Creamy potatoes simmered into a rich, comforting soup with savory toppings, a classic winter bowl that feels hearty, warming, and deeply satisfying.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 55 min
Ingredients
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 cup whole milk
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked ground beef, finely crumbled
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Melt the butter with the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and lightly translucent, stirring often.
Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, making sure it does not brown.
Add the diced potatoes and vegetable broth, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the potatoes are very tender.
Mash part of the potatoes directly in the pot to thicken the soup while keeping some chunks for texture.
Lower the heat and stir in the milk, cream, and shredded cheese, mixing gently until the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Fold in the cooked ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and simmer a few minutes longer until everything is heated through and well blended.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 420 | Protein: 18g | Carbs: 34g | Fat: 24g
Quick Facts
• one-pot meal
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• budget friendly
• freezer friendly
Tips
Dice the potatoes evenly so they cook at the same rate and mash smoothly.
Mash only part of the soup to keep a creamy base with satisfying potato chunks.
Add the cheese over low heat to prevent separation and keep the texture silky.
Variations
Extra Creamy Comfort
Blend more of the soup and add a splash of extra milk to create a smoother and richer texture. This variation feels extra indulgent and is perfect for slow evenings at home. If you’re a fan of creamy classics, this southern biscuits and gravy recipe could be a perfect cozy pairing.
Vegetable Boost
Stir in chopped broccoli or cauliflower during the last minutes of cooking. These veggies add texture and nutrition while blending well with the base flavor. For more hearty and practical dinner options, check out this dinner ideas using only pantry staples roundup.
Lighter Loaded Version
Cut back on the cheese and use more milk in place of cream to keep the soup comforting but lighter for everyday meals. The result is still satisfying but more balanced.