Cheesy Ground Beef Soup

Ingredients:

For the Soup:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups beef or chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Chopped scallions or parsley
• Extra shredded cheese (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Ground Beef:

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain excess fat if necessary and set aside.

2. Sauté Aromatics:

1. In the same pot, add olive oil (if needed), onion, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

3. Add Potatoes and Broth:

1. Add diced potatoes to the pot. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender (about 15-20 minutes).

4. Blend for Creaminess (Optional):

1. For a thicker soup, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash some of the potatoes.

5. Finish with Cream and Cheese:

1. Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
2. Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot. Season with paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

6. Serve:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped scallions, extra cheese, or parsley.

Enjoy this warm and comforting cheesy soup on a cold day! Let me know if you’d like variations, like adding vegetables or making it spicier