Brrr, is it just me, or did fall just suddenly show up with a vengeance? On nights like these, when the wind is howling and I just want to curl up with something warm and utterly satisfying, there’s nothing I crave more than a big ol’ bowl of homemade Steak And Potato Soup. Seriously, this isn’t just soup; it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl! I remember making this for the first time one crazy busy week; I needed something hearty but didn’t have a ton of time. Little did I know, this recipe would become my go-to. It’s surprisingly easy to whip up and tastes like it simmered on the stove all day.
Why You’ll Love This Steak And Potato Soup
Seriously, what’s not to love about this soup? It’s:
- Super Easy to Make: You won’t believe how simple it is!
- Incredibly Hearty: Packed with steak and potatoes, it’s a meal in itself.
- So Comforting: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little comfort food.
- Packed with Flavor: The sear on the steak and the tender veggies make it taste amazing.
Ingredients for the Perfect Steak And Potato Soup
Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make this magical Steak And Potato Soup. It’s all about good, honest ingredients here, nothing too fancy.
- 1 pound steak: I like to use sirloin or ribeye, just something with a little marbling. You’ll want to cut this into nice, bite-sized 1-inch cubes.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A good standard olive oil is perfect here for sautéing.
- 1 large onion: We want this finely chopped so it melts right into the soup.
- 2 carrots: Chop these up into nice, little half-moon shapes or dice them, whatever you prefer!
- 2 celery stalks: Same goes for the celery – chop away!
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced, of course, to really get that pungent flavor going.
- 6 cups beef broth: Use a good quality broth, it makes a world of difference!
- 4 cups potatoes: Make sure you peel these guys and cut them into bite-sized cubes. I usually go for Yukon Gold or Russets.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Such a classic herb for hearty soups.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: You can always add more later, so start here.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground if you have it!
- Fresh parsley, chopped: This is for that beautiful pop of color and freshness at the end.
Crafting Your Steak And Potato Soup: Step-by-Step
Alright, let’s get this soup party started! Making this Steak And Potato Soup is really straightforward, and honestly, it’s pretty fun. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a pot of pure comfort food in no time. You can even check out my tips for perfectly pan-seared steak beforehand if you want to level up!
Searing the Steak for Maximum Flavor
Okay, first things first: the steak! To get that deep, beefy flavor that makes this soup sing, you’ve gotta sear it. Get your pot nice and hot with that olive oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan – you want each cube of steak to get a nice, beautiful brown crust on all sides. This isn’t about cooking it all the way through, just about getting those delicious browned bits. Trust me, this step is a game-changer and totally worth it. Once it’s got a good sear, scoop it out and set it aside. We’ll be coming back to it! If you love steak bites, these garlic butter steak bites are also amazing!
Building the Flavor Base
Now, in that same pot where all that yummy steak flavor is hanging out, toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Let them get soft and a little golden, maybe about 5 minutes. This is where all the backbone of the soup’s flavor starts. Once those veggies are smelling amazing, add in your minced garlic. Garlic is potent, so just a quick minute – you don’t want it to burn! It’s all about coaxing out that aromatic goodness. This simple sauté builds such a wonderful foundation for everything else we’re adding.
Simmering the Steak And Potato Soup to Perfection
Here comes the magic! Pour in your beef broth, scraping up any little browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s pure flavor gold! Now, add your cubed potatoes, the dried thyme, salt, and that little bit of black pepper. Give it all a good stir. Bring the whole thing up to a boil, then immediately lower the heat so it’s just gently simmering. You want to let those potatoes cook until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once they’re tender, it’s time to bring that gorgeous seared steak back into the pot to heat through. Just a few minutes is all it needs to warm up.
Tips for the Best Steak And Potato Soup
Alright, listen up! I’ve made this Steak And Potato Soup more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few little tricks along the way that really make it shine. These aren’t complicated, just simple things that take it from good to absolutely amazing. Think of them as my little secrets for your kitchen! If you love potato soup, you HAVE to try this crock pot version sometime, and this Outback-inspired one is pretty darn good too!
Choosing the Right Steak for Your Soup
When it comes to the steak, don’t stress too much! I usually grab a sirloin or a nicely marbled ribeye because they have great flavor and aren’t *too* tough. You want a steak that’s going to be tender but still have that great beefy taste. Chuck roast works okay too if you like something a bit heartier, but make sure to cut it small. The key is just getting a good sear on it – that’s where all the yummy flavor comes from, and it prevents the steak from getting mushy in the soup. Believe me, a good sear makes all the difference!
Potato Perfection: Tips for Texture
Potatoes are the heart and soul of this soup, right? I usually go for Yukon Golds. They taste amazing and hold their shape pretty well. Russets are good too, but sometimes they can get a little *too* soft. If you like your soup nice and thick, try this trick: once your potatoes are tender, scoop out about a cupful from the pot, mash them up really well with a fork or a potato masher, and then stir that creamy goodness back into the soup. It thickens it up beautifully without needing any flour or cornstarch. So easy!
Serving and Storing Your Steak And Potato Soup
Okay, so you’ve made this incredible Steak And Potato Soup, and it’s time to enjoy it! I love serving this hot, right out of the pot. A generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top is a must for me – it just brightens everything up. Some people like a dollop of sour cream or a little shredded cheddar cheese, which are totally delicious too! It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you want something on the side, crusty bread or some diner-style biscuits are fantastic for dipping.
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This soup keeps really well. Let it cool down completely, then pop it into an airtight container in the fridge. It’s usually good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just ladle some into a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warm. You can also microwave it, just stir halfway through. Sometimes, the potatoes soak up a bit more liquid when refrigerated, so you might want to add a splash more broth or water when reheating if it seems a little too thick for your liking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steak And Potato Soup
Can I use different types of steak?
Absolutely! While I love sirloin or ribeye for their flavor, you can use other cuts too. Just be sure to cut them small and sear them well so they stay tender in the soup.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Besides mashing some potatoes like I mentioned, you can also whisk in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) until it thickens, or even stir in some heavy cream at the end for a richer, thicker broth.
What vegetables can I add to this soup?
This soup is pretty flexible! Peas, corn, green beans, or even some chopped bell peppers would be delicious additions. Just toss them in during the last 10-15 minutes of simmering.
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info can wiggle around a bit depending on the exact ingredients you use and how big your bowls are! But generally, a serving of this hearty Steak And Potato Soup clocks in at around 350 calories, with roughly 15g of fat, 25g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. It’s a satisfying meal that really fuels you up!