Description
This creamy seafood chowder recipe is a rich and indulgent comfort food made with shrimp, clams, crab meat, and a savory beef broth base. Packed with flavor and creamy texture, this dish is perfect for cozy dinners, holiday meals, or as a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Learn how to make this hearty chowder that combines the best of both seafood and beef in a smooth, velvety broth. A simple and versatile recipe that you can easily tweak for your family’s preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef (ground or stew)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 leeks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 4 cups broth (chicken or seafood)
- 2 cups clam juice
- 2 cups clams, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 cup flour
- 4 cups half-and-half (divided)
- 1 lb bay shrimp (salad shrimp)
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, cook the beef over medium heat until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter and sauté celery, leeks, and onion until tender. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Stir in potatoes, broth, clam juice, salt, pepper, and thyme. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk together flour and 1 cup of half-and-half. Gradually stir the mixture into the soup, bringing it back to a boil. Cook and stir for 1-2 minutes until thickened.
- Add the clams, shrimp, crab meat, and the remaining 3 cups of half-and-half. Heat gently over low heat. Add bay leaf and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Season with Old Bay seasoning and garnish with fresh chives before serving.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half with a low-fat cream or milk.
- For a vegetarian version, swap seafood with more vegetables like corn, carrots, or zucchini.
- Make it spicier by adding jalapeños or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
- You can use frozen seafood, but make sure to thaw it properly before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup, Chowder
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
