When the cold weather sets in and you’re craving something warm, cozy, and deeply satisfying, this Beef and Potato Soup hits the spot every time. Creamy, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients, it’s the kind of soup that brings everyone to the table—whether for a comforting winter dinner, a nourishing lunch, or a big batch meal-prep idea.
With tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, aromatic veggies, and a silky splash of cream, this one-pot wonder delivers rich flavor without any fuss. If you’re searching for easy dinner ideas, healthy food ideas, or a go-to homemade comfort food recipe, this soup checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot simplicity — Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Perfect winter comfort — Creamy, hearty, and warming.
- Family-friendly — Mild flavors and satisfying textures please any crowd.
- Customizable — Add veggies, change spices, or make it dairy-free.
- Meal-prep friendly — Stores and reheats beautifully.
Ingredients
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) — Helps sauté the aromatics and build flavor.
- Medium onion, diced — Adds sweetness and depth to the base.
- Garlic cloves, minced (3) — Brings aromatic warmth and richness.
- Ground beef (1 lb) — The hearty protein that makes the soup satisfying.
- Potatoes, peeled and cubed (3 medium) — The creamy, tender star of the dish.
- Carrots, sliced (2) — Add natural sweetness and color.
- Beef broth (4 cups) — Builds a rich and savory soup base.
- Heavy cream (1 cup) — Makes the soup silky and luxurious.
- Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup, optional) — Adds creaminess and a cheddar tang.
- Salt (1 tsp) — Enhances all the flavors.
- Black pepper (½ tsp) — Adds gentle heat and balance.
- Paprika (½ tsp, optional) — Provides a smoky undertone.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (1 tbsp) — A fresh, bright finishing touch.
How to Make Beef and Potato Soup
1. Start with the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant—avoid browning.
2. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
If there’s excess fat in the pot, drain it off to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
3. Add the Vegetables
Mix in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes to begin softening the vegetables, which will help them absorb more flavor later.
4. Simmer the Soup
Pour in the beef broth and bring the pot to a gentle boil.
Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender and the carrots are soft.
5. Make It Creamy
Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese if you want an extra-rich, cheesy finish. Stir until the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Season and Serve
Season the soup with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
Ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Tips for Success
- For a thicker soup, mash a few of the potatoes right in the pot.
- Don’t rush the simmer—it helps meld flavors and tenderize the vegetables.
- Add cheese gradually to prevent clumping.
- Taste before seasoning; broth and cheese can add saltiness.
Equipment Needed
- Large soup pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Ladle
Recipe Variations
- Dairy-Free Version — Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and skip the cheese.
- Veggie-Packed Version — Add corn, peas, celery, or spinach for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Twist — Add crushed red pepper, cayenne, or chipotle powder for heat.
- Low-Carb Option — Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets.
- Cheeseburger Soup Style — Add mustard, pickles, and extra cheddar for a fun twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with:
- Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
- A fresh green salad
- Homemade biscuits
- A sprinkle of extra cheddar on top
- Crackers for crunch
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup stores well for 3–4 days in the refrigerator and reheats perfectly.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes—just do so before adding the cream and cheese. Add them when reheating.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version that still tastes great.
Can I make it thicker?
Mash some potatoes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water).
Do I have to peel the potatoes?
No, if you prefer rustic-style soup, leave the skins on.
What potatoes work best?
Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes both become tender and creamy.
Beef and Potato Soup: Hearty Winter Meal
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Warm up with this comforting and creamy Beef and Potato Soup—a hearty bowl perfect for winter dinners or cozy lunches. This easy recipe combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and rich beef broth, finished with a swirl of cream for a silky touch. Whether you’re after quick dinner ideas, healthy food ideas, or a simple meal prep soup, this one-pot dish ticks every box. Perfect for family meals or storing for later.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until soft and translucent.
- Add minced garlic and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots. Cook for about 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to start softening.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, if using. Let it simmer gently until creamy and smooth.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a thicker texture, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot.
- Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for dairy-free.
- Add extra vegetables like peas or corn for variety.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Beef and Potato Soup is everything a winter meal should be—warm, creamy, hearty, and incredibly comforting. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights and delicious enough to serve when you want to impress family or friends. Whether you enjoy it as a cozy solo lunch or as part of a big family dinner, this homemade soup is sure to become a cold-weather favorite.
Give it a try and let this nourishing bowl bring comfort and warmth to your kitchen!