01 -
Grab a big, heavy-bottomed pot – my trusty Dutch oven is always my go-to for this Loaded Cheeseburger Soup. Brown your ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go. You want it nicely browned, no pink bits! Once it's cooked through, drain off almost all that glorious fat. Don't skip this; a greasy soup is no fun, believe me, I learned that the hard way. Then, toss in your chopped onion and cook until it's softened and smelling sweet, about 5-7 minutes. Finally, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn!
02 -
Now for the good stuff! Sprinkle your flour over the beef and onion mixture, stirring it in for about a minute. This creates a roux, which helps thicken our Loaded Cheeseburger Soup later. Then, slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Nobody wants lumpy soup! Add your diced potatoes, ketchup, mustard, and all those lovely seasonings. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is combined. It should start to smell really savory, almost like a burger joint.
03 -
Bring that mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it's bubbling ever so slightly, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. You're waiting for those potatoes to get fork-tender, which is crucial for a creamy soup. Every now and then, give it a stir to make sure nothing is sticking to the bottom. This is where the magic really starts to happen, and the flavors deepen beautifully for our Loaded Cheeseburger Soup.
04 -
Once your potatoes are perfectly tender, it's time for the dairy! Pour in the milk and stir well. Now, for the cheese! Add the Velveeta in cubes and then the shredded cheddar. Stir, stir, stir until both cheeses are completely melted and the soup is wonderfully smooth and creamy. This step is where the Loaded Cheeseburger Soup truly transforms into that rich, comforting bowl you're dreaming of. Keep the heat low, you don't want the cheese to scorch or separate.
05 -
This is arguably the most important step! Grab a spoon and take a taste. Does it need more salt? A pinch more pepper? Maybe a tiny dash more ketchup or mustard to boost that cheeseburger vibe? Adjust the seasonings to your liking. Every batch of Loaded Cheeseburger Soup can be a little different, so trust your taste buds here. I often find myself adding a little extra cracked black pepper at this stage; it just brightens everything up.
06 -
Once you're happy with the taste and consistency, ladle your magnificent Loaded Cheeseburger Soup into bowls. Now for the fun part – toppings! Think crispy bacon bits, a sprinkle of fresh green onions, maybe some extra shredded cheddar, or even a dollop of sour cream. It should look rich, feel warm, and smell absolutely divine. Get ready for some serious comfort food!