With the hustle and bustle of life, it can be difficult to find a simple and fast dinner recipe that pleases everyone in the family. That's where the Creamy Ground Beef Soup comes in – a one-pot dish that offers both taste and ease. Drawing inspiration from the traditional caldo de queso, this recipe adds a unique touch by including ground beef, catering to those who enjoy beef. By incorporating creamy elements and poblano peppers, it not only enriches the flavor but also introduces a hint of Mexican culinary influence to your dining experience.
The preparation of this soup is as straightforward as it is delicious. It begins with sautéing onions in olive oil and butter until they are golden and soft, releasing a delightful aroma that fills the kitchen. Adding garlic, ground beef, and a blend of spices like salt, pepper, and Mexican oregano, the mixture is cooked until the beef is thoroughly done. The process is simple, yet the outcome is a robust base that sets the stage for the rest of the dish.
Once the beef mixture is ready, the pot is brought to a vigorous boil with the addition of water and chicken bouillon. This crucial step ensures that the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a savory broth that is both rich and satisfying. Potatoes are then added, cooked until they are tender enough to be pierced with a fork. These potatoes not only add substance to the soup but also absorb the flavors of the broth, making each bite a delightful experience.
The final touch comes with the addition of roasted poblano peppers and crema fresca, which bring a creamy, slightly spicy element to the soup. A splash of heavy whipping cream can be added to achieve the desired consistency, ensuring the soup is as rich and indulgent as you wish. Allowing the mixture to simmer for a few more minutes helps to marry all the flavors together, resulting in a harmonious and comforting dish that is sure to please any palate.
Serving this creamy ground beef soup is a breeze. Garnish with cilantro for a fresh finish, and consider adding bacon bits or Cotija cheese for extra flavor. For a true Mexican dining experience, accompany the soup with lime-sprinkled tortillas. Whether you're serving it up for a family dinner or enjoying a bowl on your own, this recipe is a quick and easy solution for a hearty and satisfying meal. As the recipe creator suggests, you may even want to double the batch – it's that delicious!
Ingredients:
Olive oil
Butter
1 onion, chopped
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 lb ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
Crushed red peppers (optional)
Mexican oregano
1-2 cubes chicken bouillon
4-5 cups water
2-3 potatoes, peeled and diced
2-3 roasted poblano peppers, chopped
1 cup crema fresca (Los Altos recommended)
If needed, use 1/2 cup of heavy cream
Bacon bits (for topping)
Cotija cheese (for topping)
Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Tortillas (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Place your burner on medium heat. Add a little bit of olive oil to a pot, followed by some butter.
Add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until they are soft and golden.
Add minced garlic, ground beef, salt, pepper, crushed red peppers, and Mexican oregano to the pot.
Break down the ground beef with a spatula and cook for about 6 minutes, or until it's cooked through.
Increase the heat to high and add water to the pot.
Add the chicken bouillon and stir well. Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil.
Add the diced potatoes to the pot. Cover with a lid and boil for about 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and can be pierced with a fork.
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the roasted poblano peppers and crema fresca.
If needed, add more heavy whipping cream to achieve desired creaminess (about ½ cup). Let the soup simmer on a low boil for another 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Once done, turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro over the soup.
Serve hot, topped with bacon bits and Cotija cheese. Optionally, enjoy with a squeeze of lime on tortillas rolled with a sprinkle of salt.
This creamy ground beef soup is perfect for a family dinner or a comforting solo meal. Its rich flavors and simple preparation make it a delightful choice for busy evenings. Enjoy! Buen Provecho!
Tip:
-If you anticipate leftovers or have a large family, consider doubling the recipe. This soup is even better the next day as the flavors meld together.