Description

Imagine coming home after a long day to the warm, inviting aroma of a hearty soup wafting through your kitchen. This creamy potato and ground beef soup is not just a dish; it’s a comforting experience that warms your heart and fills your belly. Originating from the desire to make cooking easier without sacrificing flavor, this slow-cooked masterpiece combines the robust taste of ground beef with the creamy texture of potatoes, all while simmering away to perfection in your trusty slow cooker.

What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It's a delightful blend of flavors, enhanced by ingredients like Worcestershire sauce and paprika, that brings depth to what might seem like a straightforward soup. The addition of heavy cream and cheddar cheese creates a luscious texture that transforms this soup into a favorite family staple. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile: whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or as a comforting dish for guests, it never fails to impress.

So, gather your ingredients, and let’s create something delicious that you’ll want to make time and again!

Ingredients

• For the Soup Base:
• 1 pound of ground beef (ground chuck is flavorful, but lean ground beef is preferable)
• 4 medium russet potatoes, cut into half-inch cubes
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 cups of beef broth (low-sodium if preferred)
• 1 cup of heavy cream (use half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (choose sharper cheese for a stronger flavor)
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon of butter
• 2 tablespoons of dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (optional for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons of water (if needed for the cornstarch mixture)

Preparation Method

1. Cook ground beef in a large frying pan over medium heat, breaking it up and seasoning with salt and pepper for 7 to 10 minutes. Drain excess fat and set aside.

2. In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat and cook finely chopped onion for 4 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

3. Transfer onion and garlic mixture to a slow cooker. Peel and chop russet potatoes into half-inch cubes and add to the slow cooker.

4. Pour in three cups of beef broth and add the cooked ground beef, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

5. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until potatoes are tender.

6. About 30 minutes before serving, drizzle in heavy cream while stirring. Add sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese, folding until combined.

7. For a thicker soup, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then gradually add to the soup while stirring. Simmer until desired thickness is reached.

Tips and Conclusion

This creamy potato and ground beef soup is incredibly adaptable. If you’d like to introduce additional vegetables, feel free to add in some carrots or celery when you add the potatoes—these will enhance both the nutrition and flavor of the dish. For a little heat, consider incorporating a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños if your palate leans toward the spicy side.

Moreover, this soup stores beautifully. Cool any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container, and refrigerate. You can enjoy the flavors of your soup for up to three days! If you’d like to freeze the leftovers, do so before adding the cream; this keeps the texture from changing. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop, then stir in the heavy cream and cheese just before serving.
Preparing this creamy potato and ground beef soup is not just about creating a dish; it's about the joy of sharing a warm meal with family or friends. The combination of creamy textures, hearty flavors, and the ease of slow cooking makes it a recipe that you will likely return to again and again.

Once you’ve savored the delights of this soup, consider exploring some of our other comforting recipes, such as inventive variations on classic chili or delightful stews that warm the soul.

We invite you to share your experience with this recipe! Tag us with your photos or thoughts, and don’t forget to keep browsing; there’s a whole culinary world waiting for you right here!