Description
A rich and hearty soup made with tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and smoky cheddar cheese in a creamy broth. This comforting dish is perfect for cold days and delivers a deep, savory flavor with every spoonful.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half
- 2 cups smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside to keep the soup less greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute to release its aroma.
- Make the Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a lightly browned roux which will thicken the soup.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the beef broth and milk or half-and-half until the mixture is smooth and starting to thicken.
- Cook Potatoes: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Continue cooking for 15–20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Return Ground Beef: Add the cooked ground beef back into the pot and stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded smoked cheddar cheese until it melts fully and creates a creamy texture.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasoning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley for freshness and serve the soup warm for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, add a small amount of smoked paprika to deepen the smokiness.
- Use freshly shredded smoked cheddar cheese for better melting and improved texture in the soup.
- You can blend part of the soup using an immersion blender for a thicker and creamier consistency, adjusting to your preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
