• Green onions: For a pop of color and extra flavor.
• Bacon crumbles: If you eat bacon, it adds a delicious salty crunch on top (though it’s optional and we’re omitting pork in this version).
• Extra shredded cheese: You can never have too much cheese! Add a sprinkle of cheese on top of each bowl before serving.
• Hot sauce: For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce can take this soup to the next level.

Substitutions and Variations

This soup is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:

• Vegetarian version: Swap out the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute, such as Beyond Meat or another ground meat alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.
• Dairy-free option: Use unsweetened almond milk or another dairy-free milk and replace the cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative. There are also dairy-free sour creams available at most grocery stores.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the soup. Make sure your broth is gluten-free as well (most are, but it’s always good to check the label).
• Spicy twist: If you like a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño when sautéing the onions or stir in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce at the end.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup, you don’t need any fancy kitchen gadgets—just a few basic tools will do:

• Large pot or Dutch oven: You’ll need a big pot to cook the soup in since this recipe makes a hearty amount.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients as they cook.
• Sharp knife: To chop the potatoes, onions, and garlic.
• Cutting board: For prepping your ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: To measure out the ingredients accurately.
• Ladle: For serving the soup once it’s ready.

Step-by-Step Directions

Now, let’s walk through the simple steps to make this delicious Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:

1. Brown the Ground Beef

 In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat.
 Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
 Once the beef is fully cooked, remove it from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Drain any excess fat from the pot, leaving about 1 tablespoon behind.

2. Sauté the Vegetables

 In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
 Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.

3. Add the Potatoes and Broth

 Add the diced potatoes to the pot along with the cooked ground beef.
 Pour in the chicken or beef broth, making sure the potatoes are fully submerged in the liquid.
 Stir in the paprika, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
 Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.

4. Make the Creamy Base

 In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. This will act as the thickening agent for the soup.
 Slowly pour the milk-flour mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
 Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken up.

5. Stir in the Cheese and Sour Cream

 Once the soup has thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes rich and creamy.
 Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if needed.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

 Ladle the soup into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes, such as extra shredded cheese, green onions, or hot sauce.
 Serve with crusty bread, rolls, or crackers for dipping. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting bowl of Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup!