Beef and Potato Soup

5.0 from 1 vote

There are some soups you don’t forget, no matter how many years pass. For me, Beef and Potato Soup is one of those quiet dishes that stays with you. It isn’t fancy. It doesn’t try to impress. But the moment the steam rises from the pot and the smell of garlic and beef fills the kitchen, everything feels calm again.

This soup has been cooked in my family for as long as I can remember. On rainy afternoons, on days when someone wasn’t feeling well, or simply when we needed something warm and filling, this was the soup that appeared on the table. A big pot. Simple bowls. Rice on the side.

If you grew up with Khmer food, this soup will feel familiar right away. And if you didn’t, I hope this recipe welcomes you gently. Beef and Potato Soup is easy, forgiving, and made with ingredients you can find almost anywhere. It’s the kind of soup you make once, then keep coming back to.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

This soup is honest food. It’s made from basic ingredients, but the flavor is deep and comforting. The beef becomes soft and tender, the potatoes soak up the broth, and every spoonful feels warm and satisfying.

I also love how flexible this soup is. You don’t need exact measurements, and you can adjust it to your taste. More potatoes, less beef, a little extra pepper—it all works.

Most of all, this soup is peaceful to cook. There’s no rushing. You stir, you wait, you taste. The pot gently simmers, and the kitchen slowly fills with that cozy smell that makes everyone wander in and ask, “What are you cooking?”

My Personal Experience

I learned to cook this soup by watching, not by measuring. I remember standing next to my mother, holding a spoon that was almost too big for my hand, stirring the pot carefully. She never wrote recipes down. She tasted, adjusted, and trusted her instincts.

When I make this soup now, I still hear the soft sound of the broth bubbling. I still remember the way the potatoes looked when they were just tender enough, not falling apart but soft when pressed with a spoon.

Cooking this soup always brings me back to those moments. It reminds me that food doesn’t have to be complicated to be meaningful. Sometimes, the simplest meals are the ones that stay with us the longest.

Easy-to-Find Ingredients

One of the reasons this soup is made so often is because the ingredients are simple. Beef, potatoes, onion, garlic. These are things many of us already have in our kitchen.

You don’t need special cuts of meat or hard-to-find spices. This is everyday cooking. The kind of recipe you can make after a long day without stress.

If you live far from a Khmer market, don’t worry. Everything in this soup can be found at most grocery stores, and small substitutions won’t ruin it.

Ingredients List

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 yellow onion, chopped
1 lb (450 g) beef chuck or round beef, cut into bite-size pieces
1 tablespoon soy sauce
6 cups water
2 large white potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-size chunks
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1/2 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
A handful of chopped cilantro

Why These Ingredients Are Used

Vegetable oil – Helps brown the beef and release flavor
Garlic – Adds warmth and aroma to the broth
Onion – Gives natural sweetness and depth
Beef – The heart of the soup, making it filling and rich
Soy sauce – Adds savory depth early in cooking
Water – Creates a clean, light broth
Potatoes – Make the soup comforting and satisfying
Fish sauce – Brings that classic Khmer umami flavor
Sugar – Balances the salt and rounds out the broth
Black pepper – Adds gentle warmth
Cilantro – Fresh finish and brightness

Cooking Equipment Needed

Large soup pot – Big enough to hold everything comfortably
Wooden spoon – For stirring without scratching the pot
Knife – For chopping beef and vegetables
Cutting board – Keeps prep safe and easy

Cooking Instructions

Start by heating your soup pot over medium heat. Let it warm up before adding oil. When the oil is hot, add the garlic and onion. Stir gently and let them soften. You’ll smell the garlic right away.

Add the beef and soy sauce next. Stir everything together so the beef is coated and starts to brown slightly. Don’t rush this part. Let the beef release its flavor.

Pour in the water and bring the pot to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let it simmer until the beef becomes tender. This can take time, and that’s okay.

Once the beef is soft, add the potatoes. Cook until they are tender but not falling apart. Season with fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Taste and adjust.

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped cilantro on top.

Step-by-Step Directions

Heat a large pot over medium heat
Add oil, garlic, and onion, then stir until fragrant
Add beef and soy sauce, stirring well
Pour in water and bring to a gentle boil
Simmer until beef is tender
Add potatoes and cook until soft
Season with fish sauce, sugar, and black pepper
Top with chopped cilantro and serve hot

Tips for Best Flavor

Let the beef simmer slowly for tenderness
Cut potatoes evenly so they cook at the same time
Taste the broth before serving and adjust seasoning
Don’t overcook the potatoes

Serving Suggestions

Serve with hot steamed rice
Enjoy with crusty bread
Add fresh chili on the side
Pair with light pickled vegetables

Final Thoughts

This Beef and Potato Soup is more than a recipe to me. It’s comfort, memory, and home in a bowl. Every time I make it, I slow down a little. I stir gently. I taste carefully. And I remember why simple food matters so much.

If you enjoy soups like this, you might also like Vegetables Beef Soup or Pumpkin Beef Shank Soup, both of which are gentle, warming, and perfect for everyday meals.

For readers who want to learn more about Cambodian home cooking, I recommend exploring Understanding Fish Sauce in Southeast Asian Cooking. This resources help explain flavors and traditions in a thoughtful, respectful way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use a different cut of beef?

A: Yes, any stew-friendly beef will work.

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?

A: Yes, it tastes even better the next day.

Q: Is this soup spicy?

A: No, it’s mild. You can add chili if you like heat.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?

A: Yes, freeze without cilantro and add it fresh later.

Beef and Potato Soup

Recipe by Cambodia Recipe

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: SoupCuisine: CambodianDifficulty: Medium

Servings

servings

minutes

320

hour

minutes

This Beef and Potato Soup is a simple Khmer-style comfort soup made with tender beef, soft potatoes, and a lightly seasoned broth. It’s easy to cook, gentle in flavor, and perfect for everyday meals with rice or bread.