Hearty Cheeseburger Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1/2 pound lean ground beef
02 - 1/2 medium yellow onion, diced fine
03 - 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped
04 - 1 celery stalk, finely diced
05 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 1 pound medium potatoes, cut into small cubes

→ Seasonings & Spices

07 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
08 - 1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
09 - 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard powder
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Liquid & Dairy

11 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken or beef stock
12 - 1 cup half-and-half cream
13 - 3 tablespoons cornstarch for thickening
14 - 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

# Instructions:

01 - Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking for about 5 minutes while stirring frequently until the meat is nicely browned. Drain any excess grease if needed.
02 - Toss in the chopped carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they start to soften and become fragrant.
03 - Stir in the minced garlic, salt, parsley, ground mustard, and black pepper. Cook everything together for just 1 minute until the spices become aromatic.
04 - Pour in the broth and add the cubed potatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12-15 minutes until the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
05 - In a small mixing bowl, whisk the half-and-half with cornstarch until completely smooth. Pour this mixture into the soup along with the shredded cheddar cheese.
06 - Turn the heat down to low and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until the soup thickens beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before ladling into bowls.

# Notes:

01 - This hearty cheeseburger soup captures all the flavors of your favorite burger in a comforting bowl
02 - Can be made on the stovetop or adapted for slow cooker preparation
03 - Perfect for cold weather comfort food cravings