Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Sink your spoon into a bowl of Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup. This creamy cheesy soup is made with ground beef, potatoes, and melted cheddar cheese! Perfect for cozy nights or gatherings, this soup brings warmth and comfort to every occasion with its rich flavors and hearty texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich Flavor: With the combination of ground beef, cheddar cheese, and spices, every bite is bursting with flavor that will satisfy your taste buds.
• Comfort Food Classic: Ideal for chilly days, this soup is a true comfort food that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a delicious starter; it’s great for any meal of the day.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this cheesy delight, making it a hit at family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the following tools. Having the right equipment can significantly enhance your efficiency in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking soups evenly without burning. It provides ample space for ingredients to simmer together.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring sauces and soups without scratching your cookware. It helps in breaking up the ground beef as it cooks.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to create this comforting Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup:

For the Soup Base

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 4 cups (32 ounces / 960 g) beef broth
• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled, diced (about 4 cups diced potatoes)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper, to taste

For Creaminess

• 1 ½ cups (169.5 g) mild cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for garnish)
• 1 cup (238 g) heavy whipping cream

For Thickening

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

For Garnish

• Parsley, chopped for garnish

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions

In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add ground beef and onions. Cook, breaking the beef apart as it browns until fully cooked (about 8-10 minutes). Drain excess grease.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Vegetables

Stir in the beef broth, diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Incorporate Cheese

Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese a little at a time. Allow it to melt fully into the soup while stirring continuously to avoid clumping.

Step 5: Add Cream

Pour in the heavy whipping cream and stir well. Let the soup heat through for another 3-5 minutes.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Slowly pour in this mixture while continuously stirring the soup. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish your Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup with chopped parsley and extra cheese before serving hot. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Serving your Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this creamy dish.

Add a Crunch

• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the rich soup.
• Croutons: Top your soup with crunchy croutons for added texture.

Fresh Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Add a pop of color and mild onion flavor with freshly chopped green onions.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can enhance the creaminess and add a tangy twist.

Pair with Salads

• Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and savory dressing complement the richness of the soup.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad adds freshness and balances the meal.

How to Perfect Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Perfecting your Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup ensures a delicious outcome every time. Here are some helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh potatoes and high-quality beef broth will enhance the flavor of your soup.
• Melt Cheese Slowly: Gradually adding cheese helps prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Customize Thickness: Adjust the cornstarch slurry based on your desired soup consistency; more for thicker, less for thinner.
• Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling; simmer gently instead.

Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is an excellent option for soaking up leftover soup.
2. Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans offer a nutritious balance to the meal.
3. Macaroni Salad: This cool, creamy dish complements the warmth of the soup perfectly.
4. Cheese Biscuits: Fluffy cheese biscuits add another layer of cheesy goodness to your meal.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw brings freshness and contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges echo the potato flavors in the soup while providing a satisfying crunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Using too much fat: Ground beef can release grease while cooking. Drain excess fat after browning to keep the soup creamy without being greasy.
• Not seasoning properly: Failing to add enough salt or spices can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and adjust seasonings accordingly for depth of flavor.
• Overcooking the potatoes: If potatoes are cooked too long, they may become mushy. Check for fork-tenderness around the 15-minute mark for perfect texture.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Adding all the cheese at once can cause clumping. Gradually stir in cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the soup.
• Skipping the thickening step: Not using cornstarch can result in a thin soup. Always mix a cornstarch slurry to achieve that creamy consistency.
• Neglecting garnishes: A lack of garnish can make your dish look unappealing. Always top your soup with parsley and extra cheese for a finished look.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing the container to prevent condensation.

Freezing Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

• Freeze in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup that you might find helpful.

What makes Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup so creamy?

The combination of heavy cream and melted cheddar cheese creates a rich, creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for different flavors in your Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup.

How do I customize my Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup?

You can add vegetables such as carrots or celery, or even swap ground beef for turkey or lamb according to your preferences.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup is a comforting dish perfect for chilly days. Its creamy texture combined with hearty ingredients offers endless customization options—add extra veggies or try different cheeses. Give it a try today; you’re sure to love every spoonful!