Creamy ground beef and potato soup is a warm, hearty one-pot meal filled with tender potatoes, seasoned beef, vegetables, and a rich cheesy broth. It is simple enough for a busy weeknight but comforting enough to make again and again during cool weather.
Every spoonful is creamy, savory, and satisfying. Serve it with crusty bread, dinner rolls, or a fresh salad for an easy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This soup uses everyday ingredients and comes together in one pot. Ground beef adds rich flavor, potatoes make it filling, and cheese and cream create the smooth, comforting texture everyone loves.
It is also easy to adjust with extra vegetables, different cheeses, or a little heat from crushed red pepper.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, optional
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Drain excess grease if needed, then transfer the beef to a plate.
Cook the Vegetables
Add olive oil to the same pot. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the Potatoes and Broth
Stir the browned ground beef back into the pot. Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes if using.
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until the potatoes are tender.
Make It Creamy
In a small bowl, whisk the flour and milk together until smooth. Slowly pour the mixture into the soup while stirring.
Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, until the broth thickens slightly.
Add Cheese and Cream
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese melts and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Do not let the soup boil hard after adding dairy, as this can cause the cheese sauce to separate.
Serve Hot
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Soup
Cut the potatoes into small, even pieces so they cook at the same rate. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes both work well in this recipe.
For a thicker soup, mash a few cooked potato pieces against the side of the pot before adding the cheese. For a thinner soup, add a splash of extra broth or milk.
Use freshly shredded cheese when possible. It melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Easy Variations
Add corn, green beans, peas, or chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.
For a smoky flavor, add cooked crumbled bacon on top before serving.
You can replace cheddar with Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy beef and potato soup is delicious with garlic bread, biscuits, cornbread, crackers, or a grilled cheese sandwich.
A crisp side salad with a simple vinaigrette helps balance the rich, creamy broth.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often. Add a little milk or broth if the soup thickens too much after chilling.
Final Thoughts
Creamy ground beef and potato soup is a cozy, filling meal that turns simple ingredients into something special. With tender vegetables, rich beef, soft potatoes, and a cheesy broth, it is the perfect recipe for a comforting homemade dinner.