Imagine the comforting aroma of simmering ground beef, mingling with the earthy scent of thyme and the sweetness of carrots, filling your kitchen with warmth.
Picture creamy potato soup, with its rich, velvety texture, inviting you to take a soothing pause from the day’s hustle.
This soup matters to me because it’s the kind of meal that wraps around your shoulders like a cozy blanket, bringing comfort when it’s most needed.
On a particularly hectic weeknight, when my family was scattered and schedules clashed, this simple yet hearty dish brought us all back to the table, offering a moment of shared solace and connection.
Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a leisurely Sunday supper, this soup is your answer to a nourishing meal that requires minimal fuss.
Ready? Let’s cook and create some delicious memories together!
Why You’ll Love It
- Delivers bold flavor with a rich blend of beef and vegetables.
- Utilizes pantry staples for a convenient and cost-effective meal.
- Provides a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cold weather.
- Offers flexibility to adjust seasonings and ingredients to personal taste.
- Freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep and leftovers.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef — opt for lean beef for less excess fat.
- 4 cups potatoes, diced — russet potatoes work well.
- 1 cup onion, chopped — yellow onion is a great choice.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic adds more flavor.
- 4 cups beef broth — choose low-sodium for more control over seasoning.
- 1 cup carrots, sliced — peel for a smoother texture.
- 1 cup celery, sliced — guarantee even slices for uniform cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt — adjust to taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper — freshly ground enhances flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme — fresh thyme can be used if available.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream — adds richness to the soup.
Step-by-Step Method
Heat the large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it’s browned evenly, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks.
Once browned, drain any excess fat from the pot to avoid a greasy soup. This step guarantees a rich and flavorful base for your soup.
Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned beef. Sauté them together until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic fragrant.
This process takes about 3-4 minutes and enhances the depth of flavor in your soup, providing a savory aroma.
Add Vegetables
Stir in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery. Mix well so that the vegetables are coated with the beef mixture.
This allows the vegetables to absorb some of the beef flavors, setting the foundation for a hearty and fulfilling soup.
Pour in Broth
Pour in the beef broth, making sure all ingredients are submerged. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
This is vital for integrating the flavors and cooking the vegetables thoroughly. It’s the beginning of the simmering process that will tenderize the ingredients.
Season the Soup
Add salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to the pot. Stir well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the soup.
Adjust seasonings to taste if necessary. This step is essential for enhancing all the natural flavors of the ingredients and creating a well-balanced soup.
Simmer Gently
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes. During this time, the vegetables should become tender, absorbing the flavors of the broth and seasonings.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This gentle simmering guarantees a smooth and flavorful soup.
Incorporate Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup cook for an additional 5 minutes.
This step adds a rich, velvety texture to the soup, rounding out all the flavors. Be sure to mix thoroughly to avoid any separation in the cream.
Rest and Serve
Remove the pot from the heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
This resting period allows the flavors to meld together further. Use a ladle to serve the soup hot into bowls. Enjoy the comforting and hearty flavors of your homemade Ground Beef Potato Soup.
Ingredient Swaps
- For a leaner option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based cream for a dairy-free version.
- Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a vegetarian alternative, and incorporate a meat substitute like textured vegetable protein (TVP) to maintain the soup’s heartiness.
- If you prefer a lower-carb version, swap the potatoes for cauliflower florets.
You Must Know
- Brown the Beef: Confirm the ground beef is fully browned before proceeding to the next step for ideal flavor and texture in the soup.
- Cut Vegetables Uniformly: Dice potatoes and slice carrots and celery evenly to confirm they cook at the same rate, resulting in a well-blended soup.
- Simmer Slowly: Allow the soup to simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and the vegetables become tender without overcooking.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and thyme to your preference before serving to confirm the soup is seasoned to your liking.
- Let Soup Rest: Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes after cooking to enhance the flavors and provide a more cohesive taste experience.
Serving Tips
- Pair with a crusty bread or garlic toast for added texture.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color.
- Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal.
- Accompany with a light red wine or iced tea for a invigorating contrast.
- Add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese for extra richness.
Storage & Make-Ahead
Ground Beef Potato Soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
It also freezes well for up to 3 months, making it an excellent make-ahead meal.
For best results, freeze the soup without the heavy cream.
Add the cream after reheating to maintain a creamy texture.
Reheating
To gently reheat Ground Beef Potato Soup, use a microwave-safe bowl for the microwave.
Use a pot on the stovetop over low heat.
Alternatively, use an oven-safe dish at 300°F.
Cultural Significance of Soups
Although soups are often seen as simple comfort foods, they hold a rich tapestry of cultural significance across the globe.
For me, soup is a vessel of history, a warm reminder of the stories and traditions passed down through generations.
Imagine the rich, aromatic bowls of pho in Vietnam, each spoonful echoing centuries of culinary evolution.
Or consider the hearty borscht of Eastern Europe, brimming with beets and a deep connection to the land.
Here in America, soups like our beloved ground beef potato variety reflect a melting pot of influences, a blend of old-world flavors with new-world innovation.
Every culture has its own cherished soup, a dish that nourishes not just the body, but the soul, connecting us all.
Final Thoughts
Give this comforting Ground Beef Potato Soup a try, and feel free to tweak the ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy the cozy flavors and don’t forget to share your delicious creation with friends and family!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey. I’ve done it myself and found it adds a lighter flavor. Just make sure to season well to enhance the turkey’s taste. Enjoy your delicious creation!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, I’d replace ground beef with hearty mushrooms or plant-based crumbles. I’d use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, enhancing flavors with extra herbs. It’s a comforting, satisfying twist on the original.
Is It Possible to Freeze This Soup?
Absolutely, you can freeze it! I always let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently. It’s like savoring a cozy hug later!
What Can I Use to Thicken the Soup?
To thicken the soup, I’d mash some potatoes directly in the pot. You could also mix a slurry of flour and water or cornstarch. These additions create a rich, comforting texture that’s simply irresistible.
How Long Can This Soup Be Stored in the Fridge?
I’d store this comforting soup in the fridge for up to four days. Each day, the flavors deepen, making every reheated bowl a delightful experience. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Enjoy!
Ground Beef Potato Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Knife
- 1 Ladle
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 4 cup potatoes diced
- 1 cup onion chopped
- 2 clove garlic minced
- 4 cup beef broth
- 1 cup carrots sliced
- 1 cup celery sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Heat the large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook the beef until browned, then remove excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the beef and sauté until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced potatoes, sliced carrots, and celery.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with a ladle into bowls.
Notes
