"Meat & Potato Soup Recipe: Warm & Hearty Comfort Food"

Comforting, hearty, and packed with flavor, meat and potato soup is a classic dish that has been warming bellies for generations. This versatile soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it a staple in many households. In this article, we'll guide you through a mouthwatering meat and potato soup recipe that's perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a satisfying, home-cooked meal.

Ingredients

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather our ingredients. This recipe serves 6-8 people and requires the following:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or a mix of ground beef and pork
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
• 4 cups (960ml) beef broth
• 2 cups (480ml) water
• 1 can (14.5 oz/411g) diced tomatoes
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 stalks celery, diced
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) salt
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) black pepper
• 1 teaspoon (5ml) paprika (optional, for color and a touch of smokiness)
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving (optional)

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and set the meat aside.

Step 2: Sauté the vegetables

In the same pot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Combine ingredients and simmer

Return the cooked meat to the pot. Stir in the diced potatoes, beef broth, water, diced tomatoes (with juice), salt, black pepper, paprika (if using), and bay leaves. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves and discard. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can use an immersion blender to partially blend the potatoes, but this step is optional.

Step 4: Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Information

Here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional information per serving (assuming 8 servings):

This hearty meat and potato soup is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients to keep you fueled and satisfied. Enjoy!