Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 medium white onion, diced
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 6 cups peeled & diced Russet potatoes
• 2 cups of your favorite frozen vegetables
• 3 tsp dried basil
• 2 tsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
  Instructions:

1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic until cooked through. Drain excess grease.
2. Transfer the beef mixture to a crockpot or stockpot.
3. Add potatoes, broth, vegetables, basil, and parsley to the pot.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours in the crockpot or simmer on the stove until the potatoes are tender.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch into the milk until smooth. Add this mixture to the soup.
6. Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese until melted and well incorporated.
7. Once done, serve and enjoy!

Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup is a versatile dish that can be adapted in many ways to suit different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some variations and tips to help you customize your soup:

Variations:

1. Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup:

• Add Cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère cheese at the end of cooking for a rich, cheesy flavor. You can also top each bowl with extra cheese for a gooey finish.

1. Bacon Hamburger Potato Soup:

• Add Bacon: Cook some bacon until crispy, crumble it, and stir it into the soup or sprinkle on top as a garnish. The smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy soup.

1. Vegetable-Loaded Hamburger Potato Soup:

• Add More Veggies: Increase the nutritional value by adding carrots, celery, corn, or spinach. Simply sauté them along with the onions and garlic before adding the potatoes and broth.

1. Spicy Hamburger Potato Soup:

• Kick It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to give the soup a spicy twist. You can also use spicy sausage instead of ground beef for added heat.

1. Herbed Hamburger Potato Soup:

• Fresh Herbs: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, or dill to enhance the flavor. Stir in fresh herbs at the end of cooking for a bright, fresh taste.

1. Low-Carb Hamburger Potato Soup:

• Use Cauliflower: Substitute cauliflower florets for the potatoes to make a low-carb version of this soup. The cauliflower will provide a similar texture without the carbs.

1. Lighter Version:

• Use Ground Turkey: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use a lower-fat milk or even unsweetened almond milk to reduce the fat content while still keeping the soup creamy.

1. Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup with Beer:

• Add Beer: Replace part of the broth with a light beer for a slightly malty, deeper flavor. This variation adds complexity to the dish.

Tips:

1. Thickening the Soup:

• If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot, or add a slurry of cornstarch and water. Adding instant potato flakes is another quick way to thicken the soup.

1. Cooking the Potatoes:

• Cut the potatoes into uniform pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Be careful not to overcook them, as you want them tender but not mushy.

1. Flavor Development:

• Sauté the onions, garlic, and ground beef before adding them to the soup to develop a deeper flavor. Browning the meat and allowing the onions to caramelize adds richness to the broth.

1. Creaminess:

• For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving. You can also use sour cream or cream cheese for a tangy twist.

1. Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the soup with crusty bread, biscuits, or a fresh green salad. Toppings like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream can add extra flavor and texture.

1. Make It Ahead:

• This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

1. Seasoning Balance:

• Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra salt, pepper, or a splash of Worcestershire sauce can enhance the flavors.

These variations and tips give you plenty of ways to make Creamy Hamburger Potato Soup your own, whether you’re looking to add a little extra flavor, make it healthier, or simply switch things up!