Description
This Cheesy Beef & Potato Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender ground or stew beef, diced potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, it’s enhanced with creamy cheddar cheese and subtly smoked paprika for a rich, savory flavor. Easy to prepare in one pot, it’s ideal for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or stew beef, cubed
- 4–5 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 4 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
- 1 cup milk or cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more for extra cheesiness)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Remove excess fat if necessary, then add onions and garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add carrots, celery, and potatoes to the pot. Sauté for another 3–4 minutes. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well to coat; this helps thicken the soup.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the beef broth, add smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook 20–25 minutes, or until potatoes and carrots are tender.
- Make It Cheesy: Lower the heat and stir in butter, milk (or cream), and shredded cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast for the ultimate comfort meal.
Notes
- Beef options: Stew beef cubes add more texture; ground beef makes it faster.
- Extra creaminess: Add ¼ cup cream cheese or a splash of half-and-half.
- Veggie boost: Add corn, peas, or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes.
