Go Back

Smoky Beef Potato Soup Smoked Paprika

Smoky beef potato soup simmers ground beef, russet potatoes, and vegetables in beef broth with smoked paprika. Whole milk stirred in at the end gives the soup a creamy finish, while the potatoes cook until fork-tender.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 33 minutes
standing time 5 minutes
Total Time 53 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 375
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 85% lean
  • 1 yellow onion medium, diced
  • 2 carrots medium, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 6 cup beef broth
  • 1.5 lb russet potatoes peeled and cut into 3/4-inch pieces
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup whole milk

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. In a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it into small pieces, for 6–8 minutes until browned and it reaches 160°F.
  2. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot.
  3. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until beginning to soften.
  4. Stir in the garlic, smoked paprika, and tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in the beef broth.
  6. Add the potatoes, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
  7. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
  8. Cook uncovered for 15–20 minutes until the potatoes are fork-tender.
  9. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
  10. Stir in the milk.
  11. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes without boiling.
  12. Remove the pot from the heat.
  13. Let the soup stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, cut the potatoes into even 3/4-inch pieces so they cook at the same rate. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3–4 days; freeze for up to 3 months, though the milk may separate slightly when thawed. For a dairy-free variation, use an unsweetened dairy-free milk in place of the whole milk.