When the air turns crisp and you’re craving something hearty yet creamy, this Creamy Ground Beef Chowder is your perfect culinary companion. It’s a blend of flavorful ground beef, tender vegetables, and a comforting creaminess that wraps you in warmth with each spoonful.
Ingredients
Equipments
- Largesaucepan or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoons or spatula
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to Make Creamy Ground Beef Chowder – Step By Step
Step 1: Sauté the Ground Beef
Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until it’s browned and crumbly. This process helps to release the rich, savory flavors that form the base of your chowder. Continuously stir the beef to ensure every morsel is evenly cooked. Once done, drain any excess fat to prevent a greasy texture.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice onions, carrots, and celery while the beef is cooking. These vegetables are crucial for adding depth to your chowder. Once the beef is browned, add these chopped veggies to the pot. Sauté for another 6-8 minutes or until they are tender and fragrant, drawing out their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Create the Broth
Add garlic and thyme next, sautéing briefly to release their flavors. Pour in beef broth gradually, scrapping up any browned bits from the pot’s bottom—these provide added taste intensity. If desired, introduce a bay leaf or two for extra aromatic depth as your chowder simmers.
Step 4: Thicken the Chowder
To achieve that classic creamy texture, stir in a mix of flour and milk. Begin by whisking together 2 tablespoons of flour with a cup of milk, removing lumps. Gradually stir this into the pot. The chowder should thicken gently; ensure the mixture reaches a bubbling point without boiling, or else it may curdle.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Lower the heat and slowly add in grated cheddar cheese followed by heavy cream, stirring continuously. This heat helps the cheese melt evenly without clumping, integrating into a plush smoothness. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper which enhances the creamy layers of flavor before removing from heat.
Step 6: Final Touches
If you opt for this step, stir in fresh parsley or chives just before serving for a burst of vibrancy. These herbs add color along uplifting its fragrance without overwhelming flavors, which harmonize brilliantly with the creamy chowder base.
How to Serve Creamy Ground Beef Chowder
Serve your Creamy Ground Beef Chowder hot with freshly baked bread or crispy crackers on the side. For extra flair, garnish each bowl with additional shredded cheese or chopped green onions.
Recipe Success Tips & Suggestions
For optimal flavor, allow your chowder to sit for a few minutes before serving. If reheating, do so slowly over a low heat to maintain the creamy consistency. Don’t rush the cheese addition; it should melt at a lower, controlled temperature.
Power-Packed Protein: High Protein Creamy Ground Beef Chowder
To supercharge your chowder with extra protein, consider incorporating a can of drained white beans or chickpeas into the simmering mixture. Their texture blends seamlessly while amping up protein alongside your beef.
Replacing milk with an unsweetened protein-enriched milk alternative can also bolster protein content without compromising creaminess, making it a perfect choice for a hearty meal post-workout or busy days.
Carb-Conscious Delight: Low Carb Creamy Beef Chowder
For a low-carb twist, swap out the flour thickener for a bit of heavy cream or an almond flour alternative. This adjustment will maintain that creamy consistency similarly without the excess carbs.
Alternatively, load up on extra veggies such as cauliflower or spinach, which reduce carbs naturally while increasing fiber and nutrition, making this chowder both a delicious and diet-friendly option.
Storage Instructions
Store your creamy ground beef chowder in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, lasting up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
FAQs
- Can I freeze creamy ground beef chowder? Yes, you can freeze this chowder for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled thoroughly before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- How do I reheat this chowder without it curdling? Reheat over low heat and maintain stirring. Avoid boiling as it can cause curdling due to the dairy content.
- Can I use a different meat for this recipe? Yes, feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
- What side dishes go well with this chowder? Freshly baked bread or a simple green salad pairs excellently with this dish.
- Is this recipe suitable for keto diets? With minor adjustments like replacing flour with almond flour, this recipe can fit nicely within a keto diet.
Wrap-Up: Savor the Flavor!
This chowder brings warmth and satisfaction, ideal for an evening in or entertaining guests. Don’t forget to tailor it to your dietary needs with our tips above. Love it? Share your feedback and variations. Remember to follow us for more comforting recipes like this Creamy Ground Beef Chowder!
Creamy Ground Beef Chowder
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ground beef
- onion
- carrots
- celery stalks
- beef broth
- garlic
- thyme
- milk
- all-purpose flour
- salt and pepper
- heavy cream
- cheddar cheese
- fresh parsley
Instructions
Steps
- Heat a saucepan and brown the ground beef, stirring frequently. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; cook until soft.
- Stir in garlic, thyme, and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Whisk together flour and milk until smooth, then slowly add to the chowder, stirring continuously.
- Reduce heat; add cheese and heavy cream, and stir until melted and incorporated.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir in parsley for garnish, if using, and serve hot.