This hearty soup combines savory ground beef, tender potatoes, vegetables, and cheesy pierogi in a rich, creamy broth.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 carrot, diced
- 3 cups beef or chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 package frozen cheese or potato-and-cheese pierogi
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step 1: Brown the beef
Place a large pot over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add the vegetables
Add the diced onion and carrot.
Cook for about 4 minutes, then add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add the broth
Pour in the broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 8–10 minutes.
Step 4: Make the creamy mixture
Melt the butter in a small saucepan.
Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly add the milk and cream while whisking.
Cook until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine
Pour the creamy mixture into the beef soup.
Stir thoroughly and season with paprika, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Add the pierogi
Gently add the frozen pierogi to the soup.
Cook according to the package directions, usually around 5–8 minutes, until the pierogi are heated through and tender.
Avoid stirring too aggressively so they don’t break apart.
Step 7: Add the cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the broth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra cheddar and fresh parsley.
For an extra delicious finish, top each bowl with a few crispy fried onions or cooked bacon pieces.
Make-Ahead Tip
All three soups are excellent for meal preparation. Allow leftover soup to cool, place it in airtight containers, and refrigerate promptly.
The vegetable beef soup generally reheats especially well. For the creamy soups, reheat gently over medium-low heat and add a splash of milk or broth if they become too thick.
One package of affordable ground beef can turn into several completely different comfort-food dinners—and these soups are perfect for cold evenings when everyone wants something warm and satisfying.
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