Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, milk, flour, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- If using, stir in the cayenne pepper.
- Serve the Hamburger Potato Soup hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese.
Notes
The key to this soup's creamy texture is the incorporation of a roux (a mixture of flour and fat) and gradually adding the milk. The addition of thyme and a touch of cayenne pepper helps to balance the flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the potatoes and onions. For best results, be sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop the essential Maillard reaction flavor.
