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### Instructions:
#### 1. **Cook the Beef**:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil or **butter** over medium-high heat. Add the **ground beef** (or cubed stew meat) and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season the beef with a pinch of salt, pepper, and **paprika** (if using). Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat, and set the beef aside.
#### 2. **Sauté the Vegetables**:
In the same pot, add another tablespoon of **butter**. Toss in the diced **onion** and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced **garlic** and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. This step brings out the flavors in the onion and garlic, creating a savory base for the soup.
#### 3. **Add the Potatoes and Broth**:
Add the diced **potatoes** to the pot and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Pour in the **beef broth**, ensuring that the potatoes are covered. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for about **15-20 minutes**, or until the potatoes are tender when pierced with a fork.
#### 4. **Add Dairy and Simmer**:
Once the potatoes are tender, stir in the **milk** and **heavy cream**. This adds creaminess to the soup and helps balance the savory flavors with a rich texture. Bring the soup back to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
#### 5. **Add the Cheese**:
Gradually stir in the shredded **cheddar cheese** (or your cheese blend of choice), allowing it to melt completely into the soup. Continue to stir until the soup becomes creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more **salt** and **pepper** if needed.
#### 6. **Add the Beef Back In**:
Return the cooked **beef** to the soup and stir until it’s evenly incorporated. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. The beef adds heartiness and depth, making the soup even more satisfying.
#### 7. **Serve and Garnish**:
Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh **parsley** or **green onions** for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
## Tips for Making the Best Cheese, Beef, and Potato Soup
1. **Use a Starchy Potato**: For the creamiest soup, use starchy potatoes like **Russet** or **Yukon Gold**. These potatoes break down and help thicken the soup naturally, creating a velvety texture.
2. **Make It Extra Cheesy**: For an even cheesier soup, feel free to add more cheese! Try a mix of **cheddar**, **Monterey Jack**, or **gruyère** for added flavor. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top of each bowl for an extra cheesy finish.
3. **Customize the Vegetables**: While potatoes are the star of this soup, you can add other vegetables like **carrots**, **celery**, or **corn** to make it even heartier. Just chop them into small pieces and add them with the potatoes.
4. **Spice It Up**: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of **cayenne pepper**, a **jalapeño**, or a dash of **hot sauce** to the soup. The cheese helps to mellow out the heat, making for a flavorful and balanced dish.
5. **Use Ground Turkey or Chicken**: If you prefer a leaner option, swap the **ground beef** for **ground turkey** or **ground chicken**. You’ll still get a hearty soup, but with less fat.
6. **Make It in the Slow Cooker**: You can easily convert this recipe to a slow cooker version. Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the potatoes and broth. Cook on low for **6-8 hours** or high for **3-4 hours**, then add the dairy and cheese at the end, and cook until everything is melted and creamy.
7. **Add a Little Crunch**: If you like a bit of texture contrast, top your soup with **crispy bacon bits** or **fried onions** for added crunch and flavor.
## How to Serve Cheese, Beef, and Potato Soup
This soup is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with the following sides:
1. **Crusty Bread or Rolls**: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. A warm, buttered baguette or soft dinner rolls are ideal.
2. **Green Salad**: A fresh, simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup and adds a light balance.
3. **Garlic Bread**: For extra indulgence, serve the soup with buttery, garlicky bread. It’s the perfect sidekick to sop up all that cheesy goodness.
4. **Cheese Sticks or Biscuits**: If you’re craving more cheese, pair the soup with mozzarella cheese sticks or cheddar biscuits for a comforting, cheesy combo.
## Variations on Cheese, Beef, and Potato Soup
1. **Loaded Baked Potato Soup**: For a loaded twist, top your soup with **crispy bacon**, **sour cream**, **green onions**, and extra shredded cheese. It’s like a loaded baked potato in soup form!
2. **Vegetarian Version**: Skip the beef and add more vegetables like **mushrooms**, **zucchini**, or **spinach** for a vegetarian-friendly option. You can even use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lighter soup.
3. **Beef and Cheddar Chili Soup**: Turn this soup into a chili by adding **kidney beans**, **tomatoes**, and chili spices like **cumin** and **chili powder**. This adds a hearty, spicy twist to the classic.
4. **Creamy Beef and Broccoli Soup**: Add some fresh **broccoli** florets for an added veggie boost. The broccoli will cook down nicely in the broth and pair wonderfully with the beef and cheese.
## Conclusion: The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl
**Cheese, Beef, and Potato Soup** is a classic comfort food that brings together the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and cheesy flavors in every spoonful. Hearty and satisfying, this soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners, special occasions, or any time you need a warm, filling meal. It’s easy to prepare, fully customizable, and makes for a deliciously cozy experience.
So, whether you’re serving it as a meal
on its own or pairing it with a fresh salad or warm bread, this cheesy, beefy, and potato-filled soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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