If you’re craving a bowl that warms your soul and fills your tummy with comfort, this Beef and Potato Soup: Hearty Winter Meal Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender ground beef mingling with soft, creamy potatoes all swimming in a rich beef broth, accented by a touch of cream that makes every bite smooth and indulgent. This soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly days when you want something simple, delicious, and satisfying all at once. Whether you’re looking for easy dinner ideas or a reliable dish to prep ahead for the week, this recipe will become your go-to for hearty homemade comfort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color to bring this soup to life. From the savory beef to the velvety cream, everything is straightforward yet essential to achieving that perfect balance.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the onions and garlic, it adds a subtle richness and helps build flavor.
- Onion (medium, diced): Provides a sweet and aromatic base that enhances the soup’s depth.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Adds a warm, pungent kick that brightens the overall taste.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The heart of the soup, bringing hearty, meaty goodness that makes this meal truly satisfying.
- Potatoes (3 medium, peeled and cubed): Deliver soft chunks that soak up the broth’s flavors and add a creamy texture.
- Carrots (2, sliced): Offer sweetness and a pop of color, balancing the savory notes.
- Beef broth (4 cups): The rich liquid base that ties the soup together and intensifies the beef flavor.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the soup its luscious creaminess and smooth finish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup, optional): Adds indulgent cheesiness that melts perfectly into the soup.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of warmth without overpowering.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Offers a subtle smoky note and vibrant color.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped for garnish): A fresh, herbal pop to finish the soup beautifully.
How to Make Beef and Potato Soup: Hearty Winter Meal Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by warming olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and cook it gently until it becomes soft and translucent. This creates a flavorful foundation. Then, add the minced garlic and stir it around for about a minute until you catch that lovely fragrant aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Next, add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s fully browned. Don’t rush this part—the browning adds incredible savory depth. If there’s excess fat after cooking, feel free to drain it off for a leaner soup.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Stir in the cubed potatoes and sliced carrots, letting them mingle with the beef for about five minutes. This gives the vegetables a chance to start softening and absorb some of those tasty juices before being simmered in broth.
Step 4: Simmer in Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth, and bring the whole pot to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the potatoes are perfectly fork-tender. This simmering melds the flavors together beautifully.
Step 5: Make It Creamy and Season
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream. If you like cheesy soups, add shredded cheddar now and let it melt smoothly into the mixture. Finish by seasoning with salt, black pepper, and paprika according to your taste. Give it a good stir to combine all those flavors perfectly.
Step 6: Final Touches
Serve your soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the hearty richness.
How to Serve Beef and Potato Soup: Hearty Winter Meal Recipe
Garnishes
A simple handful of freshly chopped parsley does wonders to bring vibrancy and a mild herbal note that complements the creamy depth. For an extra indulgent touch, a spoonful of sour cream or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits can elevate the experience to something truly special.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a standalone meal, but pairing it with warm crusty bread or garlic toast is a classic combo that never fails. You might also enjoy a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side to add some freshness and contrast to the rich soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or a cozy dinner party, serve the soup in individual bread bowls to wow your guests. Another fun idea is to use small mason jars or rustic handled mugs for a charming, casual presentation that feels both inviting and homey.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers to preserve freshness and prevent any absorption of fridge odors. Before eating, just give it a gentle stir as some ingredients may settle.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a future meal, this soup freezes well. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some extra space for expansion. It’s best to omit the cream if you plan to freeze, adding it fresh when reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If needed, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the soup and bring back that gorgeous creamy consistency. Avoid boiling once cream is added to keep it silky smooth.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef with higher fat content?
Absolutely! Higher fat ground beef can result in a richer soup, just be sure to drain excess fat after browning to avoid an overly greasy result.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap heavy cream for coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative, which still delivers a satisfying creaminess without dairy.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or even diced celery for extra flavor and nutrients. Just add them during the simmering step so they cook through.
How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be comfortably thick but still spoonable; if you want it thicker, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot or cook a little longer uncovered to reduce excess liquid.
Is this soup freezer-friendly with cheese?
Cheese can sometimes change texture after freezing, so it’s best to add shredded cheddar after reheating rather than before freezing for the best creamy taste.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Potato Soup: Hearty Winter Meal Recipe is more than just a soup—it’s your new favorite remedy for cold days and a reliable dish that brings warmth and comfort with every spoonful. I encourage you to give it a try, share it with loved ones, and make it part of your cozy meal rotation. Once you do, it’s sure to become a cherished winter classic that you’ll return to again and again.
Print
Beef and Potato Soup: Hearty Winter Meal Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Warm up with this comforting and creamy Beef and Potato Soup—a hearty bowl perfect for winter dinners or cozy lunch ideas. This easy one-pot recipe combines tender potatoes, seasoned ground beef, and rich beef broth, finished with a swirl of cream for a silky touch. Ideal for family meals or make-ahead meal prep, it’s a delicious homemade comfort food favorite that’s simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Main 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
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes, to build a flavorful base.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon for even cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the peeled and cubed potatoes along with sliced carrots. Cook for approximately 5 minutes to let the vegetables start to soften slightly.
- Simmer in Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and stir in the heavy cream and cheddar cheese if using. Let it cook gently until the soup is creamy and smooth.
- Season the Soup: Add salt, black pepper, and paprika to taste, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve hot for best enjoyment.
Notes
- For a thicker soup texture, mash some of the potatoes directly in the pot with a potato masher.
- To make this dish dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or another plant-based cream alternative.
- Add extra vegetables like peas or corn to increase nutrient variety and add slight sweetness.
