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!
Pam says
I've been making hamburger soup for 40 yrs. Got the original recipe from my sister-in-law. It's a very versatile recipe. I use whatever tomato option that is handy, sauce, stewed, even tomato juice. I won't make it unless I have potatoes, carrots, and cabbage. Also, 1/4 c. of rice. I also add a bay leaf. It's so nice of you to share your recipe! Will share with the kids & grandkids, so they have a good starting point. I'm looking forward to using my instant pot next time. Nothing better than being able to shorten that cooking time!
Natasha says
Thanks for your tips, Pam!! 🙂 Yes, it's definitely versatile and can be made in so many different ways. I love how the Instant Pot infuses flavor effortlessly.
Michelle Roesch says
I made this and the entire family loved it! Will definitely be one of my go to dinners. So fast and easy!
Natasha says
Thrilled to hear it! Thanks, Michelle!
Nancy Norman says
Made this soup tonight. It was delicious. Thank you for such an easy and delicious recipe
Natasha says
You're very welcome! 🙂
Rozmin says
Thanks it was so easy and tasty. I needed to use up the lb of lamb mince. I didn’t use potatoes though just frozen veg. Will make a cornflour slurry to thicken it slightly and into the freezer. Do you have any other easy recipes?
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I try to make most of my recipes really easy. Here's more Instant Pot recipes of mine: https://bit.ly/3jXPUOZ There's also a "Recipes" button at the top of the website (if you're on desktop) and a menu for mobile where you can browse almost 1,000 recipes.
Alicia says
Waiting for pressure now. Cant wait to try. Noticed you used a bigger version than I have. Just was at that max line...crossing my fingers lmao...but your instructions were great! I am just coming to the conclusion I need a bigger IP
Natasha says
You must have a 3 quart. I think it should be fine as long as you didn't go over the fill line. 🙂 Let me know how it goes! I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.
Stephanie K says
Made this. Tasted before putting on to cook. I added more salt than usual to compensate for the comments. I thought we were having salt soup, however to my surprise it was perfect. My kids loved it. Nothing left!!!
Natasha says
Haha yup, most people do not add enough salt to recipes (especially things like soup). I'm so glad that it worked out for you! 🙂
heather says
we make your recipe almost every week! reminds me of my grandmas growing up. thanks for a great recipe! 🙂
Natasha says
Aww I love that... so happy you're enjoying my recipes. So glad you liked this soup, Heather! 😀
Donna Fitzgerald says
I have made this soup for at least 40years. Back then, we used primarily canned vegies. Everybody had at least a tbsp. of veg. on their plate every night. Leftovers (in the pot) were put into a container. Friday or Saturday was "garbage soup" night. The kids laughed every time! At any rate, we had your basic recipe with lots of x-tra's veg. Soup disappeared!!!!
Natasha says
Lol I love that name for it.
olga says
I cook for 2 of us but I am confused with the measurement 0.17Tb how much is that?
Natasha says
Hi Olga, I don't know. You must've changed the recipe quantity, and that's what the computer program automatically converts it to. This soup will be really awkward to make if you scale it down that much. I would change it back to what it's written for (6 servings) and just make the whole recipe (in reality, it's 4-6 servings depending on how much people eat, so it's not like it makes a TON of soup), and then freeze leftovers. That slider is more useful for when you want to double the recipe, for example, or halve certain recipes (it works better for some recipes than others, but since it's turned on, every recipe is given the option).
Judith Minchew says
Haven’t made this yet, but it looks delicious! I’ve made Stuffed Pepper Soup before, and was not excited, but I’ll try this. My husband is always pleased when I serve beef!.
Natasha says
I hope that you both enjoy it! 🙂
Lisa says
I will try this tonight
Natasha says
Enjoy!
Janenne Powlison says
I made an Instant Pot full of this soup but added more water/broth, barley, & mixed beans. It was fabulous!! It made enough to have two dinners ourselves, gave one away, and one is in freezer for later on. It does need a lot of extra salt though!
Natasha says
Excellent! Yes... soups usually do need a fair amount of salt. So glad you liked it!
Chris Townes says
This was really good. Gave it 4 stars because I changed it a bit, but author said that is was a very forgiving recipe. Added carrots and will add more veggies next time. Such a good base. My kids and husband loved it.
This is great for those days that are cold and dreary. So easy.
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Jennifer says
I am going to be honest and tell you that I was not sure what hamburger soup would taste like. 😅 But I just got my wisdom teeth removed and was looking for something to eat that felt savory and filling and didn't need to be chewed. This recipe was a splendid surprise. I used fire roasted diced tomatoes since I had that on hand, but otherwise followed the recipe. It was delish. Next time, I will probably switch out the potatoes with sliced carrots, but otherwise keep the recipe the same. Oh, I also added cheeder cheese on top after the soup was done. Thanks for sharing!
Natasha says
Haha I didn't grow up with it either... it's all good. So glad you liked it!
Lori Gorichanaz says
I don't have any tomato paste and was wondering if I could add sauce? Or should I bite the bullet and run to the grocery store? The recipe looks good and I want to make it for my sick husband.
Natasha says
Hi! I can't really say without testing. Tomato paste has a much more concentrated flavor and a thicker consistency, so there could definitely be a bit of difference in taste. Hopefully not a huge deal, but you never know.
Debbie Ch. says
I made this for dinner tonight and it was a hit. It had really good flavor and I’m betting it’ll even have a better flavor tomorrow.
Natasha says
Wonderful! 🙂 I think so... soups are often better the day after! Thanks for commenting.
Lucius Miles says
Just absolutely PERFECT. You are the BEST!
Natasha says
🙂
Jen says
This wasn't good at all. I should have known when I saw the ingredient list. This concoction tastes exactly as the list dictates: like a bowl of tomatoes with ground beef. I really should have known better. I made a big pot which is the only reason I didn't throw it out. To make it taste a little better, I added a couple cans of corn and cilantro. Then I topped not with a dollop of sour cream and some shredded cheese.
Natasha says
Strange. It's a popular recipe. Sorry you didn't like it!
ALS says
I agree, tasted like watery tomato soup. Definitely going to try it again using a smaller can of tomatoes and substituting the remaining liquid necessity with more beef broth! I can tell it should be a good and hearty recipe, just not for this family unfortunately.
Megan says
Absolutely delicious! I added a bit more than a dash of Italian seasoning and few more veggies (which necessitated a splash of vinegar to counter balance the sweetness), and it was so amazing! The broth is rich and perfect.
Natasha says
I'm so happy it worked out!! 🙂
Teresa Phillips says
This was the FIRST thing I've ever made in the Instant Pot. I am so excited! It is wonderful. Husband is on his 3rd bowl as I type and there is no greater compliment. I didn't have white potatoes on hand so I followed cues from others and used sweet potatoes, carrots and white corn. Thank you for an easy, great recipe! What can I make next? 😊
Natasha says
That makes me so happy!! 🙂 I have a whole category of Instant Pot recipes here that you can try if you like. 😀
Susie S. says
I made this on a whim and....WOW! It's so tasty and a perfect, quick dinner for a gloomy day.. Will definitely make it again. Thanks!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!! 🙂
Hollis says
I haven't made it yet, but it sounds amazing. Has anyone tried it with Rotel? I have a giant can due to grocery pick up substitution. Wondering if it would work well...
Natasha says
That's a good idea!
Monique says
Has anyone tried fresh asparagus in this recipe? I have some I need to use up.
Natasha says
If you're ok with it being pretty soft then you could definitely add it in. Or add it in once you've released the pressure, then press the sauté button and cook it for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
Ed Sautter says
Soup was quite tasty as per the recipe. I'd make this again. Family enjoyed it too. May add some corn, beans & maybe some carrots next time I make it again. Will for certain keep this recipe as I think I could make it for scouts in the dutch oven. It'd be a warm meal and filling one after a hike.
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it, Ed!
Bronwyn Dearinger says
I would have saved and made this recipe if I didnt have to also save your life story of which I have absolutely no interest.
Just give me the recipe not all the other shit and twaddle!
Natasha says
There's literally nothing personal/not cooking related in the blog post. You must be a real joy to be around. Your entitlement astounds me (you're getting a recipe for FREE and complain about 2 seconds of scrolling), but congrats for hiding behind your keyboard and spreading rudeness. Oh and please learn a bit about how SEO works. You don't sound too bright. 🙂 XO
Shanan says
Geez, I don't always enjoy reading blog posts in general, and I may gripe in my head a bit. 😇However, I just keep scrolling. We could use a little more kindness in the world. There are plenty of blogs in the sea, and anyone is free to find one more to their liking. Thanks for posting recipes for free. Haven't made this, but I am always on the lookout for easy soup recipes.
Natasha says
I appreciate your comment, Shanan! I totally get it... no one likes ads (me included haha), but they're a source of income for so many people, so I remind myself of that when I get irritated on websites that I frequent or YouTube videos. Sometimes negative comments get to me and I don't reply as nicely as I usually do lol. 🙂
Sabrina says
Omg I absolutely love your response ! Makes me choose to follow for more recipes. Thanks for the laugh! I haven’t even tried the recipe yet but items are on my grocery list!
Natasha says
Hehehe thank you 🙂
Beth says
Yikes. How’s that entitlement going for you? So an idea: Instead of miserably attacking someone who gives you free information and recipes, instead of whining about the1.5 seconds it takes to scroll to the recipe (such a strain for fragile fingers), use your brain to learn how to copy and paste. Then copy and paste the recipe onto an email you send to yourself, or into a Word or Notes document. Save it in a folder on your device or print it out.
Natasha says
😀
Tara says
Wow! That was sooo rude of you. Go buy a bloody cookbook and hope for the best from now on, "Karen".
Thank you for the recipe that you shared FOR FREE on the internet. I have now made it and am delivering to my dad who isn't feeling well. Smells divine!
Natasha says
Thank you so much 🙂 I hope your dad likes it!
Debbie Say says
If you don’t want to read the blog then just jump to the recipe. Obviously you have no idea what a blog is. Being nasty and crude only shows what a low life you are. Don’t like it leave!
Soup sounds wonderful, making it today.
Natasha says
Thank you, Debbie! 🙂 I hope you like the soup!
Linda says
Going to try this tonight, but dont have garlic on hand. could I sub garlic podwer? how much?
Natasha says
Maybe 1/2 teaspoon?
Martha says
My family and i enjoyed this a lot. Added in a bag of mixed veggies and a few more potatoes. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! 🙂
Emily Morris says
I am bookmarking this. My family LOVED this soup. My preschooler even asked to have leftovers for breakfast the next morning.
Natasha says
So happy to hear that, Emily! 😀
Jen Arpin says
This soup is really SO good! It's very easy and quick! Like other reviewers mentioned, it is very versatile and other vegetables could be added or substituted. We threw about a handful mushrooms in there because we had them to use up. We also used chicken broth because that is all we had. My only fix would be the title (lol). I suggested this "hamburger soup" to my husband (who is the main chef in our household) and he thought by the title it sounded disgusting...but then we did grow up in the era of Hamburger Helper. I digress...this soup is a winner! You should make it!!
Natasha says
I'm so pleased you enjoyed it! 🙂 Haha... yeah, I agree it doesn't sound too appealing, but if you just think of "hamburger" as ground beef, it's good lol.
Eddie Wong says
This is a great recipe, the flavors were complimentary. Thanks for the simple ingredients recipe. I used beef cubes instead of broth, 4 beef cubes + 4 cups water.
Natasha says
You're welcome!
Lisa Brown says
I honestly don't know if I've ever left a review on a recipe in my life. This however was the best that I had to let everyone know! The only thing I did different was we used sweet potatoes instead of regular. It was so simple yet so delicious. I've already shared the recipe with my family!
Natasha says
Aww thanks so much! 🙂
Angela says
Love this. I didn't add the diced tomato; my daughter does not like them. I added a small can of tomato sauce as a substitute; this made it more of a stew consistency or thick soup. Additionally, I substituted the Italian seasoning with a oregano/basil/sundry tomato seasoning because that is what I have on hand. I also added 1 1/2 teaspoons of crushed red pepper. This gave it a nice spice without it being hot. Topped with crushed blue corn tortilla chips and shredded cheddar cheese.
Natasha says
I'm so glad that it was a hit!
Marilyn Henderson says
Made this for dinner tonight, my first meal using our instant pot. You’re recipe is very easy to follow. My husband loved it! Like you suggested will probably add extra veggies like corn, cut green beans next time and even jalapeños! Will definitely make it again!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Yes, those additions would be delish!
Michele Teglia says
Thanks for sharing! I love how simple it is! I have a 6-quart IP. Do you think it can handle it if I double everything? I have 1 kilo ground beef and I want to cook all of it in one go. Thanks again!
Michele Teglia says
Oh and if the recipe is doubled will the cooking time be doubled too?
Natasha says
No. I would keep cooking time the same. It'll take your IP longer to come up to pressure.
Natasha says
It's hard to say. I can't remember exactly how full the IP was. I'd probably just add enough broth gradually so you don't go over the "max fill" line.
David says
Instructions are unclear. This is my first Instapot.
Step 2 says to brown the beef. How do you do that when the Saute for 4 minutes has ended? What program do you turn on? Instructions on browning the meat are missing.
Thanks
Natasha says
Hi David. You brown the beef by continuing with the sauté function. The sauté button stays pressed... you don't actually set it for a time. You just glance at your watch. You can just leave the sauté button pressed the whole time, and add the other ingredients until you seal it up and press the "manual" button and pressure cook. I hope this helps!
Melissa says
I got an Instant Pot Duo for Christmas and the sauté function has a timer that you can set. I usually set the timer for a lot longer than needed and when I’m ready to move onto the next cooking step, I just hit cancel.
Hope Muniz says
Giiiirrrrrllll! I made this for dinner tonight and ooooo weeeee it turned out good. I had a 7 year old running around singing and jumping so I lost my attention for a moment and used a whole can of tomato paste instead of 2 tablespoons, I also added a can of corn. It was so good even though I muffed it up a bit. Adding this into my 2 week meal plan. Gracias!
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that it still worked out haha 🙂
Mary Gonzales says
I'm goin to try it tonight so wish me luck.
Natasha says
Hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Linda says
I made this a few nights ago, even my picky husband liked it! So fast and easy.
Natasha says
Great!! 🙂 Thanks for commenting, Linda!
Beth says
Made this tonight. Love how easy it was to put together. I might add a few other veggies next time but it had a great flavor.
Natasha says
That's great!!
Jennifer says
Can this recipe be doubled? I have an 8qt.
Natasha says
I think that should be fine. Just be sure not to go over the max fill line 🙂
Jai says
I made this today and my pickiest eater (grandchild) loved this. However; because I was running short on time I bought a frozen bag of stew vegetables (onion, potatoes, celery) all of which was in the recipe instead of peeling & chopping fresh. With that said I followed everything else as it was written. It’s definitely a keeper and next time I’ll allot more time. Thanks for sharing.
Natasha says
I'm glad that it worked out!! 🙂
Kara Ann Barrera says
First time ever making soup and it turn to delicious!!!!!!! I am proud of myself
Natasha says
Yay!! I am so happy to hear that! 🙂 Well done!
Rachel says
I made it for the 2nd time & “veganized” it by using Impossible meat!!! Delicious!!!!! I definitely add more seasonings & I love that I don’t really have to measure with this recipe. Lol.. thank you 😊
Natasha says
I love that! I'm so happy that it's becoming a part of your rotation. 🙂
Britney says
Could I use 1lb frozen beef? That’s all I have on hand ☹️ New to instant pot and not sure how to adapt for frozen meat - just skip duster and put it in frozen and cook the recipe As it’s outlined? Thanks!
Natasha says
Hi! I’d add an extra couple minutes to the cook time and that should do it. It’s perfectly safe to cook frozen meat in the IP. I’d just make sure it’s cooked thoroughly before serving.
Amy Lewis says
I have tried the hamburger soup recipe in one of your cookbooks. I will definitely be trying this recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Natasha says
Hi! I don't have a cookbook so you must be mixing me up with someone else. 🙂 But let me know how you like this recipe!
Leah says
I'd like to sub in pearl barley for the potatoes.- any idea whether or not this will work with the pressure time you have in the recipe? TIA!
Natasha says
Hi! I haven’t ever cooked it in the IP but I think it may take a bit longer based on other recipes I just googled online. So I’m not sure. 😕
Rachel says
Hi I made this soup tonight so good but it was missing something . It needs some more seasoning did anyone add more season if they did what was it ?
Natasha says
Glad you liked it! Definitely add plenty of salt.
Patti says
Yes It did taste like it needed something so I added knorr chicken bouillon to it and it was delicious 😋
Natasha says
Yup.. good and salty haha.
Jesseca says
The first time I made it I added lots of Pink Himalayan salt, but the flavor was still lacking just a touch. The next time, I added roughly two teaspoons of garlic powder and about teaspoon and a half of garlic sea salt and it was perfect! Added exactly the right flavor and made it taste just like a hamburger. We topped it with cheese and it was beyond delicious!
Natasha says
Great!! 🙂
nickie says
Trying this out tonight. Will let you know. I am terrible at exact measurements. I also used red potatoes instead. 😀
Natasha says
Haha I rarely measure unless I'm working on a recipe for the blog! 🙂
Leah says
Delicious! I addition to tasting amazing it was super quick and easy to make! The only thing I changed was I used ground turkey. Thanks for the awesome recipe!
Natasha says
I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Leah!
Nicole says
Hello!
Can this soup be frozen after made? Im looking for some easy freezer meals.
Natasha says
Hi! You bet. The potatoes may get a little more soft/crumbly, but if you don't mind that then it'll be totally fine (I actually like that myself, but I thought I'd point it out!).
Nicole says
Great! thanks so much 🙂
Ron Lee says
Nice....used a little different spice personalizing the taste., great method and I’ll keep this one bppkmarked. Thxron
Natasha says
Great! You're welcome!
Selia says
I definitely have to try this sounds delicious. One question I have is, that I have an 8 quart instapot, does the recipe change in any way?
Natasha says
Hi! I’d leave everything the same.
Shay says
This is so good that I've made it twice in one week!! I used ground turkey instead of beef and its wonderful! Thanks so much for the recipe!
Natasha says
Excellent!! You're very welcome! 🙂