soup. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying it on a chilly evening, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The combination of savory beef, creamy cheese, and tender potatoes is a winning trio, and with the ability to customize the toppings and flavors, it’s a versatile dish that will never get old. Enjoy every spoonful of this indulgent, cheesy goodness!