Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
Thickening & Flavor
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent, releasing its flavors.
- Cook Potatoes in Broth: Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and cooked through.
- Prepare Thickening Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the heavy cream until smooth. This mixture will act as a thickener for the soup.
- Thicken the Soup: Add the cream and flour mixture into the pot and stir well to combine. This step will help thicken the soup base and give it a creamy texture.
- Add Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot while stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich and creamy soup.
- Season the Soup: Season with salt, pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Simmer for Flavor: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This lets the flavors meld and the soup reach your desired consistency.
- Cool Slightly: Remove the pot from heat and let the soup cool slightly before serving to enhance flavor and prevent burning.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, but the soup may be less creamy.
- For a spicier kick, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Ensure to drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American