When chilly evenings roll in and you’re craving a bowl of something warm, rich, and soul-soothing, this Creamy & Hearty Prime Rib Loaded Potato Soup is the perfect answer. It is everything a comfort meal should be: creamy, thick, hearty, indulgent, and bursting with flavor in every single spoonful. This recipe transforms leftover prime rib into a completely new, satisfying dish that feels like a luxurious treat without requiring much effort. Whether you’re looking to make the most of holiday leftovers or simply yearning for an upgraded potato soup, this dish delivers.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from the warm and nostalgic feeling of cozy family dinners during the holidays. Instead of letting valuable leftovers go to waste, home cooks can turn them into new creations that spark joy and bring everyone back to the table. This loaded potato soup feels like a hug in a bowl, making it ideal for winter nights, weekend gatherings, or any time when you want a comforting dinner that’s guaranteed to impress. Thick, creamy potatoes paired with tender bites of prime rib create a restaurant-style dish right from your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Loaded potato soup is already a beloved classic, but adding succulent prime rib makes it even more special. Here’s what sets this version apart:
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Ultra creamy texture thanks to a perfect balance of cream and melty shredded cheese.
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Hearty and filling, making it a complete meal in one bowl.
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Uses leftover prime rib, reducing waste and maximizing flavor.
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Family-friendly flavors everyone knows and loves.
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Easy to make with simple ingredients and a straightforward process.
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Customizable toppings let every bowl be a personal creation.
This is the kind of recipe people request again and again because once they try it, they never forget it.
Ingredients
This recipe features wholesome, easy-to-find ingredients that combine into something extraordinary. Fresh potatoes create the hearty base of the soup while cream and cheddar provide richness. The star ingredient—prime rib—elevates each bite with savory, juicy deliciousness.
For the Soup:
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3 cups leftover cooked prime rib, chopped into small bite-sized cubes
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6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 large carrots, peeled and diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 tablespoons butter
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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2 green onions, sliced thin
Toppings (Optional but Recommended):
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Additional shredded cheddar cheese
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Sour cream
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Chopped green onions
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Croutons
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Fresh cracked black pepper
These toppings add fun and flavor—perfect for serving this loaded potato soup like a creamy, cozy feast.
Directions
Follow the steps below for a smooth cooking experience:
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
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Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
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Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, forming a roux. Cook for 2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
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Slowly whisk in the beef broth, making sure there are no lumps.
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Add diced potatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 18–25 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
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Once the potatoes have softened, use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup to your desired thickness.
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Stir in the milk and heavy cream and warm gently—do not boil.
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Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
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Add the chopped prime rib, stirring to distribute the meat evenly.
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Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through and allow flavors to blend.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Ladle into bowls and top with sour cream, a sprinkle of cheese, and sliced green onions.
Serve hot and enjoy the rich and comforting flavors in every hearty spoonful.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 35 minutes
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Total Time: 50 minutes
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Yield: 6 generous servings
Notes
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Russet potatoes provide the best creamy texture, but Yukon Golds can also be used.
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If the soup gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
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If you prefer your soup very smooth, blend fully before adding the prime rib.
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Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently over low heat to avoid separating the dairy.
What Makes Prime Rib Perfect for Soup
Many people treasure leftover prime rib, and this recipe shows why it is worth repurposing in a delicious way. Unlike ground beef or shredded meat, prime rib has layers of tenderness and richness that infuse the soup with deep, savory flavor. Even small pieces feel luxurious, making it a standout ingredient.
This soup honors every bit of effort that goes into roasting a beautiful prime rib. Instead of letting leftovers sit in the fridge or dry out when reheated, they become the star of a completely different comfort dish.
Helpful Tips for the Best Results
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Cut the potatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same time.
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Don’t boil once the dairy is added, as that can cause curdling.
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Freshly shredded cheese melts better than packaged cheese.
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Sear leftover prime rib pieces briefly before adding for extra texture and flavor.
These small extra steps enhance depth and creaminess to make the soup restaurant-quality.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is incredibly satisfying on its own, but it can also shine as part of a larger meal. Try pairing it with:
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Warm crusty bread or homemade dinner rolls
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A crisp green salad
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Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies
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A charcuterie-style appetizer spread (no pork)
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Classic baked potatoes served on the side for the ultimate potato feast
Serve it in big bowls with toppings laid out buffet-style so everyone can dress their soup just the way they like.
How to Store and Reheat
This dish is perfect for making in advance or saving for later. To store properly:
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Cool soup completely before transferring to airtight containers.
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Refrigerate up to 3 days.
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Freeze up to 2 months (note: dairy may separate slightly after thawing).
Reheat Tips:
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Warm slowly on the stovetop over low heat.
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Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much.
When reheated properly, it tastes just as delicious as day one.
Ingredient Substitutions
This recipe is very flexible. Here are a few substitution ideas:
| Ingredient | Substitute Option |
|---|---|
| Prime Rib | Ribeye steak, leftover roast beef, steak bites |
| Heavy Cream | Half-and-half or evaporated milk |
| Beef Broth | Vegetable or chicken broth |
| Cheddar Cheese | Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or pepper jack for heat |
| Russet Potatoes | Yukon Gold or red potatoes |
This ensures the recipe works even if your pantry looks a little different.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this soup without leftover prime rib?
Yes. If you don’t have leftover prime rib, you can use cooked steak pieces, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even leftover turkey. Just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding near the end of cooking to warm through.
2. How can I make the soup thicker or thinner?
For a thicker soup, mash additional potatoes or simmer longer uncovered to reduce excess liquid. For a thinner consistency, simply stir in additional broth or milk until the texture feels right.
3. Is this soup gluten-free?
As written, the soup includes all-purpose flour. You can easily make it gluten-free by substituting a gluten-free flour blend or thickening with cornstarch instead. The rest of the ingredients are typically gluten-free.
4. Can I prepare this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Sauté onions, carrots, celery, and garlic first, then transfer to the slow cooker with potatoes, seasonings, broth, and prime rib scraps. Cook on low 6–7 hours or high 3–4 hours. Add cream, milk, and cheese during the last 30 minutes to prevent curdling.
5. What toppings go best with loaded potato soup?
Extra cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, croutons, cracked pepper, or even a drizzle of olive oil add great texture and taste. Offer toppings at the table for a fun, customizable experience.
Conclusion
Creamy & Hearty Prime Rib Loaded Potato Soup brings all the best comfort flavors together in one luxurious bowl. From the velvety smooth broth to the tender chunks of prime rib, this is a dish that warms hearts, satisfies hunger, and creates beautiful moments around the table. Whether you’re using leftover holiday prime rib or making this special meal from scratch, it’s guaranteed to make any evening feel a little cozier.
When you’re searching for a comforting dinner that tastes like something served in a fine restaurant but is easy to make at home, this recipe is the ultimate solution. Try it once, and it will quickly become one of your most requested winter meals.
Enjoy every creamy, hearty bite.
Print
Creamy & Hearty Prime Rib Loaded Potato Soup
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 generous servings 1x
Description
This soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and hearty with tender chunks of leftover prime rib and perfectly cooked potatoes. It’s perfect for cozy evenings, family dinners, or turning holiday leftovers into a luxurious meal everyone will love. Every spoonful is packed with flavor, making it a memorable dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
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3 cups leftover cooked prime rib, chopped into small bite-sized cubes
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6 medium Russet potatoes, peeled and diced
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 celery stalks, diced
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2 large carrots, peeled and diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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4 tablespoons butter
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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4 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
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2 cups whole milk
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1 cup heavy cream
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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1 teaspoon onion powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
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2 green onions, sliced thin
Optional Toppings:
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Additional shredded cheddar cheese
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Sour cream
-
Chopped green onions
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Croutons
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Fresh cracked black pepper
Instructions
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In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
-
Add the chopped onions, celery, and carrots. Sauté until softened, about 5–7 minutes.
-
Add minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, forming a roux. Cook for 2 minutes.
-
Slowly whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps.
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Add diced potatoes, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 18–25 minutes until potatoes are tender.
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Use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend a portion of the soup to your desired thickness.
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Stir in the milk and heavy cream and warm gently—do not boil.
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Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and the soup is creamy.
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Add the chopped prime rib, stirring to distribute evenly.
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Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
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Ladle into bowls and top with optional cheese, sour cream, and green onions.
Notes
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Russet potatoes provide the best creamy texture; Yukon Golds can also work.
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Add extra broth or milk if the soup becomes too thick.
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For a very smooth soup, blend fully before adding the prime rib.
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Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently over low heat to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes



