Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1 ½ cups / 225g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (950ml) beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 3 pounds (1.4kg) Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed (about 6 cups / 900g)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (120 ml) milk
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
  • Chopped fresh chives or green onions (optional)
  • Cooked bacon crumbles (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in beef broth, and add thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Bring to a simmer.
  4. Add cubed potatoes to the simmering broth. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until potatoes are tender, about 15-20 minutes. Check the potatoes with a fork; they should be easily pierced.
  5. While potato is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Set aside.
  6. Gently stir in cream sauce into the pot of soup. Stir to incorporate.
  7. If desired, use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup for a smoother texture. Be careful not to over-blend; you want some chunks of potato remaining. Alternatively, you can remove a portion of the soup (about 2 cups) and blend it in a regular blender before returning it to the pot.
  8. Stir in heavy cream. Heat through (don't boil). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings.