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Cheesy Beef & Potato Soup

This Cheesy Beef & Potato Soup is warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying — the perfect comfort bowl for busy nights. Tender potatoes simmer with flavorful ground beef in a rich, cheesy broth that tastes like a cozy hug. Simple ingredients, one pot, and big flavor make this an instant family favorite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp flour
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 3 cups peeled diced potatoes about 4–5 medium potatoes
  • 1 cup milk or half-and-half
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp sour cream optional, extra creaminess
  • Chopped parsley or chives for garnish optional

Method
 

  1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease if needed.
  2. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  3. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to coat. Cook 1 minute.
  4. Pour in beef broth, stirring to dissolve any flour lumps. Add diced potatoes, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook 18–22 minutes, until potatoes are fork-tender.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Stir in milk, then slowly add cheese by the handful, stirring until melted and smooth.
  7. Add sour cream (if using), taste, and adjust seasoning.
  8. Ladle into bowls, garnish with herbs, and serve warm.

Notes

Shred your own cheese — pre-shredded melts less smoothly.
Don’t boil after adding cheese or it can separate.
For thicker soup, mash a few potatoes right in the pot and stir.
Slow cooker option: brown beef first, then cook everything (except milk & cheese) Low 6–7 hours or High 3–4 hours. Stir milk and cheese in during last 20–30 minutes.
Make it lighter: reduce cheese by half or swap in extra broth.