Description
This hearty and cheesy soup combines seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, and a creamy, cheesy broth. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make and perfect for chilly nights!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (Russet or Yukon Gold work best)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of cheddar soup (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (or flour) mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if needed and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add the butter, onion, and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add Potatoes & Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- Make It Creamy: Stir in the milk, heavy cream, and cream of cheddar soup (if using). Mix the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) and add it to the soup to thicken. Simmer for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese & Beef: Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until melted. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot and mix well.
- Serve & Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley or chives. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers!
Notes
- Make It Lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or swap some of the cheese for nutritional yeast.
- Extra Flavor Boost: Add crispy bacon bits or a splash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Slow Cooker Option: Brown the beef and onions first, then add everything except the cheese and cream to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3-4 hours, then stir in cheese and cream before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg