A hearty soup that combines the rich flavors of ground beef, creamy cheeses, and savory vegetables, creating a delightful meal that feels indulgent yet is incredibly straightforward to make.
Ingredients
Scale:
1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
1 cup cream cheese (softened)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 medium potatoes (peeled and diced)
2 cups carrots (sliced or diced)
1 cup celery (diced)
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
Additional shredded cheese (optional)
Cooked bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Ensure that you break the meat into small pieces for even cooking. Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker, scraping any flavorful browned bits from the skillet.
Add Vegetables: To the slow cooker, add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced potatoes, carrots, and celery. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and dried Italian seasoning. Season generously with salt and pepper. Stir everything together.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the soup to cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
Add Cream Cheese: About 30 minutes before serving, add the softened cream cheese. Stir well until it is completely melted and incorporated into the soup.
Finish with Cheese: Just before serving, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
