This cheese soup with leek and meat is a complete meal in a bowl. The sweet, delicate flavor of leeks pairs beautifully with savory ground beef and rich melted cheese. It's hearty enough to satisfy the biggest appetites.
Leeks have a milder, sweeter flavor than onions, which makes them perfect for cheese soup. They become silky soft when cooked and blend seamlessly into the creamy base.
Preparing Leeks
Leeks can be sandy, so clean them well:
- Trim off dark green tops and root end
- Slice lengthwise, then crosswise into half-moons
- Soak in cold water for 5 minutes
- Lift out and drain (sand sinks to bottom)
- Pat dry before cooking
Meat Options
- Ground beef - Classic, rich flavor
- Ground turkey - Lighter option
- Italian sausage - Extra flavor
- Chorizo - Spicy kick
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty French bread
- Simple green salad
- Cold beer or red wine
- Perfect for cold nights
Cheese Soup with Leek and Meat
Hearty soup with sweet leeks, savory ground beef, and melted cheese.
Nutrition per serving
425Calories
26gProtein
18gCarbs
28gFat
2gFiber
4gSugar
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Brown the meat. In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 8 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
-
Sauté vegetables. Add butter to pot. Add leeks and onion, cook over medium heat for 8 minutes until very soft and slightly caramelized. Add garlic, cook 1 minute.
-
Make the base. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes. Gradually whisk in beef broth and cream. Simmer 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Add cheese. Reduce heat to low. Add cheddar and Gruyère gradually, stirring until completely melted. Stir in Worcestershire sauce.
-
Finish and serve. Return beef to pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Recipe Notes
- Meat alternative: Use Italian sausage for extra flavor.
- Extra hearty: Add diced potatoes with the broth.
- Vegetarian: Skip meat, add more vegetables, use vegetable broth.
- Storage: Refrigerate 4 days. Reheat gently.
