Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Food always connects people. In our house, cheesy beef and potato soup brings warmth and joy, especially during chilly evenings. As the aroma of savory ground beef, sautéed onions, and creamy potatoes envelopes the kitchen, everyone gathers around the table, eager to dive into a bowl of comfort. This soup stands as a testament to the power of simple ingredients transforming into a heartwarming dish.

The fantastic combination of beef, potatoes, and cheese creates a rich, satisfying flavor. Each spoonful provides a creamy texture balanced by the hearty meat and tender potatoes. It’s a meal that nourishes not only the body but also the soul. Cooking this soup sparks a sense of nostalgia, reminding me of family gatherings and shared laughter. The process of making it is equally enjoyable, igniting creativity and love in each step.

This cheesy beef and potato soup captures the essence of home cooking. It showcases how straightforward ingredients can lead to extraordinary dishes. As you step into this culinary adventure, embrace the joy of cooking, savor the moments spent in the kitchen, and create memories over a comforting pot of soup.

Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup: Fundamentals

To create a delightful pot of cheesy beef and potato soup, you need to understand the core components that make up this comforting dish. The key ingredients include ground beef, Yukon Gold potatoes, cheddar cheese, and beef broth. Each element plays a significant role in defining the soup’s flavor and texture.

Ground beef forms the heart of this recipe. It adds richness and protein, making the soup filling and satisfying. Opt for a variety with a bit of fat, as this enhances the soup’s flavor. Next, you have yellow onions, which not only add sweetness but also deepen the overall taste profile. Preparing onions by finely dicing them ensures they blend seamlessly into the soup.

The Yukon Gold potatoes bring a creamy texture to the mix. Diced into bite-sized chunks, they will soften beautifully during cooking. Their natural flavor enhances the soup, grounding it in comforting familiarity. The addition of heavy whipping cream adds a luxurious touch. This ingredient not only enriches the soup but also contributes to its velvety consistency.

Preparation and Setup

Preparation is crucial for crafting the best cheesy beef and potato soup. Start by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 large yellow onion (about 1 ½ cups finely diced), garlic, beef broth, Yukon Gold potatoes, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Also, have your cheddar cheese and heavy cream on standby.

Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and yellow onions. As you brown the beef, break it apart with a spatula. This process should take about 8-10 minutes. Ensure the onions soften, contributing their sweetness to the mix. Once cooked, drain any excess grease for a cleaner flavor.

Next, stir in the minced garlic. This aromatic addition cooks quickly, so only keep it on the heat for an additional minute. The garlic amplifies the flavors, preparing the base for the soup. After this step, it’s time to add the beef broth, diced Yukon Gold potatoes, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer for around 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes become fork-tender.

Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup: Technique

Mastering the technique of incorporating cheese into your soup is essential for achieving the perfect creamy texture. Gradually add the shredded mild cheddar cheese while stirring the pot. This process allows the cheese to melt evenly, avoiding clumps and ensuring a smooth finish.

Once all the cheese has integrated into the soup, pour in 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, allowing the soup to heat through for about 3-5 minutes. The cream enriches the soup, making it irresistibly comforting.

To thicken the soup, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl. Slowly pour this mixture into the soup while continuously stirring. This method helps the soup thicken within 2-3 minutes, resulting in a hearty dish that clings pleasantly to a spoon.

Tips and Tricks

A few tips can elevate your cheesy beef and potato soup. First, know the importance of seasoning. Adjust the paprika, salt, and pepper to suit your taste. To enhance the flavors even further, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

If you desire a thicker soup, increase the cornstarch slurry. Alternatively, for a soup with more broth, simply reduce the cornstarch. You can also experiment with different types of cheese. While mild cheddar adds a lovely flavor, other cheeses like pepper jack or Monterey Jack can create exciting variations.

In terms of storage, this soup keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully as it sits. If you want to freeze it, ensure you do so before adding the heavy cream and cheese. This step helps preserve the textures and flavors for future enjoyment. When ready to eat, simply thaw and then add the dairy components before reheating.

Serving and Presentation

Serving cheesy beef and potato soup can be as creative as you want it to be. A rustic bread bowl sets a cozy tone, perfect for a comforting meal. Ladle the soup into large bowls and garnishing with chopped parsley adds a fresh touch. A sprinkle of extra cheese on top enhances both presentation and flavor.

To complement your meal, consider serving this soup alongside a simple green salad. The crisp greens provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Alternatively, cornbread or crusty buns make excellent companions, perfect for dipping.

When it comes to storage, keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer-term storage, place the soup in freezer-safe containers. Remember to leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen.

Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup: Conclusion

Cheesy beef and potato soup embodies the essence of comfort food, uniting family and friends around the table. With its creamy, rich flavors, each bowl offers warmth and satisfaction. Making this dish provides not just nourishment but a chance to create cherished memories.

From the process of browning the beef to melting the cheese and perfecting the creamy texture, every step is an opportunity to connect with the joy of cooking. Embrace the simplicity of this comforting soup and relish the moments spent in the kitchen. As you savor each bite, remember that food has the remarkable ability to bring people together, creating memories that last a lifetime.

Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Not Vegetarian

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Description

A heartwarming soup that combines savory ground beef, creamy potatoes, and cheddar cheese, perfect for chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion (about 1 ½ cups finely diced)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups beef broth
• 3 Yukon Gold potatoes (diced)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat, add ground beef and yellow onions, and cook until the beef is browned (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
3. Stir in beef broth, diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are fork-tender.
4. Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Pour in heavy whipping cream and stir well, heating through for 3-5 minutes.
6. Mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then slowly add to the soup while stirring. Allow to thicken for 2-3 minutes.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste. For a thicker soup, increase the cornstarch slurry. For freezer storage, add dairy before reheating after thawing.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soups
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cheesy soup, beef soup, potato soup, comfort food, easy recipes