Beef Potato Soup Hearty has always been my go-to for those nights when I need something truly comforting and satisfying. I remember my mom making this for us on a blustery autumn evening, the aroma of savory beef and tender potatoes filling our home. It was more than just a meal; it was a warm hug in a bowl. This classic beef potato soup recipe is simple to prepare, and I’m excited to share how to make this hearty beef potato soup with you. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Beef Potato Soup
- It’s incredibly flavorful and satisfying, a true comfort food beef potato soup experience.
- With a prep time of just 15 minutes, it’s an easy beef potato soup for busy weeknights.
- Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s a nourishing beef potato soup that feels good to eat.
- This recipe is budget-friendly, using simple ingredients you likely already have.
- It’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- You can easily customize it to make it thicker or creamier.
- This easy beef potato soup recipe is perfect for making a big batch to enjoy all week.
Ingredients for Hearty Beef Potato Soup
Gathering the right potato and beef soup ingredients is the first step to making this truly special meal. I always start with good quality beef to ensure that rich, savory base. The fresh vegetables add a wonderful sweetness and texture that balances the heartiness perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious beef potato soup recipe, ensuring it’s both nourishing and satisfying:
- 1 pound ground beef – I prefer 80/20 for the best flavor, but you can use leaner if you prefer.
- 1 large onion, chopped – about 1.5 cups, this adds a foundational sweetness.
- 2 carrots, chopped – these bring a lovely color and subtle sweetness.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped – for that classic aromatic base.
- 4 cups beef broth – the soul of the soup, use a good quality one for the best taste.
- 2 cups diced potatoes – Yukon Golds or red potatoes work wonderfully as they hold their shape.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – a classic herb that pairs beautifully with beef and potatoes.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – adjust to your taste, especially depending on your broth’s saltiness.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – freshly ground is always best!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – for a burst of freshness at the end.
How to Make Hearty Beef Potato Soup
Making a truly delicious and comforting bowl of soup is simpler than you might think. This ground beef potato soup recipe is designed to be straightforward, letting the flavors of the beef and vegetables shine. You’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
- Step 1: Start by browning the 1 pound ground beef in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, drain off any excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the chopped 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks to the pot with the beef. Sauté these vegetables until they begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent, which usually takes about 5-7 minutes. You’ll start to smell that wonderful savory base developing.
- Step 3: Pour in the 4 cups beef broth. Add the 2 cups diced potatoes, along with the 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
- Step 4: Bring the soup to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. You want to cook it until the potatoes are fork-tender and the flavors have melded beautifully. This is key to a perfect ground beef potato soup.
- Step 5: Just before serving, stir in the 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley. This adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the whole soup. This ground beef potato soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
Pro Tips for the Best Beef Potato Soup
I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to make this soup absolutely perfect. These tips will elevate your homemade beef potato soup from good to unforgettable. They ensure a rich flavor and satisfying texture every time.
- For a richer flavor, sear the ground beef until deeply browned before adding the vegetables.
- Don’t skip browning the aromatics (onion, carrot, celery) – this builds a crucial flavor base for your hearty beef and potato stew.
- Use good quality beef broth; it makes a significant difference in the overall savory taste.
- If you want a thicker beef potato soup, mash some of the cooked potatoes against the side of the pot with your spoon.
What’s the secret to perfect hearty beef potato soup?
The secret lies in building layers of flavor. Browning the beef well, sautéing the vegetables until softened, and using a good quality beef broth are key. For a truly thick beef potato soup, mashing some of the potatoes also creates a wonderful velvety texture. For more tips on building flavor, check out these sauces and marinades.
Can I make hearty beef potato soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup is fantastic for meal prep. You can make the entire pot a day or two in advance. The flavors actually meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How do I avoid common mistakes with homemade beef potato soup?
A common pitfall is not browning the beef enough, which leads to a bland flavor. Another mistake is overcooking the potatoes, making them mushy. Ensure you’re simmering until just tender. Also, avoid adding too much salt initially, as the broth can be salty; season at the end. Learning about proper cooking techniques can help prevent these issues.
Best Ways to Serve Hearty Beef Potato Soup
This comforting bowl is so versatile! I love serving this savory beef potato soup with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that delicious broth. Another favorite pairing of mine is a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to add a fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
For a truly hearty meal, consider a grilled cheese sandwich alongside your soup. It’s a classic combination that never disappoints and makes this already satisfying dish feel even more special. This soup is truly a complete meal on its own, but these additions just make it extra delightful. If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, explore these dinner recipes.
Nutrition Facts for Hearty Beef Potato Soup
This comforting soup is surprisingly balanced! Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional highlights per serving of this delicious hearty beef potato soup:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used in your homemade beef potato soup.
How to Store and Reheat Hearty Beef Potato Soup
This delicious comfort food beef potato soup is perfect for making ahead, which I love for busy weeks. Once it has cooled down a bit, transfer the soup into airtight containers. For enjoying within a few days, store it in the refrigerator; it will keep well for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store it for longer, pop those containers into the freezer, where it can last for up to 3 months. This makes having a hearty meal on hand so easy! You might also find these last recipes helpful for planning.
When you’re ready to reheat your leftover hearty beef potato soup, you have a couple of options. You can gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Just be sure to stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Beef Potato Soup
What makes this the best beef potato soup recipe?
I think the combination of perfectly browned beef, tender vegetables, and a rich, savory broth makes this the best beef potato soup. The secret is really in building those flavor layers from the start, and using good quality ingredients like fresh herbs and a flavorful broth truly makes a difference in creating that comforting, homemade taste.
Can I add other vegetables to this hearty beef potato soup?
Absolutely! This recipe is very forgiving. I often add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering. Some people even add diced tomatoes for a bit of acidity. Feel free to experiment with your favorite veggies to make it your own personalized hearty beef potato soup.
How do I make this hearty beef potato soup creamy?
To achieve a creamy texture, you can stir in about 1/2 cup of heavy cream or milk during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can blend a cup or two of the cooked soup (including some potatoes) until smooth and then stir it back into the pot. This will give you a wonderfully thick and creamy beef potato soup without compromising on flavor.
Is this soup considered a hearty beef and potato stew?
While it shares many similarities with a stew, like the hearty meat and potatoes, this is more of a soup. The broth is typically thinner than a stew, making it a perfect companion for dipping crusty bread. If you prefer a thicker consistency closer to a stew, try mashing some of the potatoes against the side of the pot as it simmers. For a different take on beef, consider these beef tacos.
Variations of Beef Potato Soup You Can Try
While this classic recipe is fantastic on its own, there are so many ways to customize it! If you’re looking for a different flavor profile or a dietary adjustment, try these ideas. You can easily transform this into a delightful creamy beef potato soup by stirring in some heavy cream or milk in the final minutes of cooking. For a lighter option, you could swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or even add extra vegetables like corn and peas for a heartier vegetable beef soup experience.
Another fun variation is to try a slow cooker method for ultimate ease. Just brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then combine everything in your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is perfect for a busy day and results in an incredibly tender and flavorful meal. For another easy meal idea, check out this ground beef and broccoli recipe.
Hearty Beef Potato Soup: Comforting 1-Pot Meal
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A hearty and comforting classic beef potato soup, perfect for a chilly evening. This treasured family recipe offers a journey through culinary history and the simple pleasures of good food.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups diced potatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour in the beef broth and add the diced potatoes, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
- Stir in the fresh parsley before serving. This hearty beef potato soup is ready to enjoy.
Notes
- For a thicker beef potato soup, you can mash some of the potatoes against the side of the pot.
- Serve this savory beef potato soup with crusty bread.
- This easy beef potato soup can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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