Name: Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups peeled and diced potatoes; 3 cups beef broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Cooked bacon bits (optional); Chopped green onions (optional); Extra cheese for topping (optional)

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup is your ultimate comfort food in a bowl. Creamy, savory, and loaded with hearty ground beef, tender potatoes, and gooey melted cheese, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Whether you’re prepping it for a cozy family dinner or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this soup delivers flavor and satisfaction in every spoonful.

It comes together with simple ingredients and minimal effort, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are a bonus. With just the right balance of richness and texture, it pairs well with a crusty slice of bread or a light green salad.

What Kind of Potatoes Work Best in Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup?

For best results, go with russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Russets offer a starchy base that blends into the broth beautifully, while Yukon Golds maintain their shape and add a buttery finish. Red potatoes can work in a pinch but may not break down as nicely for that creamy consistency.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

1 lb ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups peeled and diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or russet)
3 cups beef broth
1 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes for a little heat
Optional toppings: cooked bacon bits, chopped green onions, extra cheese

How To Make the Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat and set beef aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Simmer the Potatoes

Add the diced potatoes, beef broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.

Step 4: Blend for Creaminess

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup right in the pot. Blend about half of the soup to keep some potato chunks for texture. (Or transfer half to a blender, blend, then return it to the pot.)

Step 5: Add Dairy and Cheese

Lower the heat and pour in the milk and heavy cream. Stir in the cheddar cheese a handful at a time until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Return the cooked beef to the pot, stir everything together, and let it heat through for a few minutes. Adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with bacon, green onions, or extra cheese.

Serving and Storing Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Serve this soup piping hot with a thick slice of buttered bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. It also makes a great starter for a holiday dinner or potluck.

To store, allow the soup to cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works well and will slightly lighten the dish. Just season it well to maintain depth of flavor.

How do I make it gluten-free?

This soup is naturally gluten-free as long as your beef broth and cheese are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the beef and sauté onions first, then transfer all ingredients (except milk, cream, and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. Add dairy and cheese in the final 30 minutes.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

You can mash the potatoes with a potato masher or transfer a portion of the soup to a standard blender.

Can I add veggies?

Sure! Carrots, corn, or chopped spinach make great additions without overpowering the creamy, cheesy base.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If this Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup hit the spot, check out these other cozy creations:

Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts for an easy protein-packed dinner.
Shipwreck Dinner if you love meat-and-potato simplicity.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a cheesy, slow-cooked comfort.
Creamy Cajun Steak Alfredo for a spicy kick to your creamy cravings.
Thick and Creamy Seafood Chowder for a rich, ocean-inspired option.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board for those days you crave something cheesy and filling.

And when you give it a try, let me know how it went. Did you stick with beef or swap it out? Try any new mix-ins? I’m all ears in the comments—we’re in this kitchen journey together.

For more dinner inspiration, follow my daily cooking adventures on Pinterest: Nina Dishes

Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Beef and Potato Soup is the perfect cozy dish for any night of the week. Hearty ground beef, creamy potatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese come together in a soul-warming bowl that’s easy to make and always satisfying.