BEST BEEF POTATO SOUP

Is there anything more satisfying than a bowl of hearty soup on a cold day, especially when it’s brimming with tender beef, creamy potatoes, and savory flavors? Forget those bland, watery soups you’ve had before because this Mexican Beef And Rice Soup is about to become your new go-to comfort food. This Beef Potato Soup is so simple to make and packed with flavor, I promise your family will be begging for seconds!

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes (or ground beef)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Soup Base:

• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (optional, for extra creaminess)

For the Potatoes:

• 2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed

For Finishing:

• 1 cup milk or half-and-half (more or less, to desired consistency)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or more, to taste)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Talk Beef: Choosing Your Cut

Alright, friend, let’s get down to brass tacks about the beef. I personally love using beef stew meat because, with a little patience, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. However, sometimes you just need dinner on the table fast. In that case, ground beef (or as some call it, minced meat) is your best friend! Just brown it up nicely before adding the veggies. You can even use ground sausage for a fun twist, especially if you are craving Creamy Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup flavors!

Veggies: The Flavor Foundation

Don’t skimp on the vegetables! The onion, carrots, and celery (also known as mirepoix) are going to build a beautiful flavor base for our soup. Make sure to dice them evenly so they cook at the same rate. And the garlic? Oh, the garlic! Freshly minced is always best, but if you’re short on time, the pre-minced stuff will work in a pinch. Remember, cooking is about making it work for *you*!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Beef

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper.
3. Add the beef to the pot and sear on all sides until browned. This step is crucial for developing flavor! If using ground beef, brown it completely and drain off any excess grease.
4. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

1. Return the beef to the pot.
2. Pour in the beef broth, add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the beef is tender. The longer it simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
4. If using, stir in the condensed cream of mushroom soup during the last 30 minutes of simmering. This will give your soup a luscious, creamy texture. It’s a trick my grandma taught me! For a different flavor profile, you could even consider Recipes With Campbells Cheddar Soup for a Cheesy Potato Soup twist.

Step 4: Add the Potatoes

1. Add the cubed potatoes to the pot.
2. Continue to simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

1. Remove the bay leaf.
2. Stir in the milk or half-and-half until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the dairy, as it can curdle.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
5. Serve hot and enjoy!

Potato Power: Picking the Perfect Spud

I swear by Yukon Gold potatoes for this soup! They have a naturally creamy texture and hold their shape beautifully when cooked. But honestly, any type of potato will work. Russets will give you a slightly more rustic, chunky soup. Red potatoes are also a good option, but keep the skins on for extra nutrients and a bit of texture. It’s all about personal preference, my friend!

Creamy Dreams: Achieving the Perfect Texture

Want a super creamy soup? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve! First, using Yukon Gold potatoes helps. Second, the optional cream of mushroom soup really kicks it up a notch. And third, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the milk or half-and-half. Just be careful not to over-blend it – you still want some chunks of potato and beef! For a different spin on creaminess, consider how a Creamy Potato Soup achieves its texture, perhaps adapting some elements into our Beef Potato Soup recipe. You could even explore making a Creamy Beef And Potato Soup by adding a touch of heavy cream at the end!

Taco Time: A Fun Variation

Feeling adventurous? Turn this into a Taco Potato Soup! Just add a packet of taco seasoning to the soup while it’s simmering. Top with your favorite taco toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocado, and crushed tortilla chips. It’s a delicious and unexpected twist on a classic! If you’re really feeling the taco vibe, remember you can always make Mexican Beef And Rice Soup.

Storage and Reheating: Soup’s On!

This Beef Potato Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk if it’s thickened up too much. And this freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Don’t forget, you can prep all of your ingredients ahead of time to make your soup making even faster!

More Soup Inspiration

If you’re a soup fanatic like me, you’re always looking for new and exciting recipes to try! Be sure to check out my Lasagna Soup Recipe for a fun twist on a classic Italian dish. Or, if you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, my Cheeseburger Soup Recipe is always a crowd-pleaser.

The Perfect Ending

So there you have it – my ultimate Beef Potato Soup recipe! I hope you love it as much as my family does. It’s a simple, comforting, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!