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Comforting Cheesy Beef Soup

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This comforting cheesy beef soup is a rich and hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings. With tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a creamy cheese blend, it offers a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (preferably 80/20 for optimal flavor)
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 stalks celery, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 medium potato, peeled and diced (about 1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer flavor)
  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild based on preference)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking.
  2. Sauté the beef: Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Look for a nice caramelization on the edges. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning.
  3. Add vegetables: Stir in 1 medium diced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 3 diced carrots, 2 diced stalks of celery, and 1 diced red bell pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion is translucent.
  4. Incorporate potatoes and spices: Add 1 diced potato, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the spices to coat the veggies and meat for about 1 minute.
  5. Add the broth: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium beef broth. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes until the potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally.
  6. Stir in dairy: Once the potatoes are cooked through, add 1 cup of whole milk (or heavy cream) and 8 ounces of softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and incorporated. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil as it can curdle the dairy.
  7. Add cheddar: Gradually stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup. This should take about 2-3 minutes, and the soup will become beautifully creamy. If it feels too thick, add a splash more broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt and pepper to suit your preference. This is where you can really dial in the flavor!
  9. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your comforting bowl of cheesy goodness!

Nutrition

Keywords: Don't rush the browning of the beef for deep flavors. Use a heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution.

Find it online: https://crumella.com/hearty-cheesy-beef-soup-delight/