This hearty Corn Chowder recipe features tender beef, fresh and cream-style corn, and Yukon gold potatoes simmered in a creamy broth, delivering a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Saute the Beef: In a Dutch oven or large deep pot, sauté the beef over medium-low heat until crisp, about 6 to 8 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove the beef from the pan and transfer it to a paper-towel-lined plate. Lightly pat dry and set aside for serving. Discard all but 1 tablespoon of the beef fat in the pot.
Cook Vegetables: Add the butter to the pot and allow it to melt. Set aside 1/4 cup of the sliced green onion tops for garnish, then add the remaining green onions and diced celery to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes.
Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Make the Roux and Add Liquids: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the vegetable mixture, and cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the chicken broth a few splashes at a time, stirring thoroughly to prevent lumps. Once smooth, add the remaining broth and milk, stirring continuously.
Add Corn, Potatoes, and Spices: Mix in the fresh or frozen corn kernels, cream-style corn, diced Yukon gold potatoes, and ground cayenne pepper.
Simmer: Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it simmer, stirring occasionally and scraping the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to avoid sticking, until the potatoes are tender, approximately 10 to 13 minutes.
Finish the Chowder: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chopped fresh thyme and half-and-half. For a thicker chowder, briefly puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or by transferring some to a blender, then stir it back into the pot.
Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve the chowder hot, topped with the reserved crispy beef pieces, green onion tops, and a dash or two of hot sauce if desired.
Notes
Using Yukon gold potatoes provides a creamy texture without disintegrating during cooking.
For a vegetarian version, substitute beef with mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Adjust cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
Pureeing some of the chowder adds a creamier, thicker consistency without added cream.
Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.