If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that comes together quickly and packs a serious flavor punch, this Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s easy to whip up, full of wholesome ingredients, and perfect for any night when you want dinner on the table without fuss. With tender potatoes, savory ground beef, and rich tomato broth all cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot, this soup is pure cozy magic in a bowl. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the hearty, balanced flavors you’ll love—whether it’s the robust ground beef adding protein, the vegetables bringing freshness and texture, or the tomato and broth combo creating that rich, warming base.
- Olive oil: Helps sauté the aromatics and adds a subtle fruitiness.
- Onion (1/2 medium, chopped): Builds a savory foundation and sweetness once cooked down.
- Celery (2 sticks, chopped): Adds a subtle crunch and earthiness to balance the soup.
- Extra lean ground beef (1 pound): Provides lean protein and hearty flavor without excess fat.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with fragrant depth that wakes up your taste buds.
- Tomato paste (2 heaping tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
- Diced tomatoes (1 can, 28 fluid ounces, with juices): Contributes juicy acidity and bright red color.
- Beef broth (4 cups): The savory liquid base that ties all the flavors together.
- Russet potatoes (2 large, diced): Adds hearty texture and soaks up the delicious broth beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (1/4 teaspoon or to taste): A blend that brings herby warmth and complexity.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the ingredients.
How to Make Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by setting your Instant Pot to the sauté function and heating the olive oil. Toss in the chopped onion and celery, cooking them for about 4 minutes until they soften and the onions become translucent. This step unlocks the natural sweetness of the veggies and creates a delicious flavor base for the soup.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Garlic
Add the extra lean ground beef and minced garlic to the pot, stirring frequently until the beef is nicely browned—about 5 minutes. It’s okay if you don’t drain the fat here, especially since extra lean beef doesn’t release much. Browning the meat develops those deep, meaty flavors that make this soup irresistible.
Step 3: Mix in Tomato Paste and Other Ingredients
Stir in the tomato paste to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Then, pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, diced potatoes, and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over everything. This combination builds the hearty, savory broth that warms you from the inside out.
Step 4: Pressure Cook the Soup
Seal the Instant Pot lid securely, ensuring the valve is set to “sealing.” Set the cooking time to high pressure for 8 minutes. This is where magic happens—the potatoes soften perfectly, and all the flavors meld together beautifully in just a fraction of the time it would take on the stove.
Step 5: Quick Release the Pressure
When the cooking cycle finishes, carefully perform a quick pressure release by turning the valve to “venting.” This step rapidly brings the pressure down, so your soup is ready to enjoy without delay.
Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serve
Open the lid and give your soup a good stir. Taste it and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve your piping hot Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe immediately, and get ready to enjoy every comforting spoonful!
How to Serve Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance the presentation and flavor of your soup with simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. A dollop of sour cream or a few crushed red pepper flakes also add delightful richness or a bit of kick, depending on your mood.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up every last drop of broth. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a crisp, bright contrast to the savory soup, rounding out your meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls, hollowed out to create an edible container. Or, for a family-style feel, bring the whole pot to the table and ladle generous portions into warm bowls, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy the cozy vibes together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day. Just give it a quick stir before reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, so you can prep it ahead and save some for busy days. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. It keeps in the freezer for up to 3 months, ready to be thawed and warmed whenever you need a comforting meal fast.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it thickens too much upon standing, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a leaner option and still delivers great flavor. Just brown it the same way in Step 2 and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, feel free to customize your soup! Carrots, green beans, or bell peppers all make lovely additions. Add harder veggies with the potatoes, and tender ones closer to finishing time, depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to brown the meat first?
Browning the meat builds richer flavor and a better texture, so it’s highly recommended. Skipping this step will still yield soup, but the taste won’t be as deep and savory.
What can I substitute for Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme works perfectly. Adjust amounts to your liking to keep that herby warmth in the soup.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot?
You can, although the cooking time will be much longer—about 4 to 6 hours on low. Brown the meat and sauté the veggies on the stove first, then combine everything in the slow cooker and cook until the potatoes are tender.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe is the kind of meal that makes cooking dinner feel like a warm hug. It’s quick, easy, and packed with flavors the whole family will adore. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a satisfying bowl for yourself, this soup never disappoints. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting Instant Pot Hamburger Soup made with extra lean ground beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful seasonings. This easy one-pot meal combines tender potatoes, savory tomato broth, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a quick, nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound extra lean (95% lean) ground beef
- 2 large Russet potatoes, diced
Instructions
- Prepare the base: Add olive oil, chopped onion, and celery to your Instant Pot. Press the sauté button and cook for about 4 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Brown the beef: Stir in the extra lean ground beef and minced garlic. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned. Drain excess fat if desired (optional, as lean beef produces minimal fat).
- Add flavorings: Mix in the tomato paste thoroughly. Then add diced tomatoes with their juices, beef broth, diced potatoes, and Italian seasoning into the pot, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Pressure cook: Close the lid securely and ensure the valve is set to “sealing.” Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes to allow flavors to meld and potatoes to soften fully.
- Release pressure: When cooking is complete, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to “venting.” Wait until the pressure is fully released and the lid can be safely opened.
- Season and serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot immediately for a delicious and filling meal.
Notes
- Use extra lean ground beef to reduce fat content and avoid excess grease in the soup.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, mash some of the potatoes before serving or simmer for a few extra minutes on sauté mode after pressure cooking.
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots or peas for more color and nutrients.
- Adjust Italian seasoning and garlic according to your taste preference for more or less intensity.
