Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese
- Crispy bacon bits
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Use a spoon or spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is well-browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease from the pot if needed.
- Add potatoes and broth: Stir in the peeled and diced potatoes along with the chicken broth. Raise the heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
- Add milk and cream: Pour in the milk and heavy cream, stirring gently to combine everything evenly. Allow the soup to heat through gently; avoid bringing it back to a full boil to prevent separating the dairy.
- Melt the cheese: Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Season and simmer: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Let the soup simmer uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and the broth to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Spoon the hot soup into bowls. Add optional toppings like extra cheddar, bacon bits, or sliced green onions for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid scorching the dairy.
- Customization: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding chopped carrots, celery, or even swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
- For a thicker soup, mash a few of the cooked potatoes into the broth before adding dairy.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream or reduce the amount of cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: One Pot & One Pan
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
