On chilly evenings, nothing beats a pot of creamy Beef And Potato Soup with tender ground beef and rich cheddar cheese. Simmering the potatoes until they’re fork-tender gives the broth a comforting heartiness. This family dinner is pure warmth in a bowl, ready to satisfy even the heartiest appetites.
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Ingredients for Beef And Potato Soup
For the soup
- Ground beef – Go for a good-quality one for the best flavor.
- Olive oil – A neutral, high-quality oil works perfectly here.
- Yellow onion – Finely chop it to blend seamlessly into the soup.
- Garlic – Freshly minced is the way to go for that aromatic punch.
- Low-sodium beef broth – Using low-sodium lets you control the saltiness.
- Water – Helps create the perfect soup consistency.
- Russet potatoes – Peeled and cubed, they’ll cook down to tender perfection.
- Kosher salt – Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste.
- Black pepper – Freshly ground adds a subtle warmth.
- Dried thyme – Its earthy flavor is a must in this cozy soup.
For finishing
- Heavy cream – Adds a rich, creamy texture to the soup.
- Fresh parsley – Chopped finely, it’s the perfect fresh garnish to brighten it all up.
Cook Time for Hearty Beef and Potato Soup
I love how this Easy Beef and Potato Soup recipe comes together so quickly after a busy day. It truly is the perfect savory one-pot beef potato dinner for a weeknight. Here’s the timing breakdown to get this winter comfort soup on your table.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
For more simple, time-saving meal ideas, check out my collection of healthy soup recipes.
How to Make Beef and Potato Soup recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat using a spoon or a fine-mesh strainer.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add 1 finely chopped medium yellow onion to the pot with the beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth and 4 cups of water. Add 4 medium russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 4: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
Step 5: Thicken and Finish
Turn off the heat. Use a potato masher to gently crush some of the potatoes directly in the pot, creating a thick and slightly chunky consistency for our slow-simmered beef potato stew.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream until the soup is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and garnish with 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve made this Hearty Beef and Potato Soup more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it even better! Here are my favorite ways to customize this tender beef chunks with thyme dish.
- Flavor Swap: For a smoky twist, try using smoked paprika instead of thyme. It gives the soup a whole new personality that my family adores.
- Diet Tweak: To make it lighter, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. The soup will still be wonderfully creamy.
- Prep Fix: For a creamier ground beef potato chowder texture, mash more of the potatoes. For a chunkier stew, mash just a few. You’re in control!
- Storage Tip: This soup stores beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if it’s thickened up too much. For more make-ahead inspiration, see my minestrone soup recipe.
Beef And Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 4 cups water
- 4 medium russet potatoes peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Method
- In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the finely chopped onion to the pot with the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in 4 cups of beef broth and 4 cups of water, then add the cubed potatoes, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the potatoes are very tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Turn off the heat. Use a potato masher to gently crush some of the potatoes right in the pot to thicken the soup. The finished consistency should be hearty and slightly chunky.
- Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream until the soup is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
This comforting Beef And Potato Soup is not just a treat for your taste buds; it also brings some wonderful nutrition to your table. I always feel good serving this to my family, knowing it’s packed with wholesome ingredients. Russet potatoes are a fantastic source of potassium and fiber, while the lean ground beef provides a solid protein boost to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
To make a well-rounded meal that aligns with the USDA Dietary Guidelines, I love pairing this soup with a simple green salad. For more inspiration on creating balanced meals, take a look at my broccoli and cauliflower soup, which is another favorite for getting extra veggies in. This savory one-pot beef potato dinner is a cozy way to enjoy a nutrient-dense meal, especially on a chilly evening.
A Lighter Version of Hearty Beef and Potato Soup
If you’re looking for a way to lighten up this classic without losing its soul-warming essence, I have a few simple swaps we use all the time. For a leaner option, try using ground turkey or even lean ground chicken instead of beef. You can also swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter creamy ground beef potato chowder that’s still wonderfully satisfying.
Another great trick is to add more vegetables, like chopped carrots or celery, to bulk up the soup with extra fiber. For another delicious and lighter soup idea, my carrot lentil soup is always a hit. And if you love the combination of potatoes and poultry, this Mexican sweet potato chicken soup offers a vibrant, healthy twist.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
I know that many of us are cooking for loved ones with different dietary needs, and I want to share how you can easily adapt this Beef And Potato Soup to be more inclusive. Whether you’re aiming for a more diabetic-friendly meal or just being more sugar-conscious, a few thoughtful tweaks can make all the difference. The goal is to enjoy the same comforting flavors while feeling your best.
For better glycemic control, consider using sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes, as they have a lower glycemic index. You can also be mindful of portion sizes to help maintain stable energy levels. If you’re avoiding dairy, simply omit the heavy cream or use a sugar-free, unsweetened almond milk for a different kind of creaminess. Remember, the most important thing is that the food you love can still be a part of your life with a little creativity.
How to Serve Beef And Potato Soup
I have such fond memories of serving this soup on crisp autumn evenings, with a loaf of crusty bread for dipping and the whole family gathered around the table. It’s the kind of meal that just feels like a warm hug. To make your Beef And Potato Soup a complete feast, I love serving it with a side of warm, buttery biscuits or a thick slice of sourdough to soak up every last bit of the hearty russet potato beef broth.
For a fresh contrast to the rich soup, a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette is perfection. If you’re planning a larger gathering, this soup pairs beautifully with my creamy tortellini soup for a cozy soup duo. And for another crowd-pleasing option that’s always on my menu, you have to try this beloved chicken taco soup. This slow-simmered beef potato stew is truly a versatile centerpiece for any comforting meal.
Mistakes to Avoid
After making this Beef And Potato Soup countless times for my family, I’ve learned a few common pitfalls that can easily trip you up. One mistake I used to make was rushing the sauté step—if you don’t brown the ground beef properly, you’ll miss out on so much depth of flavor. Take your time to get those lovely caramelized bits in the pot; they’re the secret to a rich, savory one-pot beef potato dinner.
Another misstep is overcooking the potatoes until they turn mushy. I always cut them into uniform chunks and check for tenderness with a fork about 15 minutes into simmering. For perfect results every time, check out my guide to healthy soup recipes with pro tips. Lastly, be cautious with salt—since broth and cheese can be salty, I taste and adjust seasoning at the end. Following Safe Food Handling guidelines ensures your hearty beef and potato soup is both delicious and safe.
How to Store Beef And Potato Soup
This soup holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those meals that somehow tastes even better the next day. I often make a double batch on Sunday evenings—it’s our favorite way to prep for busy weeks ahead. Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers; this keeps your creamy ground beef potato chowder fresh and flavorful.
Stored properly in the refrigerator, it will stay perfect for up to 4 days. For freezing, I portion it into freezer-safe bags laid flat to save space—it keeps for about 3 months. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or milk as the potatoes tend to absorb liquid. If you love make-ahead meals, you’ll adore my minestrone soup and butternut squash soup—they’re both fantastic freezer favorites too.
Try This Beef And Potato Soup Yourself
I can still picture my grandmother’s hands stirring her big stockpot of this exact soup, the steam fogging up the kitchen windows on chilly evenings. That memory is why this recipe means so much to me—it’s more than just food, it’s connection. I hope you’ll create your own family traditions with this comforting Beef And Potato Soup.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just need a cozy night in, this recipe is waiting to become part of your story. For more weeknight inspiration, try my green chicken enchilada soup, tom kha gai soup, or courgette soup. Each spoonful of this tender beef chunks with thyme creation is like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is cowboy soup made of?
Cowboy soup typically includes ground beef, potatoes, beans, corn, and tomatoes in a seasoned broth. It’s a hearty, throw-everything-in-the-pot kind of meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Our beef and potato soup recipe shares that same comforting, robust character.
Should you eat beef and potatoes together?
Absolutely! Beef and potatoes are a classic combination that provides complete nutrition—protein from the beef and carbohydrates from the potatoes. Together they create a satisfying meal that balances energy and sustenance perfectly. This pairing has been comfort food royalty for generations.
What meat goes with potato soup?
While ground beef is our favorite, potato soup pairs wonderfully with various meats. Try shredded chicken, diced ham, or even sausage for different flavor profiles. For another delicious option, my sweet potato chicken soup recipe offers a fantastic twist on this classic combination.
What is the most delicious soup in the world?
That’s wonderfully subjective—the most delicious soup is often the one that evokes the strongest memories! For me, it’s this beef and potato soup that tastes like home. But globally, favorites range from Vietnamese pho to Italian wedding soup, each special in its own way.
Cozy Soup Recipes For Every Season
Nothing comforts the soul quite like a warm bowl of soup—here are more family favorites that never disappoint.
Classic Chicken Soup – The ultimate feel-good remedy with tender chicken, vegetables, and soul-warming broth.
Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup – A vibrant kick of flavor with crispy tortilla strips and creamy avocado.
Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup – All the nostalgic flavors of a cheeseburger in your favorite cozy bowl.
Carrot Lentil Soup – Earthy, nutritious, and beautifully spiced for those meatless Monday moments.
