Potato Soup with Cheesy Hamburger Filling Recipe

#### **Instructions:**

**1. Prepare the Potato Soup Base:**
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Add the diced potatoes, chicken broth, and thyme, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

**2. Blend the Soup (Optional):**
Once the potatoes are soft, you can either leave them in chunks for a rustic soup or use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup to your desired consistency. If you like a smoother soup, blend it until creamy. For a chunkier texture, leave the potatoes as they are.

**3. Add the Cream and Sour Cream:**
Stir in the heavy cream and sour cream (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer on low while you prepare the cheesy hamburger filling.

**4. Prepare the Cheesy Hamburger Filling:**
While the soup is simmering, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.

**5. Add the Cheeses and Seasoning:**
Lower the heat and stir in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

**6. Combine the Soup and Filling:**
Once the soup is creamy and seasoned to your liking, gently stir in the cheesy hamburger filling. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

**7. Serve and Enjoy:**
Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese or chopped green onions if desired. Serve with warm bread or crackers for an extra comforting meal.

—

### **Tips for the Best Potato Soup with Cheesy Hamburger Filling**

– **Use Yukon Gold or Russet Potatoes:**
Both types of potatoes work great for this soup, with russets giving a fluffier texture and Yukon Golds lending a creamier finish.

– **Make It Spicy:**
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheesy hamburger filling for an extra kick.

– **Customize the Cheese:**
While cheddar is the classic choice for this soup, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

– **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken:**
For a lighter version of this soup, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. The creamy filling will still be delicious!

– **Top It Off with Bacon:**
For an extra touch of flavor, top the soup with crispy bacon crumbles before serving. The smoky, salty flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the creamy potato soup.

—

### **Storing and Freezing Tips**

– **Refrigeration:**
Leftover potato soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.

– **Freezing:**
This soup freezes well, though the texture of the potatoes may change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, adding additional liquid as needed.

—

### **Conclusion**

**Potato Soup with Cheesy Hamburger Filling** is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. With its rich, creamy base and flavorful cheesy hamburger topping, it’s the perfect meal to enjoy on a cold evening. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or as a filling lunch, this soup is sure to satisfy. Plus, it’s simple to make, customizable, and even better the next day, making it an ideal recipe for meal prepping and leftovers. Try this hearty soup today, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy in no time!