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.

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Like most crock pot recipes involving meat, you must first brown off the ground beef with some onion and a few seasonings. The bulk of the recipe comes later with bags of frozen mixed diced vegetables and cans of Tomato Basil soup (Also check out The Best Grilled Cheese And Tomato Soup Recipe).

Quick Question: Is Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe Thick Or Thin?

The Instant Pot Hamburger Soup recipe offers a hearty and satisfying thickness, brimming with flavors, veggies, and savory goodness, perfect for a comforting meal.

You can still switch up the recipe with some simple ingredient substitutes, yet make sure the proportions remain the same. After that, put the lid on and let the crock pot work its magic.

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?

Like any good recipe, there are plenty of variations to create your twist. For Hamburger Soup, that includes the potatoes, the liquid, the meat, and the vegetables.

Use Different Potatoes

One of the simplest recipe variations for Hamburger Soup means changing up the potatoes. You can use Yukon Gold potatoes or Russet potatoes as the texture works in the soup.
Consider using sweet potatoes, but make sure whichever potatoes you use are cut into half-inch cubes to ensure they are evenly cooked.

Your Liquid Of Choice

Use beef broth instead of water to create a deeper flavor in the soup. For even more flavor, add a couple of dashes of Worcestershire sauce.

Change Up The Meat

Though you should be expected to use ground beef in a recipe for Hamburger Soup, that does not have to be the case. You can switch the ground beef to ground chicken, turkey, or any ground meat you desire.
You can use beef chuck instead of ground meat to create a thicker, more substantial soup.
To create a more flavorful stew rather than a soup, you can use beef chuck and also throw in a can of diced tomatoes. Consider the consistency of the soup and the flavors by choosing either tomato sauce or fire-roasted tomatoes.

Use Different Vegetables

The vegetables that you select can also be changed to create different textures. Frozen peas may be a staple ingredient in your freezer and can be used here.
Green beans, bell pepper, and chopped celery stalks are good options.

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.

Delicious Hamburger Soup – A Classic American Soup Recipe

5 from 3 votes

Recipe by Lana Rivera Course: Soup Recipe

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

250

kcal

Instant Pot Hamburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, an array of vibrant vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. Quick to prepare in the pressure cooker, this one-pot wonder delivers a satisfying, protein-rich meal in less than an hour.

Ingredients

2 Pounds 2 Ground Beef
Small Sweet Yellow Onion (Diced)
1 Teaspoon 1 Salt
½ Teaspoon ½ Ground Black Pepper
2 Teaspoons 2 Italian Seasoning
1 Teaspoon 1 Onion Powder
3 3 Waxy Potatoes Or Sweet Potatoes (chopped)
20 Ounces 20 Mixed diced Frozen Vegetables
19 Oz 19 Tomato Basil Soup
1 Cup 1 Water

Step-By-Step Directions

Heat a large skillet over medium heat on the stovetop.
Add the ground beef, followed by the onion, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Break up the ground beef and ensure that it browns evenly and thoroughly.
Drain off the excess fat and carefully pour it into the garbage.
Transfer the entire mixture from the large skillet into your crock pot.
Add the mixed diced frozen vegetables and stir the mixture
Pour in the cans of Tomato Basil soup and then add the water before giving the mixture another stir.
Cook the mixture on low for five to six hours or high for three to four hours.
Add the chopped waxy potatoes about half an hour before the time is up.
Once the time has elapsed, check the mixture and season it to taste before serving it hot.
EQUIPMENT LIST
Instant Pot
Knife And Cutting Board
Wooden Spoon
Measuring Cups And Spoons
Ladle
Saucepan

Notes

Variations: Feel free to substitute ground beef with proteins like ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or a meat substitute.
Add-Ons: You can add different vegetables or even pasta to make the soup heartier. Just be mindful of the cooking times of whatever you add.
Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Add more hot pepper sauce if you like it spicy or Worcestershire sauce for a richer flavor.
Broth: Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt content. Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version.
Storing: Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating: You may need to add more broth or water as the soup thickens when stored.
Garnishing: Finish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or grated cheese before serving for extra flavor and presentation points.

Nutrition Table

Author
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Lana Rivera

Lana is an experienced soup specialist known for her dedication to crafting delicious soup recipes. Certified by Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts under the Holistic Nutrition & Wellness Program, her comprehensive and versatile soup-making expertise caters to a global audience of soup enthusiasts. Lana's passion for soups originated during her college years amidst a busy student lifestyle. Appearing in TV programs and with ebooks available, she offers convenient meal prepping. Soup Chick is a testament to her commitment to fostering a vibrant and engaging soup-loving community, which made her join Soup Chick to pursue her passion.