If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, you’re going to absolutely love this Creamy Steak and Potato Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that starts as simple ingredients and finishes as pure magic — rich, creamy, and loaded with tender chunks of steak and soft potatoes. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Unbeatable Comfort: The creamy texture combined with tender steak chunks creates a cozy, satisfying meal every time.
- Simple Ingredients: Basic pantry staples come together effortlessly—you don’t need anything fancy to make this taste amazing.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: It tastes just as great the next day, perfect for leftovers or prepping in advance.
- Versatile and Customizable: You can easily tweak it based on your kitchen stash or dietary preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll find that these ingredients come together beautifully — the steak brings hearty flavor, the potatoes add natural creaminess as they break down, and the cheese plus heavy cream round it all out into a luscious broth. Here’s a little tip from me: picking russet potatoes really helps create that silky texture once they cook down.
- Beef stew meat: Choose well-marbled chunks for tender, flavorful bites after slow cooking.
- Yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Fresh minced or pressed garlic amps up the savory notes.
- Russet potatoes: Peel and dice—they soften perfectly and help thicken the soup naturally.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the base when cooked with onions and garlic.
- Chicken stock: Use a good quality broth—it’s the backbone of the soup flavor.
- Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded gives the creamiest melt and richest taste.
- Heavy cream: Adds luscious richness and smooth mouthfeel.
Variations
I love how easy it is to customize this Creamy Steak and Potato Soup Recipe to fit what you have or your mood. Whether you want it extra cheesy, a bit heartier, or dairy-free, there’s a tweak that works perfectly.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap the beef with mushrooms or hearty root veggies—I’ve done this when guests don’t eat meat, and it still satisfies.
- Use different cheeses: Try sharp white cheddar, or even a bit of smoked gouda for a twist. I sometimes mix cheeses depending on what’s in my fridge.
- Add herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary stirred in during cooking elevates the flavor beautifully—my family always notices this simple trick.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika gives it a subtle kick that I enjoy on chilly nights.
How to Make Creamy Steak and Potato Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Steak
First things first, grab your largest pot or a trusty Dutch oven. I always prep all my ingredients ahead — you’ll want everything at the ready once you start cooking because it moves quickly after searing. Dice the potatoes, chop the onions, and mince the garlic. When you sear the steak chunks, don’t crowd the pan and no need to sear every side; just getting a nice brown on one or two sides locks in flavor and caramelization. Once seared, set the steak aside—your kitchen will start smelling amazing.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Drop some oil into the now-empty pot, toss in your diced onion, and let it soften over medium heat. Add in the garlic once the onions are fragrant and translucent, cooking gently so they brown just a touch but don’t burn. This builds a deeply savory foundation for your soup.
Step 3: Thicken and Build the Base
Sprinkle in the flour and stir it with the onions and garlic for about a minute to cook out that raw flour taste—that’s a small but important step I learned makes the soup smoother. Then pour in the chicken stock and bring it just to a simmer.
Step 4: Add Potatoes and Steak, Simmer Low and Slow
Add the diced potatoes and steak back to the pot. Don’t worry if the liquid doesn’t cover the ingredients completely—the potatoes will cook through and thicken the soup beautifully as they break down. Bring everything to a simmer, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Let it gently bubble away for about an hour (or longer if your steak chunks are tough). I’ve found that using a Dutch oven and putting it in a 350℉ oven for 1 to 1.5 hours traps heat evenly and tenderizes the beef flawlessly.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese for Ultimate Creaminess
Once the beef is tender and potatoes have broken down into a creamy consistency, remove from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly shredded cheddar. This last step transforms the soup into a luscious, velvety delight that’s simply irresistible. Don’t forget to taste and season with salt and pepper before letting it cool slightly — you’ll want to savor every spoonful!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Steak and Potato Soup Recipe
- Don’t Skip Searing: That initial brown crust on steak chunks adds layers of flavor you can’t get any other way.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect how it melts—fresh is always better.
- Low and Slow Is Key: Patience helps the steak become meltingly tender and the potatoes to naturally thicken the soup.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: Sear your steak in batches if needed so each piece gets a perfect crust, not steamed.
How to Serve Creamy Steak and Potato Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I like topping mine with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives; it adds a bright pop of color and fresh flavor that lifts the richness. Sometimes I throw on a little extra shredded cheddar or a few crispy fried onions for crunch. You’ll find these little extras turn it from good to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
Crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are my go-to for dipping—you really want something to soak up that creamy broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, balancing the richness with fresh, crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in small, individual bread bowls. It’s fun, festive, and adds a wow factor for guests. You can also garnish each serving with a swirl of sour cream or a drizzle of homemade herb oil to impress your friends without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always let the soup cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor integrity the next day.
Freezing
I have frozen this soup successfully in portions. Just be mindful that the potatoes may soften a bit more upon thawing, but in my experience, the creamy texture still holds up nicely. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
Reheating
The easiest way to reheat is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup feels too thick after reheating, just add a splash of broth or cream and it’s good as new. I avoid microwaving if possible, since slow warming keeps the texture silky.
FAQs
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Can I use a different cut of beef for the Creamy Steak and Potato Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While beef stew meat is ideal because it becomes tender with slow cooking, you can also use chuck roast cut into cubes. Just make sure to cook it low and slow to tenderize the meat well.
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Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! After searing and sautéing, transfer everything to your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream and cheese at the very end to keep the soup creamy and prevent curdling.
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How thick should the soup be?
The soup should be creamy and slightly thick but still ladle-able. If it’s too thick after cooking, you can thin it with additional chicken stock or cream before serving.
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Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but the soup won’t be as rich and creamy. I recommend at least some cream to preserve the velvety texture.
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Is it okay if the potatoes break down completely?
Yes! Part of what makes this soup creamy is the potatoes breaking down and naturally thickening the broth. You’ll get a lovely silky texture without needing extra thickeners.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Steak and Potato Soup Recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it hits every comfort food note: hearty, rich, and effortless. When I first tried making it, I was surprised how simple steps led to such a deeply satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just craving a nourishing bowl to warm you up, I hope you’ll enjoy making and sharing this one as much as I do. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people to the table, inviting good conversation and plenty of seconds.
Print
Creamy Steak and Potato Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty and comforting Steak and Potato Soup combines tender seared beef stew meat with creamy potatoes in a rich, cheesy broth. Cooked slowly to achieve the perfect tenderness, this soup delivers deep flavors with simple ingredients, making it an ideal meal for cooler days or whenever you’re craving a satisfying bowl of homemade soup.
Ingredients
Meat
- 1.5 pounds beef stew meat, cut into chunks
Vegetables
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and diced
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups chicken stock
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated or shredded
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Oil for sautéing (such as vegetable or olive oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion, mince the garlic, peel and dice the potatoes, and cut the beef stew meat into chunks. Having everything prepped will help the cooking process move quickly and smoothly.
- Sear the Beef: Heat a little oil in a large pot or preferably a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef chunks in batches to avoid overcrowding, searing one or two sides to develop flavor. Remove the seared beef and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add a little more oil if needed to the pot. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook over medium heat until softened and slightly browned, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir well and cook for about one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste and help thicken the soup later.
- Deglaze and Add Broth: Slowly pour in the chicken stock while stirring to deglaze the pot and incorporate the flour mixture, creating a thick base for the soup.
- Add Potatoes and Beef: Return the seared beef to the pot along with the diced potatoes. Do not try to submerge everything as the liquid will not fully cover the ingredients while the potatoes are still raw.
- Simmer and Cook: Bring the soup to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the beef is tender. The potatoes will break down during cooking and thicken the broth.
- Oven Option: Alternatively, if using a Dutch oven, cover the pot and place it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 1 to 1.5 hours until the steak is tender.
- Finish Soup: Once the beef is tender, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the heavy cream and freshly grated cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and hearty steak and potato soup warm.
Notes
- The size of the potato dice isn’t critical as the potatoes will break down and thicken the soup during cooking.
- Searing only one or two sides of the beef is sufficient to build flavor without prolonging the process.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes after cooking to reduce the liquid slightly.
- You can substitute chicken stock with beef broth for an even heartier flavor.
- This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
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