Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 (15 ounce) cans diced new potatoes
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 4 cups milk
• 1 pound processed cheese food (such as Velveeta ®), cut into chunks
• 1/2 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, cut into chunks
• ground black pepper to taste
• 2/3 cup mashed potatoes (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook and stir beef until browned and crumbly, 5 to 7 minutes; drain and discard grease. Add diced potatoes and onion; cook and stir until onion is tender, 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Mix milk, processed cheese food, and Cheddar cheese into beef mixture; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until heated through and cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes; season with pepper. Add mashed potatoes for a thicker chowder; cook until heated through and thickened, about 5 minutes.