Hearty Cheesy Beef Soup: Rich & Satisfying Comfort (Print Version)

Warm up with our rich Hearty Cheesy Beef Soup. It's a satisfying bowl of tender beef, veggies, and melty cheese. Pure comfort for chilly evenings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 40 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Comfort Food

# Ingredients:

→ Beef & Veggie Base

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, chopped
04 - 2 celery stalks, chopped

→ Flavor Builders

05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 6 cups beef broth
07 - 1 tbsp tomato paste
08 - 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
09 - 1/2 tsp dried thyme
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Dairy & Finishers

11 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
12 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
13 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

→ Optional Toppings

14 - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
15 - Crusty bread, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - In a large pot or Dutch oven, get that ground beef sizzling over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, let it get beautifully browned. This is where so much flavor starts for your Hearty Cheesy Beef Soup! Once it's cooked through, drain off most of that excess fat. I usually leave just a tablespoon or two for sautéing the veggies. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them soften up for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them tender, but not mushy, you know?
02 - Now for the garlic! Add your minced garlic to the pot and stir it around for about a minute until you can really smell that amazing aroma. Don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made too many times, and burnt garlic is just sad. Next, sprinkle in the flour over the veggies and beef. Stir it well for another minute or two, letting it cook out that raw flour taste. This step is crucial for thickening our Hearty Cheesy Beef Soup; it creates a little roux right in the pot!
03 - Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that's pure flavor! Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and dried thyme. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This gives all those flavors a chance to meld and deepen. The smell at this point? Oh my goodness, it’s heavenly, a true sign of a good Hearty Cheesy Beef Soup brewing!
04 - Uncover the pot and slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly. You want to make sure it incorporates smoothly without any lumps. Let the soup heat through, but don't bring it to a rolling boil after adding the milk, or it might curdle. Just a gentle simmer is what we're after for that perfect creamy texture. This is where our Hearty Cheesy Beef Soup starts to get its comforting body.
05 - Remove the pot from the heat. This is important! Now, gradually add your grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it's completely melted and smooth. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully without it becoming stringy or greasy. I've added cheese too early while still boiling, and it was a bit of a kitchen disaster, so trust me on this one. Taste and adjust your seasonings—maybe a little more salt or pepper? You're almost there!
06 - Ladle your glorious Hearty Cheesy Beef Soup into bowls. I love to garnish mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up with some crusty bread for dipping. Take a moment to just appreciate the rich aroma and the comforting warmth. This soup is a hug in a bowl, truly satisfying and perfect for any chilly evening. It's a dish that always brings a smile to my face, and hopefully, to yours too!

# Notes:

01 - Browning the beef *really* makes a difference. Don't rush it!
02 - This soup tastes even better the next day, honestly, perfect for leftovers.
03 - I once swapped out cheddar for Monterey Jack, and it was a total game-changer for a milder flavor.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh parsley and a crusty bread? Chef's kiss!

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot or Dutch oven
02 - wooden spoon
03 - cutting board
04 - knife
05 - cheese grater

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 28g

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