Ingredients and Weight:
- Ground beef (80% lean): 500g (1 pound)
- Diced potatoes: 500g (1 pound)
- Diced carrots: 200g (3/4 cup)
- Diced celery: 200g (3/4 cup)
- Cheddar cheese: 200g (sliced or shredded)
- Beef broth or stock: 1 liter (4 cups)
- Onion: 1 large, diced
- Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
- All-purpose seasoning (salt, pepper, etc.): to taste
- Milk or half-and-half: 1 cup
Preparation Time: 45 minutes (active time); Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Difficulty Level: Level 3 (Moderate)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef with the diced onions until no longer red. Remove excess fat and drain if necessary.
- Add the garlic and stir for a minute or two until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth or stock and bring to a boil.
- Add the diced potatoes, carrots, and celery and reduce to a low-medium heat, allowing the vegetables to cook through.
- When the vegetables are almost done, season with all-purpose seasoning to taste.
- Stir in the milk or half-and-half and continue cooking until the soup begins to thicken slightly.
- Lastly, add the cheddar cheese and stir until melted and fully combined. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot with desired toppings such as chopped tomatoes, olives, or fried onions.
Nutritional Information: (Per serving, assuming equal distribution among 8 people)
Calories: Approx. 450-550 calories depending on the exact ingredients used and their quantities.
Fat: Moderate to high depending on the type of cheese used and the amount added.
Carbohydrates: High due to potatoes and milk/half-and-half.
Protein: High due to the ground beef content.
Dish Characteristics:
- Comfort food with a hearty flavor.
- A unique blend of American flavors with a creamy cheese base and hearty vegetables and beef.
- Suitable for colder weather or as a hearty meal after a long day.
User Comments:
- "This is an excellent dish for a family gathering! My kids loved it." - John Doe
- "The flavor combinations were unexpected but delightful." - Jane Smith
- "A unique way to make ground beef more appealing to younger palates." - Sarah Johnson
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Use a variety of fresh vegetables for maximum flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust seasoning according to personal preference as it may vary based on the ingredients used and their freshness.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and increase the vegetable content or use vegetable stock instead of beef broth.
