Delicious Hamburger Soup – A Classic American Soup Recipe

by Julia
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May 3, 2023

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Transform your dinner routine into an effortless culinary adventure with our Instant Pot Hamburger Soup! Unleash the power of pressure cooking to meld savory beef, hearty vegetables, and rich broth into a symphony of flavors in record time. With a sprinkle of spices and a dash of love, this one-pot wonder transcends the ordinary, delivering a comforting bowl of home-cooked goodness. Embrace simplicity, savor the flavors, and let the Instant Pot work its magic. Dinner is served, and it’s deliciously unforgettable!

Cooking a batch of Hamburger Soup Crock Pot-style should be highly rewarding as it is easy to prepare. Plenty of recipes to try in a crock pot, yet this is a classic American soup and should become a firm family favorite.

Like any hamburger recipe, you may want to add some bread rolls, yet these will be for dipping in the delicious sauce. You can add some shredded cheese, just as you would a cheeseburger.

What Is Instant Pot Hamburger Soup?

The thought of Hamburger Soup may be an alien concept to many, yet it does come with the flavor of a hamburger. There’s still the key ingredient: ground beef, though it is a purely viscous dish.

Most of the soup is another soup (Tomato Basil) and frozen mixed vegetables. With a versatile base, you should be looking at changing up this recipe, and there are several ways of doing so in a classic American soup recipe.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

Keto To make hamburger soup keto-friendly, focus on low-carb vegetables and high-fat ingredients. Replace any high-carb vegetables like potatoes with lower-carb options like cauliflower or turnips. You can add more fat by incorporating cream or extra cheese if dairy is allowed in your keto plan.
Vegan For a vegan version, swap the hamburger for a plant-based meat substitute or bulk up the soup with more hearty vegetables and legumes like lentils or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.
Paleo To adapt the soup for a paleo diet, ensure all ingredients are paleo-friendly. Use fresh, organic produce, and replace any legumes or grains with more vegetables or chunks of sweet potatoes. Instead of traditional dairy products, use coconut milk to add creaminess.

Recipe Directions

Heat some oil over medium-high heat in a large saucepan or soup pot. Add the beef stew meat and sauté until the meat is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the saucepan with the beef. Continue to sauté for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and aromatic.
Pour the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), Worcestershire sauce, and hot pepper sauce into the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender.
While the soup is simmering, prepare the roux in another pan. Melt the margarine or butter over medium heat. Gradually add the all-purpose flour to the melted margarine, stirring constantly to form a smooth paste.
Cook the roux, stirring constantly, until it turns golden brown and emits a nutty aroma. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn it.
Once the roux is ready, slowly ladle a small amount of the hot soup broth into the pan with the roux, whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Gradually add more soup broth and whisk until the roux mixture is well incorporated.
Pour the roux mixture back into the large saucepan with the simmering soup. Stir well to combine and thicken the soup. Cover the saucepan again and let the soup simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Serve the hearty beef and vegetable soup hot, garnished with some fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy this delicious and comforting meal with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter alternative.
For a vegetarian version, replace the beef with lentils or a meat substitute.
Go spicy by adding a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.

Add-Ons

For added texture and sweetness, stir in some frozen corn or green peas in the last few minutes of cooking.
Increase the soup’s heartiness by adding diced potatoes or cooked rice.
Make it creamy by stirring in a heavy cream or coconut milk splash before serving.

Toppings

Sprinkle grated cheese like cheddar or parmesan on the hot soup, letting it melt for a creamy finish.
Add a dollop of sour cream for a tangy twist.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the flavors.
Serve with crusty bread or oyster crackers for an enjoyable crunch.
A few drops of hot sauce on top can provide an extra kick for spice lovers.

Can I Make Instant Pot Hamburger Soup In A Slow Cooker?

You can undoubtedly make Instant Pot Hamburger Soup in a slow cooker. The steps will be slightly adjusted:

Start by browning your ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the vegetables are tender. This step is necessary because slow cookers do not have a sauté function.
Drain excess fat, then transfer the cooked mixture to your slow cooker.
Add the chicken broth, Worcestershire sauce, crushed tomatoes, and hot pepper sauce into the slow cooker, stirring well to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
About 30 minutes before the soup is done, melt your margarine in a pan over medium-low heat, stir in the flour, and cook until golden brown to create a roux. Gradually stir this into your soup to thicken it.
Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes or until the soup has thickened to your liking.
Adjust the seasoning as needed, then serve hot with your preferred garnishes.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Depending on your time, resources, and personal preference, either option can work well.

Store-Bought Broth

It is a convenient and time-saving option. It’s readily available and comes in various types, such as chicken, beef, vegetable, and bone broth.
When selecting store-bought broth, opt for low-sodium versions whenever possible. It gives you more control over your soup’s salt content.

Homemade Broth

Making your broth allows for the customization of flavors and the ability to control the ingredients, which is especially beneficial if you’re watching your intake of sodium, preservatives, or other additives.
Homemade broth typically has a fresher, richer taste, and you can make it in large batches to freeze for future use. However, it does require more time and effort.

How To Serve?

Treat a batch of Hamburger Soup just like you would any other soup. Have a chopped-up baguette handy to soak up any of that delicious sauce.

The soup also goes well with cornbread, garlic bread, crusty bread, or buttered-up dinner rolls. You can even serve the soup plainly as it is by pouring ladles of it into bowls.

Once the Hamburger Soup has finished cooking in the crock pot, you can add different textures and flavors. That could include oyster crackers, crushed crackers, or chopped green onions for some color.

As this is a Hamburger Soup, you can expect some shredded cheese as this will melt nicely. A dollop or two of sour cream, as does a sprinkling of Italian seasoning or dried oregano, also works well.

Perfect Side Dishes

Instant Pot Hamburger Soup’s hearty and robust flavors pair well with various side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

Crusty Bread: A slice of fresh, crusty bread or a warm bread roll is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp, refreshing counterpoint to the soup.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic comfort food pairing, the creamy, melted cheese contrasts beautifully with the hearty soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Lightly seasoned, oven-roasted vegetables can complement the soup while maintaining the healthy, wholesome theme.
Baked Potato: A side of plain baked potato or a loaded baked potato can add a satisfying, starchy component to the meal.
Coleslaw: The incredible, tangy flavors of coleslaw contrast with the warm, hearty soup.

Storage And Make Ahead

For a deeper flavor, brown the ground beef using the sauté function before adding other ingredients.
Use a mix of vegetables like carrots, celery, and bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
To enhance the richness, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.
Consider adding a can of diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a thicker base.
Use low-sodium beef broth to control the saltiness.
For a heartier soup, add cooked pasta, rice, or barley at the end of cooking.
To make it creamy, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese before serving.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Use the soup as a filling for bell peppers. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is bubbly.
Pasta Sauce: Reduce the soup on the stove until it’s thickened, then toss with cooked pasta for a quick and satisfying meal.
Shepherd’s Pie Filling: Use the soup as a pie base. Just top with mashed potatoes and bake until golden.
Taco or Burrito Filling: Use the thickened soup as a protein-packed filling for tacos or burritos.
Rice Topper: Serve the heated soup over a bed of cooked rice for a different spin in a rice bowl.
Baked Potato Filling: Use the soup as a hearty filling for baked potatoes, adding a touch of sour cream and chives for extra flavor.

TIPS

Storage: Once cooked, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Hamburger soup freezes well. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, use the microwave, heating in short intervals and stirring in between until heated through.
Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future use. Prepare the soup as directed, then cool and store as described above. Reheat when ready to serve.