Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Sink your spoon into the cozy comfort of Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup—a hearty, soul-satisfying dish that wraps you up in warmth with every creamy bite. Imagine tender potatoes, savory beef, and ribbons of melted cheddar coming together in a rich, velvety broth. This is the type of meal that soothes after a long day and gathers everyone eagerly around the kitchen table. Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next potluck, Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup is about to become a regular star in your recipe rotation!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup lies in its straightforward list of ingredients—each one serves a purpose, whether it’s adding richness, depth, or a pop of color. You probably have most of these staples on hand, and together they transform into a bowlful of flavor that’s utterly irresistible.

• Ground beef: Adds hearty flavor, protein, and makes the soup extra satisfying—use 80/20 for rich taste.
• Yellow onion: Gives sweetness and aromatic depth, making the base of the soup taste oh-so comforting.
• Garlic: A small but mighty addition for that classic savory hit; fresh garlic is truly best here.
• Beef broth: The savory backbone of the soup, infusing every bite with meaty warmth.
• Yukon Gold potatoes: Creamy and buttery, these potatoes hold their shape and soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a gorgeous color throughout the soup.
• Kosher salt: Brings out every ingredient’s full flavor potential—taste as you go!
• Black pepper: Adds just enough pep and warmth to balance the cheesy richness.
• Cheddar cheese: The melty star—shred your own for creamier results and extra flavor.
• Heavy whipping cream: The secret to that luscious, silky texture everyone loves.
• Cornstarch: Makes the soup uniquely thick and dreamy without weighing it down.
• Water: Needed to create the cornstarch slurry and properly thicken the soup.
• Parsley: For a fresh finish and a splash of color—don’t skip the garnish!

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely diced onion, letting them cook together. Use your spoon to break up the beef as it browns, and make sure the onions become soft and translucent. This takes about 8-10 minutes and creates a savory, fragrant foundation for your Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup. When done, carefully drain off any excess grease before moving on—you want flavor, not heaviness!

Step 2: Add Garlic and Bloom the Flavor

Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about one minute. This quick step lets the garlic release its aroma without burning, infusing the entire pot with a subtle depth that elevates all the other flavors to come.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Pour in the beef broth and add the diced Yukon Gold potatoes, along with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and bring the mixture up to a boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. You’re waiting for the potatoes to become fork-tender—they should be soft but not falling apart.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Take the shredded cheddar and add it gradually to the soup, stirring continuously. This step is where the true magic of Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup happens! By stirring in the cheese a little at a time, you ensure it melts perfectly and doesn’t clump, resulting in luxurious creaminess.

Step 5: Make it Creamy

Pour in the heavy whipping cream and blend it well into the soup. Let the pot gently heat for another 3-5 minutes so everything becomes silky and cohesive—this is the step that makes your soup taste like pure comfort in a bowl.

Step 6: Thicken the Soup

Mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to create a smooth slurry. Pour this into the bubbling soup while stirring constantly. Give it another 2-3 minutes on simmer—watch as your Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup thickens to the perfect, scoopable consistency.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle in plenty of chopped parsley and an extra handful of cheddar if you like it-extra cheesy (who doesn’t?). Now, stand back and admire your creation—it’s ready to be served piping hot!

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Garnishes

Elevate every bowl with a scatter of freshly chopped parsley and a bonus shower of cheddar cheese. The fresh herb adds color and freshness, while the extra cheddar melts just enough to create irresistible cheesy strings. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a crack of black pepper or a tiny sprinkle of smoked paprika right before serving.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup is filling enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a side of warm biscuits, or a simple green salad. Serve alongside classic garlic bread for dipping, or offer a platter of crisp pickles for a tangy contrast to the creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for maximum wow-factor! Or ladle it into small mugs for a cozy appetizer at gatherings. For a fun family night, set out bowls of extra garnishes—like crumbled bacon, green onions, or diced tomatoes—so everyone can customize their own serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 3-4 days and the flavors only deepen, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup! Let it cool completely, then ladle portions into freezer containers. Freeze for up to two months—just keep in mind the texture may slightly change due to the dairy and potatoes, but it’ll still taste amazing.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to keep the cheese smooth. If it thickens up too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it back to creamy perfection. Microwave reheating works too, just use medium power and stir every minute.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor, but mild cheddar melts beautifully. If you’re feeling creative, try Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a little smoked Gouda for something special.

What type of potatoes work best?

Yukon Gold potatoes are the gold standard here—they’re creamier than russets and hold their shape in soup. But if all you have are russets or red potatoes, go ahead and use them; just keep an eye on texture.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

You can swap the ground beef for a meatless ground alternative and use vegetable broth. The flavors will be slightly different, but it will still be hearty and comforting!

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Stir the cheese in gradually over low to medium heat, and make sure the soup isn’t boiling when you add it. Shredding your own cheese from a block (instead of using pre-shredded) also helps the melting process.

Can I make Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup in a slow cooker?

Yes—you can brown the beef and onions first, then add everything (except cheese, cream, and cornstarch) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cheese, cream, and thickener just before serving for the creamiest result.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup is pure, melt-in-your-mouth comfort food—perfect for any occasion, from hurried weeknights to leisurely weekends when you need a little extra coziness. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s destined to become a family favorite. So grab your pot and get cooking; your new go-to soup awaits!

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