Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup
Introduction to Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup
There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup on a chilly evening. It wraps you up in coziness, soothes hunger, and feels like home. One of the most satisfying soups you can make is Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup. This hearty, creamy dish combines tender ground beef, soft potatoes, melted cheddar cheese, and a perfectly seasoned broth into a meal that satisfies every craving.
Unlike many soups that can feel too light, Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup is rich enough to serve as a complete dinner. It’s packed with protein from beef, carbs from potatoes, and indulgence from cheese and cream. Every spoonful is layered with flavor: savory beef, silky broth, earthy potatoes, and a touch of spice from paprika and Worcestershire sauce.
This recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and loved by adults and kids alike. If you’ve been searching for a soup that balances heartiness with comfort, you’ll find yourself making Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup again and again.
Why This Recipe Works
The genius of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup lies in its thoughtful balance of simple, everyday ingredients and clever cooking techniques. Here’s why it works so well:
Ground Beef Adds Flavor Fast
Browning ground beef not only brings protein to the dish but also builds a flavorful base for the broth. The meat releases juices that season the onions and garlic, giving the soup a deep, savory foundation.
Potatoes Create Heartiness
Diced yellow potatoes soak up the broth and cook to tender perfection, adding a comforting starchy body that makes the soup filling enough to be a full meal.
Cheese and Cream for Richness
Sharp cheddar cheese and heavy cream bring indulgence to every spoonful, transforming the broth into a silky, cheesy sauce that clings to the beef and potatoes.
Worcestershire and Paprika for Depth
A splash of Worcestershire sauce and smoky paprika elevate the soup from ordinary to unforgettable, adding subtle complexity.
One-Pot Wonder
Everything cooks in a single pot, making Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup easy to prepare, easy to clean up, and perfect for weeknights.
It’s this clever combination of affordable ingredients, smart layering, and comforting textures that makes the recipe a winner.
What You’ll Need for This Recipe
Here’s a closer look at the ingredients that make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup shine:
1 pound ground beef – Choose 80/20 for the best flavor balance. Too lean and the soup loses richness.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Helps sauté the onion and prevents the beef from sticking.
1 medium onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth to the base of the soup.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances flavor with an aromatic punch.
3 cups yellow potatoes, diced – Creamy and tender, they add bulk and heartiness.
4 cups chicken broth – Provides a light yet flavorful liquid base. Beef broth can be used for deeper flavor.
2 cups milk – Softens the broth and adds creaminess.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – The star of the recipe, giving it that gooey, cheesy appeal.
1 cup heavy cream – Enriches the soup, making it luxuriously smooth.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Essential seasonings for balance.
1 teaspoon dried parsley – A subtle herbal note.
1 teaspoon paprika – For warmth, color, and a hint of smokiness.
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth, umami, and complexity.
With this lineup, you’ve got all the makings of a bowl of pure comfort.
How to Make Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup:
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
Add Potatoes and Broth
Stir in diced potatoes, chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, paprika, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, until the potatoes are fork-tender.
Make it Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Add milk and heavy cream, stirring gently.
Allow to heat through without boiling (to prevent curdling).
Add the Cheese
Gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or paprika if desired.
Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra parsley, shredded cheese, or even crispy bacon bits for extra indulgence.
By following these steps, you’ll have a steaming pot of Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup ready to serve.
Tips + Tricks & More for Recipe Success
Here are some expert pointers to ensure your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup turns out perfect every time:
Cut Potatoes Evenly: This ensures they cook at the same rate.
Shred Cheese Freshly: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that affect melting. Freshly shredded cheddar melts smoother.
Don’t Let Dairy Boil: Once milk and cream are added, keep heat low to avoid curdling.
Boost Flavor with Bacon: Adding a handful of crispy bacon bits brings smoky richness.
Try Different Cheeses: Mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for variety.
Thicken if Desired: If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes before adding the cheese.
Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove to maintain texture.
These tricks help make your Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup restaurant-worthy.
How to Serve Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup
Presentation makes a difference. Ladle Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup into wide bowls to showcase the creamy broth and chunks of beef and potatoes. Garnish with:
A sprinkle of shredded cheddar.
Fresh parsley for a pop of green.
Crumbled bacon for crunch.
A drizzle of olive oil for richness.
Serve hot with crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup with the right sides turns it into a full meal. Here are some ideas:
Bread: Rustic sourdough, garlic bread, or buttermilk biscuits.
Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.
Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed broccoli.
Beverages: A light lager, sparkling water with lemon, or a glass of chilled Chardonnay.
This makes Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup perfect not only as a weeknight dinner but also as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings.
Time Required for Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup
Here’s the time breakdown:
Prep Time: 15 minutes (dicing vegetables, shredding cheese)
Cook Time: 30 minutes (browning, simmering, melting cheese)
Total Time: About 45 minutes
That makes Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup a great option for busy evenings when you want something homemade and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
Final Thoughts on Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup
If comfort food had a definition, Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup would be at the top of the list. It’s creamy, hearty, satisfying, and easy to make with ingredients you probably already have at home. This recipe works beautifully for families, potlucks, or even meal prep since it reheats well.
The combination of beef, potatoes, cheddar, and cream creates a soup that’s both rustic and indulgent. Add the smoky notes of paprika, the savory punch of Worcestershire, and the fresh herbs, and you have a bowl of soup that’s far more exciting than the usual weeknight fare.
Make it once, and Cheesy Ground Beef and Potato Soup will become part of your regular rotation. Serve it on a cold evening, and watch it warm both body and soul.