Cheesy Beef & Potato Soup (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Base

01 - 1 lb ground beef
02 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 4 cups russet potatoes, peeled and diced (about ½-inch cubes)

→ Liquids

05 - 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
06 - 1 cup milk
07 - 1 cup heavy cream (or additional milk)

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 tsp salt
09 - ½ tsp black pepper
10 - ½ tsp paprika (optional)
11 - ¼ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)

→ Additional

12 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if needed.
02 - Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
03 - Stir in potatoes, salt, pepper, and any seasonings you're using. Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil.
04 - Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 12–15 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender.
05 - Stir in milk and cream, then reduce heat to low.
06 - Remove pot from heat and slowly stir in shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, until melted and smooth.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning. If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk to reach desired consistency. For additional thickness, lightly mash a few potatoes in the pot with a spoon or potato masher.
08 - Serve hot, topped with extra cheese, herbs, or your favorite loaded potato toppings.

# Notes:

01 - For a heartier texture, you can leave some potato chunks larger than others.
02 - The soup will thicken as it cools, so adjust liquid accordingly when reheating.