This Instant Pot hamburger soup is easy and flavorful! It's a healthier comfort food meal that uses simple everyday ingredients like ground beef and potatoes.
If you're looking for the stovetop version, head on over to my popular Easy Hamburger Soup instead.
Why you'll love it
Tender ground beef enrobed in a tasty tomato broth... who can resist? This Instant Pot hamburger soup builds a ton of flavor in way less time. I just love how this appliance concentrates flavor and is pretty hands off. Open it up, and it's as if this soup has been simmering away for hours.
I always make this simple, hearty, and affordable soup when I'm cleaning out the pantry. This Instant Pot ground beef soup recipe also happens to be super forgiving. Got some extra veggies? Throw 'em in. It's all good! And the leftovers are very tasty. It's a reader favorite.
What you'll need
- Olive oil, onions, and celery - sautéing sweet (Vidalia) onions along with celery makes a delicious aromatic base
- Ground beef - it's also known as hamburger, hence the name of the soup. I like to use 95% lean.
- Garlic - garlic lovers, add even more if that's your thing
- Tomato paste and diced tomatoes - these pantry staples are canned at the peak of ripeness for perfect concentrated tomato flavor
- Beef broth - a 32 oz container equals the 4 cups required for this recipe. Easy peasy.
- Potatoes - Russet potatoes are my go-to variety for soups, but you can definitely use red or Yukon gold
- Italian seasoning - this delicious blend of dried herbs comes in a single convenient jar and adds so much flavor
Pro tip
- I like to use extra lean ground beef because it's a bit less fatty, so you can skip the step of draining the fat once you've browned it. There's still a bit of fat left, but I find it adds a nice flavor to the soup. If you do use a fattier ground beef, I would definitely drain some of the fat so the soup doesn't end up excessively oily.
How to make Instant Pot hamburger soup
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Add the oil and chopped onion and celery to your IP. Press the sauté button, cooking for 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and meat. Cook until browned, giving it the occasional stir. I don't drain the fat, but you can if not using extra lean ground beef.
Stir in the tomato paste, followed by the diced tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, and potatoes. Close the lid with the valve on "sealing". Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. After the countdown, do a quick pressure release. Season generously with salt & pepper, and enjoy!
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha's favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- I have an older 6 quart model, but here's the latest version of the Instant Pot.
- Not sure how to store the other half of your onion? This onion saver keeps it fresh in the fridge.
- A sturdy ladle that doesn't slop soup all over is a must-have.
Substitutions and variations
- You can definitely add in some chopped carrots at the same time as the celery.
- Several readers have successfully thrown in a drained can of corn and/or green beans. Or stir in some spinach after you release the pressure for even more veggies and let it wilt.
- If you're sensitive to salt, use low-sodium beef broth.
What to serve with Instant Pot hamburger soup
- I like how hearty this soup is, so a dinner roll, breadsticks, or a slice of Cheesy Garlic Bread will round it out nicely.
- For a classic soup and salad combo, try spring mix with my Creamy Balsamic Dressing or this mouthwatering Beet and Spinach Salad to change it up.
Leftovers and storage
- Store leftovers of this hamburger soup in the fridge for 3-4 days in a covered container. The flavors intensify over time even more!
- I recommend reheating over a low heat in a saucepan, stirring every so often until warmed through.
- Leftovers will freeze well. Consume within 3 months. I like to store them in individual containers.
Let me know in the comments below if you gave this easy Instant Pot soup recipe a try. I'd love a review. Questions the blog post didn't answer? Talk to me! You can also find me on Instagram.
Instant Pot Hamburger Soup
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 medium onion chopped
- 2 sticks celery chopped
- 1 pound extra lean (95% lean) ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28 fluid ounce) can diced tomatoes with juices
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 large Russet potatoes diced
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning or to taste
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add the olive oil, onion, and celery to your Instant Pot. Press the sauté button and cook for 4 minutes.
- Stir in the beef and garlic. Cook until the beef has browned, stirring occasionally (about 5 minutes). You shouldn't need to drain much fat if you're using extra lean ground beef, but feel free to drain some/most of it if desired (I didn't drain any).
- Stir in the tomato paste, then add in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, potatoes, and Italian seasoning.
- Close the lid, make sure the valve is on "sealing", and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the countdown has finished, do a quick pressure release.
- Season with salt & pepper as needed and serve immediately.
Notes
- Serves 4-6.
- Anything from about 1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef will work.
- Use low-sodium beef broth if you're sensitive to salt.
- Inactive time indicates the time it takes the Instant Pot to get up to pressure.
- Try the stovetop version if you don't own an IP.
- Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be construed as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and Salt & Lavender makes no guarantees to the accuracy of this information.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on January 30, 2019. It's been updated with new photos and better instructions but is the same great recipe!
Lynn says
This dish was excellent had the best flavor. One of my favorites.
Natasha says
Thrilled to hear it!! 😀
Jeffrey D Gortatowsky says
As a recent widower who burns water, thank you. My bride of 24 years did leave me an instapot. And I just made this. It came out great. I have three nights of dinner now! Sad... I know... but you can never tell where a post like this will lead! Thank you! I only wish she was here so I could show off my 'cooking'
Natasha says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Jeffrey! 🙂 I am sure she would be very proud of you.
Kelly says
Honestly, I don’t know how some people find this soup flavorless.
I find this recipe to be very versatile to adjust to one’s preferences.
I added a little chopped carrot and a handful of frozen peas.
I didn’t have beef broth on hand, so I used 2 cups of beef bone broth I had and 2 tsp of Better Than Bouillon beef base and 2 cups of water.
Didn’t have Italian seasoning, and didn’t feel like making some up, so I subbed it for Herbs of Provence.
I also put a little bit of turmeric in as I like to sneak some in whenever I can, and a little smoked paprika just because I love the aromatic of it.
Great recipe to clean the fridge and pantry out with🙂
Natasha says
Exactly! 😀
Mandi Clark says
How would I do this in a slow cooker?
Kathleen Rasmussen says
Saved this recipe a long time ago and finally made it tonight for dinner. Very Good!!/improvised a lot. Didn’t hv tomato paste/used 2Ttomato sauce; didn’t hv 28 oz diced tomatoes/used 1 14oz can diced tomatoes & 1 14oz can tomato sauce; didn’t hv beef broth but used 1T Worcestershire to 1C water/4C worth; also used 1 lg onion diced/1 frozen pkg peas/1can creamed corn/leftover shredded carrots/3sm potatoes chopped/didn’t hv celery so omitted it; also didn’t hv Italian seasoning, so used 1/4t ea oregano/thyme/1T sea salt. This is a recipe that u can add more veggies or improvise as needed. It was so delicious and I will definitely make it again!
Natasha says
So glad it worked out, Kathleen! 😀
Christin says
Made tonight. Was delicious. Added green beans and corn like others recommended. Thanks!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!!
Victor ross says
Hamburger soup looks great
Natasha says
Enjoy!
Judy says
I plan on trying this tonight - can the leftovers be frozen?
Natasha says
You bet!
Jeannie says
I loved this soup! I did make a few adjustments…added some shakes of Worcestershire sauce, a drained can of green beans and a can of yellow corn. I also used fire roasted diced tomatoes instead of regular and a little more Italian seasoning than the recipe says. All in all, I think it’s a great recipe that can be adjusted for a family’s personal taste! Thank you! I’ve tried so many of your recipes and they are always terrific!
Ray P. says
I made this per the instructions and it was WONDERFUL on a cold day. It is a VERY tasty base recipe that can be "personalized" by adding other ingredients. A drained can of green beans or corn, for instance. Recipes like this keep me exploring in the kitchen. Thank You!!
Natasha says
So glad to hear it, Ray!! 🙂
Donna says
Is it possible to substitute rice for the potatoes? If so, how much rice would you recommend to add?
Natasha says
Hi! I haven't tested, but I'd probably sub 3/4 cup or so. Be mindful that on some IPs you can get a burning if rice sticks to the bottom, however.
Lisa Jouzy says
Lacks flavour
Natasha says
Thanks. Did you add salt?
Amy says
How long if I’m using frozen hamburger?!!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Hi! We've never cooked frozen hamburger in the Instant Pot and recommend looking at Instant Pot guidelines for frozen beef.
Donald Schreiber says
Loved the Hamburger Soup it was Delicious 😋
Natasha says
Fantastic! 🙂
Nancy Mayfield says
This soup is fabulous! I added 2c of V8 vegetable juice, 16oz bag of semi frozen mixed vegetables and 2T of ketchup and was delicious! Served with some warm bread put this soup over the top.
Natasha says
Excellent!
Beth says
Made this tonight. My family always gives me their input, on new recipes, and tonight they said to mark this one as a “keeper”. The really interesting thing about this is… my husband even piped up and agreed, and he doesn’t like soup! 🙂
Natasha says
That's so nice to hear!!! 😀 Thanks for letting me know, Beth!
Karen Ward says
I have been looking for a great hamburger stew recipe and this is it!!! Loved it. Also didn't have the celery but it was fine. Add green beans and corn. I wonder if sweet potatoes would give a nice twist to the stew instead of the potatoes?
Natasha says
I'm so happy it was a hit, Karen! Yes, I think sweet potatoes would be delicious.
BHerm says
Very, very good! I didn't have celery, no big deal - still very flavorful. I used beef bone broth and added a can of tomato soup (no paste on hand,) can of stewed tomatoes, garlic powder, 1/2 lb. extra burger and a couple dashes of Italian seasoning. This one is a keeper - pinned!!!! Thank you. Quick, easy, delish.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! 🙂 I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Xarah says
Not much flavor. I ended up having to add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning (instead of a dash), smoked paprika, and white pepper.
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Did you add enough salt? This one is a reader favorite, so we're sorry it didn't work out for you.
Dante says
This recipe was absolutely delicious and definitely going on my menu. I did add a few more seasonings to it. When serving it I added some sour cream, shredded Parmesan cheese and some hot sauce!!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
Those additions sound great, Dante! So happy you enjoyed the soup. 🙂