This comforting potato soup with ground beef is a hearty and satisfying dish that's perfect for a chilly evening. It combines the flavors of tender Yukon gold potatoes, savory ground beef, and creamy cheddar cheese in a rich and creamy broth that's seasoned to perfection.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are likely already in your pantry or refrigerator. However, fennel seeds might not be a common ingredient in every kitchen. They add a unique and slightly sweet flavor that complements the richness of the soup. Make sure to look for them in the spice aisle when you head to the supermarket.
Potato Soup with Ground Beef Ingredients
Ground beef: This forms the base of the soup, providing a savory, meaty flavor.
All-purpose flour: This helps to thicken the soup.
Yukon gold potatoes: These add a buttery flavor and creamy texture.
Unsalted butter: It adds richness and depth to the soup.
Celery: This provides a delicious crunch and flavor.
Onion: It adds a layer of sweetness and depth to the soup.
Heavy cream: This makes the soup rich and creamy.
Whole milk: It adds to the creaminess of the soup.
Water: This helps to dilute the soup to the proper consistency.
Fennel seeds: They provide a unique and slightly sweet flavor.
Salt and ground white pepper: These season the soup and enhance the other flavors.
Cheddar cheese: This adds a sharp, tangy flavor and a bit of creaminess.
One reader, Freddi Pyle says:
This potato soup with ground beef recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tender beef and creamy potatoes creates a rich and satisfying dish. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the addition of cheddar cheese on top adds a delightful touch. It's a comforting and hearty meal that's perfect for any occasion.
Key Techniques for Crafting Delicious Potato Soup With Ground Beef
How to brown ground beef: Cook and stir the ground beef in a pot over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until slightly browned. Stir in the flour.
How to prepare potatoes: Rinse the starch from the potatoes and keep them in water until needed.
How to sauté vegetables: Place the butter in the pot along with celery and onion. Cook over medium-high heat for 5 to 7 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
How to simmer soup: Cook at a low simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until all the liquid is slightly thick and the potatoes are soft.
How to season soup: Season with fennel seeds, salt, and pepper.
How to serve: Top with cheddar cheese, serve, and enjoy!
How To Make Potato Soup with Ground Beef
This potato soup with ground beef, topped with cheddar cheese, will delight you with its perfect balance of creamy and savory.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1½lbground beef
- 2tbspall-purpose flour
- 2½lbsYukon Gold potatoes,peeled, chopped
- ¼cupunsalted butter
- 1bunchcelery,chopped
- 1medium onion,chopped
- 2cupsheavy cream
- 1cupwhole milk
- 1cupwater
- fennel seeds,to taste
- salt and ground white pepper,to taste
- ¼cupCheddar cheese,shredded
Instructions
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Cook and stir the ground beef in a pot over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until slightly browned. Stir in the flour.
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While the meat is browning, rinse the starch from potatoes. Keep them in water until needed.
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Move the browned meat to a plate, discarding the fat.
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Place the butter in the pot along with celery and onion.
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Cook over medium-high for 5 to 7 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
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Add the potatoes, heavy cream, milk, and water.
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Cook at a low simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, until all the liquid is slightly thick and the potatoes are soft.
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Season with fennel seeds, salt, and pepper.
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Top with cheddar cheese, serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 2403.06kcal
- Fat: 239.59g
- Saturated Fat: 145.37g
- Trans Fat: 8.84g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 67.04g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.86g
- Carbohydrates: 41.88g
- Fiber: 4.97g
- Sugar: 7.03g
- Protein: 30.10g
- Cholesterol: 686.93mg
- Sodium: 1725.50mg
- Calcium: 249.61mg
- Potassium: 1372.89mg
- Iron: 3.99mg
- Vitamin A: 1922.31µg
- Vitamin C: 39.89mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting Your Potato Soup With Ground Beef
When preparing your potatoes, it's important to cut them into uniform pieces. This ensures that they all cook evenly and at the same rate. If some pieces are larger than others, they may not be fully cooked when the smaller pieces are done, resulting in a soup with inconsistent texture. Additionally, rinsing the potatoes after cutting removes excess starch, which can make your soup overly thick or gummy. This step is especially important when using starchy potatoes like Yukon Golds.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Potato Soup With Ground Beef
Prepare the ingredients: Gather and prepare all the ingredients and tools needed for the recipe before starting to cook. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute scrambling.
Multi-task: Look for opportunities to multi-task, such as chopping vegetables while the meat is browning or preparing the garnishes while the soup is simmering. This can help save time and make the cooking process more efficient.
Use pre-cut or pre-cooked ingredients: Consider using pre-cut vegetables or pre-cooked meat to cut down on prep time. This can be especially helpful when you're short on time but still want to enjoy a homemade meal.
One-pot cooking: Opt for one-pot recipes whenever possible to minimize the number of dishes to clean. This not only saves time during cooking but also during cleanup.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook. This will help you move more efficiently and reduce the time spent searching for tools or ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Potato Soup with Ground Beef Recipe
ground beef - Substitute with ground turkey: Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and can be used as a healthier option in the recipe.
all-purpose flour - Substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour: This substitution is suitable for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease.
yukon gold potatoes - Substitute with russet potatoes: Russet potatoes have a similar texture and can be used as a substitute for Yukon gold potatoes in the recipe.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative to butter in the recipe.
celery - Substitute with fennel: Fennel has a similar crunchy texture and a subtle licorice flavor that can be used as a substitute for celery in the recipe.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to onions and can be used as a substitute in the recipe.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream in the recipe.
whole milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to whole milk in the recipe.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with gouda cheese: Gouda cheese has a similar creamy texture and can be used as a substitute for cheddar cheese in the recipe.
How to Beautifully Present This Hearty Soup
Elevate the plating: Present the potato soup with ground beef in a deep, elegant bowl, allowing the rich colors and textures to shine through. The bowl should be clean and free of any spills or smudges, ensuring a professional and polished presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle a few delicate parsley leaves on top of the soup to add a pop of vibrant green color and a hint of freshness. This simple touch will enhance the visual appeal and provide a subtle contrast to the hearty dish.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a small cluster of crispy fried shallots on top of the soup to introduce a delightful crunch and elevate the overall dining experience. The crispy element will create a delightful contrast to the creamy soup.
Utilize complementary serveware: Pair the soup with a sleek, modern spoon that complements the elegance of the dish. The spoon should be meticulously clean and polished, reflecting attention to detail and sophistication.
Focus on symmetry: Arrange the elements in the bowl with precision, ensuring that the presentation is balanced and visually appealing. Pay attention to the placement of ingredients to create a harmonious and inviting display.
Highlight the cheese: Grate a touch of high-quality aged cheddar cheese over the soup just before serving, allowing the rich aroma to tantalize the senses and adding a touch of luxury to the dish. The cheese should be finely grated and evenly distributed for a professional finish.
Emphasize the color contrast: Consider serving the potato soup with ground beef alongside a complementary element, such as a slice of artisanal multigrain bread, to introduce a visual contrast and elevate the overall presentation. The bread should be carefully sliced and positioned to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Potato Soup With Ground Beef
- Pot: A large, heavy-bottomed pot is essential for cooking the soup and ensuring even heat distribution.
- Spatula: A spatula is useful for stirring the ground beef and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking.
- Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for chopping the celery, onion, and potatoes.
- Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables and ensures safety while using a knife.
- Measuring cup: Measuring cups are essential for accurately portioning the heavy cream, milk, and water.
- Whisk: A whisk is useful for incorporating the flour into the ground beef and for stirring the soup to prevent lumps.
- Potato peeler: A potato peeler is necessary for peeling the potatoes before chopping.
- Cheese grater: A cheese grater is essential for grating the cheddar cheese to top the soup.
- Soup ladle: A soup ladle is useful for serving the potato soup with ground beef.
Proper Storage and Freezing Methods for Potato Soup
Allow the potato soup to cool completely before storing or freezing. This will prevent the formation of condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
For short-term storage, transfer the cooled soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop over time, making the soup even more delicious.
When reheating refrigerated soup, ensure it reaches a temperature of 165°F (74°C) to maintain food safety. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating throughout.
If you plan to freeze the soup, consider the following steps:
- Portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents for easy identification.
- Lay the bags flat in the freezer to maximize storage space and promote even freezing.
- Potato soup with ground beef can be frozen for up to 3 months without significant loss of quality.
To thaw frozen soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to defrost overnight. Alternatively, you can place the frozen container in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the soup has thawed.
When reheating frozen soup, pour it into a pot and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup appears too thick, you can add a little milk or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Avoid refreezing previously frozen soup, as this can negatively impact its texture and quality. Only reheat the portion you plan to consume immediately.
The Best Methods for Reheating Leftover Potato Soup
Reheat the potato soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out and restore its creamy texture.
For a quicker method, reheat individual portions of the potato soup in the microwave. Transfer the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a damp paper towel to prevent splatters, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the soup is heated through.
If you have stored the ground beef separately from the potato soup, reheat the beef in a skillet over medium heat until it's hot and then add it to the reheated soup. This will help maintain the texture of the beef and prevent it from becoming overcooked or mushy.
For a crispy twist, top the reheated potato soup with some freshly grated cheddar cheese and place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This will add a delightful contrast of textures to the creamy soup.
If you find that the flavors have mellowed after refrigeration, brighten up the reheated potato soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Surprising Trivia About Potato Soup With Ground Beef
Potato soup with ground beef is a hearty and comforting dish that is perfect for a cold day. It's a great way to use up leftover ingredients and can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. This recipe is a delicious combination of creamy potatoes, savory ground beef, and aromatic spices. It's a filling and satisfying meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it's a great source of protein and essential nutrients. So, next time you're looking for a cozy and delicious meal, consider making potato soup with ground beef!
Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Making Potato Soup at Home
This potato soup with ground beef recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Potatoes and ground beef are affordable, and the addition of celery and onion adds flavor without breaking the bank. The use of heavy cream and cheddar cheese may slightly increase the cost, but the overall ingredients are budget-friendly. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20. The hearty nature of this dish makes it a satisfying and economical choice for a family meal. Verdict: 8/10.
Is Potato Soup With Ground Beef Healthy or Unhealthy?
This potato soup with ground beef recipe is relatively unhealthy due to several factors:
- High saturated fat content from the ground beef, butter, heavy cream, and cheddar cheese
- Lack of vegetables, which limits the nutritional value of the dish
- High calorie density, especially from the heavy cream and cheese
- Potentially high sodium content, depending on the amount of salt added
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Replace the ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken to reduce saturated fat
- Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream and whole milk to decrease calorie density
- Incorporate more vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or spinach, to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a healthier alternative, such as olive oil
- Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a smaller amount of regular cheddar to lower the saturated fat content
- Be mindful of the amount of salt added, and consider using herbs and spices for flavor instead
- Serve the soup with a side salad or whole-grain bread to balance the meal and add more nutrients
By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and nutritious version of the potato soup with ground beef recipe. The key is to maintain a flavorful dish while reducing the overall calorie density and increasing the nutrient content through the addition of vegetables and the use of healthier ingredient alternatives.
Our Editor's Honest Opinion on This Comforting Soup Recipe
The recipe for potato soup with ground beef is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tender ground beef, creamy potatoes, and aromatic fennel seeds creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile. The addition of cheddar cheese adds a delightful sharpness to the soup. However, I would suggest adjusting the seasoning to enhance the overall taste. Overall, this recipe offers a delicious and filling meal that is sure to be a hit with family and friends.
Enhance Your Potato Soup with Ground Beef Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Potato Soup with Ground Beef Recipe:
This recipe offers a comforting and hearty potato soup with the addition of savory ground beef. The combination of yukon gold potatoes and heavy cream creates a rich and creamy base, while the use of celery and onion adds depth of flavor. The inclusion of fennel seeds introduces a subtle, aromatic note, enhancing the overall taste. With a generous topping of cheddar cheese, this dish promises a satisfying and indulgent dining experience.
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