Description
Beef & Smoked Cheddar Potato Soup is a rich and hearty American comfort food featuring tender beef, creamy diced potatoes, and smoky cheddar cheese. This warm, satisfying soup is perfect for chilly days, combining flavorful ground beef with aromatic spices and a luscious cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Beef & Vegetables
- 1 pound ground beef or diced beef
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced (preferably Yukon Gold)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup smoked cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings & Garnish
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté the chopped onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook potatoes in broth: Add the diced potatoes to the pot and pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer gently for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
- Combine beef and seasoning: Stir the cooked beef back into the pot along with the milk, smoked paprika, and thyme. Continue to simmer the soup for another 5 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Add cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded smoked cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating a creamy texture.
- Season and garnish: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Using Yukon Gold potatoes lends a naturally creamy texture without extra thickening.
- For a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese to enhance creaminess.
- You can substitute diced beef with ground beef depending on texture preference.
- Adjust the smoked paprika to control the smokiness level to your liking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
