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Easy Cheeseburger Potato Soup (One-Pot Recipe)

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This Easy Cheeseburger Potato Soup is a one-pot wonder that delivers all the classic cheeseburger flavors in a rich, creamy bowl. Made with seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and a hint of mustard and ketchup, it’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 is ideal)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • ⅓ cup dill pickle slices, chopped
  • ¼ cup diced red onion
  • Extra shredded cheddar cheese
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon (optional but recommended): In your large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble it into small pieces. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the pot for extra flavor. If you skip the bacon, just use the olive oil.
  2. Brown the beef: Add the olive oil (or use the reserved bacon drippings) to the pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, until it’s nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning is where the flavor lives. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to a bowl and set aside. Leave about 2 tablespoons of drippings in the pot.
  3. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, until it’s soft and translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot as it cooks. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Make the roux: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This cooks the raw flour taste out and helps thicken the soup later. It will look like a thick paste.
  5. Add the liquids and potatoes: Slowly pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add the milk, ketchup, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Add the diced potatoes and the cooked ground beef back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Simmer until tender: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Give it a stir every now and then to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom.
  7. Thicken the soup: This is the magic step. Remove the pot from the heat. Using a potato masher, gently mash about one-third to one-half of the potatoes right in the pot. This will release their starch and naturally thicken the soup to a creamy consistency. If you prefer a completely smooth soup, use an immersion blender and blend to your desired texture. I like a little bit of chunkiness.
  8. Melt in the cheese: Return the pot to low heat. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted before adding the next. This ensures a smooth, velvety cheese sauce. Do not let the soup boil after adding the cheese, or it can become grainy.
  9. Final taste and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and top generously with crumbled bacon, chopped pickles, diced red onion, extra cheddar, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use Yukon Gold potatoes and freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Do not boil after adding cheese to prevent graininess. The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseburger soup, potato soup, one-pot soup, ground beef soup, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/easy-cheeseburger-potato-soup-one-pot-recipe/