Hearty Potato Beef Comfort Soup Recipe

Cozy Hearty Potato Beef Soup Recipe for Soul-Warming Comfort

Chilly evenings call for a steaming bowl of potato beef comfort soup that warms you from the inside out.

This robust soup blends tender chunks of beef with creamy potatoes in a rich, savory broth.

hearty ingredients mingle together, creating layers of satisfying flavor that dance across your palate.

Rustic and comforting, each spoonful tells a story of home-cooked goodness.

The aroma alone promises a delightful meal that banishes winter’s chill.

Simple ingredients transform into a nourishing masterpiece that feels like a warm embrace.

Savor every bite and let this soup become your new cold-weather companion.

Top Features of Hearty Potato Beef Comfort Soup

  • A soul-warming soup that hugs you from the inside, perfect for chilly days or when you need a nutritious pick-me-up.
  • Requires simple chopping and basic cooking skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Dump-and-go recipe that lets you walk away while it simmers, transforming basic ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal with minimal hands-on time.
  • Packed with hearty beef, tender potatoes, and creamy cheese, this soup appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates all around.

Ingredients for Potato Beef Comfort Soup

Meat Base:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the soup.
  • Onions: Adds depth and sweetness to the overall taste profile.
  • Garlic: Brings a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.
Liquid and Broth:
  • Beef Broth: Creates the foundational liquid for the soup's consistency and enhances meaty flavor.
  • Milk: Helps to create a creamy texture and acts as a thickening agent when combined with cornstarch.
Vegetables and Herbs:
  • Potatoes: The main ingredient that provides heartiness and helps thicken the soup.
  • Mixed Vegetables: Adds nutrition, color, and variety to the soup.
  • Basil, Parsley: Fresh herbs that contribute a bright and fresh flavor to the dish.
Thickening and Cheese:
  • Cornstarch: Helps to create a smooth and slightly thickened soup consistency.
  • Velveeta Cheese: Melts easily and adds a creamy, rich cheese flavor to the soup.

Kitchen Tools for Cozy Soup Nights

  • Large Skillet: Perfect for browning ground beef and sautéing onions with deep, even heat.
  • Slow Cooker or Large Pot: Essential for simmering and combining all soup ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps dice onions, garlic, and chop fresh herbs.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Colander: Useful for draining excess grease from the meat.

Making Potato Beef Comfort Soup at Home

Step 1: Sear Savory Meat

Brown ground beef and diced onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat develops a rich color and onions become translucent.

Carefully drain excess fat to keep the soup light and flavorful.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Garlic

Add minced garlic to the meat mixture and cook for an additional minute, releasing its intense fragrance.

Transfer the meat and garlic blend to a large pot or slow cooker.

Step 3: Layer Hearty Ingredients

Combine the following ingredients in the pot:
  • Chunky potato pieces
  • Rich beef broth
  • Chopped carrots
  • Diced celery
  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Chopped parsley

Step 4: Slow Simmer to Perfection

Cook the soup on low heat in a slow cooker for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.

Alternatively, simmer on the stovetop until potatoes become tender and start to slightly break down, creating a thick, comforting texture.

Step 5: Creamy Finishing Touch

Whisk cornstarch into milk until smooth, then gently stir into the soup.

Add cubed Velveeta cheese and stir occasionally until completely melted, creating a rich and creamy consistency.

Soup-Making Tips for Beefy, Hearty Flavor

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and keep the soup healthier without sacrificing flavor.
  • Cut potatoes into uniform chunks for even cooking and to help them break down slightly, creating a thicker soup texture.
  • Shred the Velveeta before adding to help it melt smoothly and distribute evenly throughout the soup.
  • Adjust the cornstarch mixture to thicken or thin the soup based on your preference – start with less and add more if needed.
  • Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to enhance the depth of the beef and potato flavors.

Variations for Potato Beef Comfort Soup

  • Vegetarian Potato Soup: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty, meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Gluten-Free Comfort Soup: Substitute cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Lean Protein Option: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat alternative. Use low-sodium broth to reduce salt content.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace Velveeta with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative. Use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk for creamy texture.

Serving Suggestions for Beef Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Companion: Serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty bread to soak up all the delicious broth and catch every last drop of flavor.
  • Protein Power Boost: Top each bowl with crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream to add extra richness and texture.
  • Winter Warming Sidekick: Pair this comforting soup with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness and add a fresh contrast to the meal.
  • Leftover Magic Transformation: Use any remaining soup as a base for a shepherd's pie by spreading it in a baking dish, topping with mashed potatoes, and baking until golden and bubbly.

Best Ways to Store Potato Beef Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the soup is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Transfer the soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
  • Warm the soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick. Heat until steaming and completely warmed through.

FAQs

  • Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from beef, vitamins from vegetables, and carbohydrates from potatoes, making it a balanced and filling meal.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even lamb work great as substitutes for beef in this recipe.

  • Do I need a slow cooker to make this soup?

No, you can easily prepare this soup on the stovetop by simmering the ingredients together for about 45-60 minutes until potatoes are tender.

  • How can I make the soup healthier?

Use lean ground beef, add more vegetables like carrots or spinach, and opt for low-sodium broth to reduce calories and increase nutritional value.

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Hearty Potato Beef Comfort Soup Recipe

Hearty Potato Beef Comfort Soup Recipe


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4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 8 hours 5 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy potato beef comfort soup delivers warmth from Irish kitchens. Robust ingredients blend perfectly, creating a soul-satisfying meal you’ll crave during chilly evenings.


Ingredients

Scale

Hearty Potato Beef Comfort Soup

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) lean ground beef
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) peeled and diced russet potatoes
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) velveeta cheese, cubed

Vegetables & Aromatics:

  • 1 medium white onion, peeled and diced
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 2 cups (473 milliliters) frozen vegetable mix

Liquids & Thickeners:

  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups (355 milliliters) milk
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) cornstarch

Seasonings:

  • 3 teaspoons (15 milliliters) dried basil
  • 2 teaspoons (10 milliliters) dried parsley flakes

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté ground beef and onions until meat is thoroughly browned and onions become translucent, approximately 7-8 minutes.
  2. Drain excess fat from the skillet and add minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Transfer meat mixture to a slow cooker or large pot, incorporating diced potatoes, beef broth, mixed vegetables, dried basil, and fresh parsley.
  4. For slow cooker: Cook on low setting for 6-7 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours. For stovetop: Simmer gently over medium-low heat for 45-55 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Whisk cornstarch into milk until smooth, then gradually pour into the soup to thicken, stirring continuously.
  6. Add cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring intermittently until completely melted and integrated into the soup, creating a creamy, rich texture.
  7. Allow soup to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and achieve optimal consistency.

Notes

  • Customize Meat Choice swap ground beef with ground turkey or lean chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation replace Velveeta with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternative to make the soup vegan-friendly.
  • Vegetable Flexibility toss in extra seasonal vegetables like carrots or zucchini to boost nutrition and add more texture to the soup.
  • Thickening Technique if preferring a thicker consistency, gradually add extra cornstarch mixture instead of using milk to control soup’s density.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (slow cooker) or 55 minutes (stovetop)
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 26 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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