Description
Beef and Smoked Cheddar Potato Soup is a rich and hearty soup featuring tender ground beef, creamy diced potatoes, and smoky cheddar cheese, all combined into a comforting, savory dish perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 3 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded smoked cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Seasonings and Thickener
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Potatoes and Broth: Stir in the peeled and diced potatoes along with the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Until Tender: Let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Prepare the Roux and Creamy Mixture: While the soup simmers, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and continue to stir until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Combine and Melt Cheese: Pour the thickened milk mixture into the soup pot and stir well. Add the shredded smoked cheddar cheese and stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth.
- Season and Serve: Finally, season the soup with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all flavors and serve the soup warm for the best comforting experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor and texture, garnish the soup with chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits before serving.
- You can substitute smoked cheddar with sharp cheddar if smoked is unavailable, though the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
- If a thicker soup is desired, add a little more flour or reduce the broth slightly during cooking.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American