Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Chowder
Warm up with this hearty and creamy Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Chowder. This comforting soup features succulent ground beef, vibrant broccoli, and rich sharp cheddar cheese, creating a deliciously thick and satisfying meal perfect for chilly evenings. Serve it in a crusty bread bowl for a delightful twist or pair it with thick slices of fresh-baked bread. It’s a dish the whole family will love, providing warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken broth
2 cups (none)
frozen chopped broccoli
10 ounces (thawed)
onion
1/4 cup (chopped)
ground beef
1/4 lb (browned)
milk
1 cup (none)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (none)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup (none)
fresh oregano or dried oregano leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons (fresh) or 1/2 teaspoon (dried) (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
hot pepper sauce
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a rolling boil over medium heat.
2
Add the thawed chopped broccoli and chopped onion to the broth and let it cook for 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
3
While the vegetables are cooking, brown the ground beef in a separate skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, draining any excess fat.
4
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth and well combined.
5
Slowly pour this mixture into the broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps, and then add the browned ground beef.
6
Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the chowder thickens and bubbles for about 3-5 minutes.
7
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and oregano, being careful to mix until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
8
Season the chowder with salt, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Beef & Broccoli Chowder?
It is a hearty and creamy comfort soup featuring ground beef, broccoli, and sharp cheddar cheese.
What are the primary ingredients for this chowder?
The main ingredients include chicken broth, frozen chopped broccoli, onion, ground beef, milk, flour, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How long does it take to cook the broccoli?
The broccoli and onion should be cooked in the chicken broth for approximately 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the soup?
Yes, the ground beef should be browned in a separate skillet and drained of excess fat before being added to the broth.
How do I thicken the chowder?
The chowder is thickened by whisking milk and flour together and then stirring the mixture into the boiling broth.
What kind of cheese should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a rich flavor.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute fresh broccoli; ensure it is chopped and cooked until tender in the broth.
How do I prevent flour lumps in the soup?
Whisk the flour and milk together in a separate small bowl until smooth before slowly pouring it into the broth.
What seasonings are used in this recipe?
The chowder is seasoned with salt, black pepper, oregano, and hot pepper sauce.
Can I use dried oregano instead of fresh?
Yes, use 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano as a substitute for 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh oregano.
What is the best way to serve this chowder?
It is excellent served in a crusty bread bowl or with thick slices of fresh-baked bread.
How much ground beef is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 pound of ground beef.
Does this recipe contain hot sauce?
Yes, hot pepper sauce is added to taste for extra flavor.
How long does the soup need to simmer after adding the thickener?
It should cook and bubble for about 3 to 5 minutes while stirring frequently until it thickens.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth if you prefer a different flavor profile.
What type of onion should I use?
Any standard white or yellow onion, chopped to make 1/4 cup, works well.
Is this recipe suitable for winter?
Yes, it is described as a satisfying meal perfect for chilly winter evenings.
How much milk is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of milk.
When do I add the cheese?
The cheese is stirred in at the end until it is fully melted and incorporated.
Is this an easy recipe to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe with straightforward instructions.
How much flour is required for the thickening mixture?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
Should the broccoli be thawed before cooking?
Yes, the instructions specify using thawed chopped broccoli.
What is the purpose of the oregano?
Oregano is used to add an earthy, herbal flavor to the chowder.
Can I garnish the soup with anything?
Yes, you can garnish the hot chowder with extra shredded cheese.
How much chicken broth is needed?
The recipe uses 2 cups of chicken broth.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While sharp cheddar is recommended, other melting cheeses like Colby or mild cheddar could be used.
What is the consistency of this dish?
It is a thick and creamy chowder.
Do I need to cook the onion separately?
No, the onion is cooked directly in the chicken broth with the broccoli.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total in this recipe.
Is the beef added before or after the thickener?
The browned ground beef is added at the same time as the milk and flour mixture.