This creamy cauliflower ground beef soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s loaded with tender cauliflower, hearty ground beef, and a velvety broth that makes every spoonful delicious.
I love how easy it is to whip up this soup on a chilly day! Just cook, blend, and enjoy. It’s perfect for cozy nights or when you need a little comfort food. 🌟
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using lean ground beef for a healthier option, but feel free to substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute if you prefer a lighter dish.
Cauliflower: Cauliflower is the star of this soup! If you’re not a fan, consider using broccoli or a mix of both vegetables for different flavors and textures while keeping it creamy.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds rich creaminess, but for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Broth: Beef broth is great, but if you need a lighter soup, swap it for chicken or vegetable broth. Homemade broth would give even more depth to the flavor!
How Do You Get the Right Creamy Texture?
The key to making this soup creamy is blending part of it to enhance the texture. Here’s how:
- Use an immersion blender directly in the pot! Blend just enough to break down cauliflower pieces while keeping some chunks.
- If you don’t have one, carefully transfer half of the soup to a blender. Blend until smooth, then mix it back.
- Always blend in batches if needed to avoid overfilling, and let steam escape to prevent splatters.
Once the soup reaches the right consistency, stirring in heavy cream or your chosen substitute adds that indulgent creaminess. Remember, heat gently after adding the cream so it doesn’t curdle!
How to Make Creamy Cauliflower Ground Beef Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small head of cauliflower, chopped into small florets
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 30 minutes to cook. So, you’ll spend around 45 minutes total making a warm, hearty batch that’s perfect for sharing or enjoying throughout the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and carrot to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Beef:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the ground beef. Use a spoon to break it up and cook until it’s browned and no longer pink. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it out.
3. Season the Meat:
Now, stir in the dried thyme, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well to coat the beef with the spices for a tasty base!
4. Add Cauliflower and Broth:
Add the chopped cauliflower florets along with the beef broth to the pot. Stir everything together until well mixed.
5. Simmer the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the cauliflower is tender.
6. Blend for Creaminess:
Using an immersion blender, partially blend the soup to achieve a creamy texture while keeping some meat and cauliflower chunks for texture. If you prefer a smoother soup, you can also transfer half of it to a regular blender, blend it carefully, and return it to the pot.
7. Add Cream and Adjust Seasoning:
Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, heating gently through without boiling. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you like. Serve hot, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this creamy cauliflower ground beef soup!
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat option can be substituted for the ground beef if you prefer a lighter or different protein source.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage; just make sure to leave some space in the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, simply replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. This will maintain the creaminess without any dairy ingredients.
How Can I Thicken the Soup More?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a few more florets of cauliflower and blend them in, or stir in a tablespoon or two of cornstarch mixed with cold water during the cooking process to thicken it up further.
