Get ready to transform your dinner routine with the most mouthwatering, comfort-food experience you've ever tasted! Imagine a rich, hearty soup that combines the robust flavors of tender steak, craft ale, and melted cheddar cheese - all slow-cooked to perfection. This Slow Cooker Steak Ale Cheese Soup isn't just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or simply craving a soul-warming dish, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb steak, cubed
- 1 can (12 oz) ale
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting steak into 1-inch cubes, chopping onions, mincing garlic, and dicing potatoes and carrots.
- Season cubed steak generously with salt and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
- Place seasoned steak cubes into the slow cooker, creating an even layer at the bottom of the pot.
- Add chopped onions, minced garlic, diced potatoes, and sliced carrots on top of the steak.
- Pour beef broth and ale into the slow cooker, ensuring all ingredients are mostly covered by liquid.
- Cover slow cooker and set to low heat setting, cooking for 6 hours to allow meat to become tender and flavors to meld together.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt and incorporate smoothly into the soup.
- Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls, ensuring each portion has a good mix of meat, vegetables, and broth.
- Optional: Garnish with extra cheese, chopped parsley, or crispy bacon bits before serving.
Tips
- Choose the right cut of steak: Chuck or sirloin work best for slow cooking, providing maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Don't rush the cooking process: The 6-hour low and slow method is crucial for breaking down meat fibers and developing deep, rich flavors.
- For extra depth, consider using a craft ale with robust characteristics like an amber ale or stout.
- When adding cheese, do it gradually and stir gently to prevent clumping and ensure smooth incorporation.
- If the soup seems too thick, you can adjust the consistency by adding a little extra beef broth.
- For a more intense flavor, consider searing the steak cubes briefly in a hot pan before adding to the slow cooker.
- Make sure to cut vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and often taste even better the next day as flavors continue to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 95mg
