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!
Gary Edwards says
Boy this recipe is definitely a keeper, The only thing I did differently was substitute the hamburger with turkey burger figured that would work fine, +2 carrots cut up, and some frozen corn ,the tomato paste I put most of the can didn’t wanna waste it!!!👍
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it, Gary! Thanks for your review!
Liam Wescott says
I made this for dinner tonight and I love it! It is is delicious and I will very definitely be making this again.
Thank you for this recipe!
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Liam Wescott says
This looks like an interesting recipe. I'll take a stab at it later on today, as soon as I get the necessary ingredients.
One question: if we do a natural release instead of a quick release, will that affect the soup in any way?
Natasha says
If you do the natural release, it'll cook for longer, basically. So everything will end up even softer.
Audrey Allen says
One of our go to recipes for lunches during the week. Tried it with ground turkey and sweet potatoes and it was delicious!!! Thank you for the recipe!
Natasha says
Awesome!! You're very welcome, Audrey!
Su H says
Made this today as I has some ground beef/hamburger meat to use up. I made as directed except I doubled the recipe as I wanted lunch for the week. This was delicious!
After preparing and eating a bowl I then added a can of green beans and shredded cheese, just because... then had another bowl. YUMMY!
I paired this with some French bread and this is a complete meal.
Natasha says
Awesome!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
Marie says
Delicious, easy and simple to make . I make it once a week . Thanks for sharing 👍
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
You're very welcome, Marie! So happy you enjoy this soup!
Lizzette Darakorn says
It was a family hit. It's a keeper. The only thing I'll do next time is add more potatoes and use 1 tomato can.
Natasha says
Fantastic!! Glad you liked it. Thanks for your review!
Anina says
I don't understand how your potatoes don't turn into mush?? 8 minutes in the instant pot with diced potatoes unless you're using canned potatoes they are most certainly mush
Natasha says
They end up very soft, yes. Mush... no. You can read through the user reviews if you're concerned (people generally love the recipe) or adjust timing to your preferences.
Kara says
Hubby & Family loved it!! I was thinking of doing sweet potato next, instead of russet 🤔🤔
Natasha says
I think that would be delicious! So glad it was a hit!
Holly says
My husband and I love this yummy soup and make it often. I prepare the recipe as written and don't change a thing because you don't need to. It's perfect! And I love how it's low calorie, too! Thanks so much 😊
Natasha says
Aww I love that!! 🙂 Thanks for your review, Holly!
Marie says
Made this recipe and I make it often. Thanks for sharing
Natasha says
You're very welcome!! I'm so happy you enjoy it!
Roz says
I wanted to "double" the recipe... couldn't add double liquid but I did 6 cups broth.
1 can fire roasted tomatoes
1 28 Oz puree tomatoes
Swapped celery for carrots
1 lb sausage
1lb ground beef
Added garlic powder and onion powder too.
I also added cheese and little bit of heavy cream to my own bowl.
Husband loved it and said add it to the use again list. Didn't add heavy cream to his own bowl. Kids didn't care for it but might add heavy cream to there bowl or sour cream if I have it, next time.
Dave says
This the 3rd time I’ve used your recipe in my Instant Pot. I use the 8 quart at home and when I winter in Az I have an 8 qt and a 3 qt.in the Horse Trailer It’s really a super recipe and when it’s just 2 of us I can scale the ingredients down a bit. Turns out great every time
Super.
Natasha says
I'm so glad you like this recipe, Dave!! 🙂 Appreciate your review!
Marie says
I make this hamburger soup often . Thanks for sharing
Natasha says
You're very welcome! 🙂
T says
Flavorless. Spent an inordinate amount of time seasoning after it was done. Blech
Natasha says
Sorry you didn't like it! This recipe is highly rated from many people who have made it, so I am wondering what could have gone wrong.
Diana says
I've made this recipe 3 times! I've added fresh green beans, carrots & brussel sprouts as additional veggies. I've also changed up the broth (because I didn't have enough beef broth). It's a really versatile recipe. For me, I use veggies that I need to clean out so they don't go bad. Truly delicious recipe!!!
Miranda @ Salt & Lavender says
That makes us so happy to hear, Diana!! 🙂 Thanks for your review.
Matt B says
This recipe looks so good. I will probably try it today or tomorrow. I would like to know how well this recipe doubles. I was thinking about substituting the ground beef for ground turkey and put corn and rotelle in it as well. Maybe use half diced tomatoes and a half rotelle.
Natasha says
Hi Matt! I'm a bit concerned that doubling the soup may be too much to fit in a 6 qt. Instant Pot. If you have a larger one, you could for sure try. Your changes/additions sound delicious and I imagine that will work fine. You could always do a bit of experimenting with the liquid measurements so you don't go over the fill line (like add less beef broth perhaps vs. straight doubling). It is a very flexible soup, though.
Matt B says
Thank you for your quick answer. Sorry if I double posted I didn’t realize the comments was moderated. I measured how many cups of water would reach to fill line which is 2/3 and it was 24 cups which is 6 quart. I will try and do a single batch first and see how it turns out.
Natasha says
No worries! Let me know how it goes. 🙂
Matt B says
It went well. Definitely need salt but has good taste. In mines I was able to double all ingredients but not the liquids only time and a half
Natasha says
Good!! Thanks for coming back and letting us know. 🙂 Yup, I always add a fair bit of salt to most recipes that I make.
Terri says
Although this was somewhat nutritious, I found it to have little flavor. My insta-pot said "burn" so I had to cook it on the stove to soften potatoes. I did add carrots.
Beverly J says
This is one of the Best Hamburger Vegetable Soups!! Easy and the flavors are so good! My husband is usually not excited to eat Hamburger Vegetable Soup. This one was well liked! I received a good compliment for this one!! It doesn’t have your frozen mixed vegetables in it. Which isn’t a favorite with hubs. And tomatoes is one thing he picks out!! I used the Diced tomatoes. He ate the whole bowl!! This recipe is a keeper!!
Natasha says
I'm so pleased to hear that!! Thanks so much for your review, Beverly!
A Deans says
Made this tonight in our frozen Rexas weather. I used 2lbs of ground Turkey, added green beans, corn and another cup of beef broth. It was really good. Next time, I may add some salt while cooking the meat, but expect the meat will soak up some of the broth salt by tomorrow.
Natasha says
So glad you liked it!! Stay warm and thanks for your review!
Connie says
This was a warm, comforting soup. I did things a bit different. I browned the beef first, using a method my mother used by salting the pan and adding the beef. I'm not sure what that purpose is, but it does flavor the beef a bit. I drained the beef and set it aside, then did the onion and celery. I didn't have any tomato paste, so I used ketchup instead. I used garlic powder and added it with the rest of the ingredients. I had no carrots, but I did have some golden beets. I measured out the seasonings so I would have a future reference for myself: 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. I know this already delicious soup will be even better today once the flavors meld. Is it lunch time yet?
Natasha says
I'm so glad it worked out, Connie!! Thanks for your detailed review! 🙂
Jodi Rae Randa says
Excellent soup, quick and easy to make
Natasha says
Thanks so much!!
Nicole Schum says
Delicious! My second time making this and it’s one of my new favorites. Made it exactly as recommended. I love taking the leftovers to work. Thank you for sharing!
Natasha says
Wonderful!! You're very welcome!
Leo says
Great recipe. I too added carrots and salt.
Natasha says
Glad you enjoyed it, Leo!
Marcia says
Just made it and it smells divine. I tasted it for salt and thought the tomatoes made it a bit acidic so I added about 2 Tbs of sugar to offset the acid. But it is delicious and will make again. P.S. I also added the carrots and will add any veggies that need to be used up since this is a wonderful base for any additions.
Natasha says
Yes! It's a very customizable recipe for sure. 🙂 The sugar is a trick I sometimes use too when the tomatoes are a tad too acidic.
Angie Raikes says
I doubled this recipe but only used 5 cups of broth instead of 8…I was afraid of overflowing my 6 qt. Instantpot. I’ll update when it’s done, it smells so yummy 🙂
CT says
Angie, if it's not done by now I think you're using the Instant Pot wrong! 😉 (seriously, how did it work out?)
Diana L Jameson says
Delicious! I added fresh green beans and used one fresh medium tomato vs a 14.5 oz can. (I didn't have 2 cans). I also substituted 1/2 sweet potato for a russet. Very versatile recipe!!!!
Natasha says
Thank you! I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Diana!
Joseph Falcone says
I really enjoyed this dish. This was my first time using my new 6-Qt Instant Pot. I will make this recipe again. It's even better the next day when all the ingredients blend & marry to a wonderful mouth watering flavor.
Natasha says
Thank you so much, Joseph! Appreciate you taking the time to write me this review. 😀
Lori Broman says
Love this recipe!! I add a large diced carrot when adding the potatoes, super delicious!! Thank you for this easy delicious recipe that the family loves!
Natasha says
So glad you enjoyed it, Lori! Thanks for your review!
Lyndsey says
How big/small should I cut the potato chunks?
Natasha says
Bite-size. You definitely don't need to worry about being too exact... just go by what size you'd like to have in a soup/what you usually do. 🙂
George D says
Not a big fan of tomatoes...could I leave them out and add something different...Tomato paste is fine just don't like the "chunks" of tomatoes
Natasha says
Yes, that would be fine. Perhaps replace with a can of tomato sauce?
Danielle says
Yum! Made this tonight and added some leftover matchstick carrots I had in the fridge and topped with some fresh Parmesan. Such a warm and comforting meal on a cold winter day! ❄️ Plenty of leftovers too.
Natasha says
Excellent! 🙂 I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Katrina B. says
This soup is amazing!! This is our 3rd time making it because we all love it so much!!!
Natasha says
That's great to hear!! 🙂 Thanks for letting me know!!
Mary-Clare says
Will red potatoes work in this recipe as well?
Natasha says
You bet 🙂
Shelli Williamson says
Delicious. And sooo easy. I used my IP. recipe is perfect
Natasha says
Fantastic!!
Kristen says
Does this freeze okay?
Natasha says
You bet!
Yogagrill! says
Made with ground Elk...Yummy!
Natasha says
Awesome!
V. says
Super good.
Natasha says
🙂
Froofy says
I wouldn't change a thing, but wondering for people that are cholesterol conscious... Did you ever try ground turkey?
Natasha says
Hello! You could for sure try ground turkey. You may also like this soup that uses ground turkey: https://bit.ly/3jR2jEE
Marie says
This is delicious, made it a few times and making it again today Thanks for sharing.
Natasha says
So pleased you like it, Marie! 🙂
Becky Alexander says
I loved this soup and it was my first experience using the high pressure cooking feature on my Crockpot Express Crock Multi-Cooker. If you’re using this cooker, the “manual” feature doesn’t exist, per the instructions, just use the Beans/Chili button and adjust pressure and cook time.
I made this just as the recipe detailed. I did add fresh spinach into my own bowl since my son hates spinach. It wilted very quickly. I then added grated Parmesan to the soup, as well. Very yummy!!
Natasha says
I'm so glad you liked it!! Thanks for including the tips for your electric pressure cooker. 🙂
Emily says
I have yet to make this recipe because I’m wondering how I’d make it with frozen ground beef? I always keep ground beef in the freezer but I’m not sure how I’d cook it using this recipe! Help please!!
Natasha says
Hi Emily! Hmm... I have a couple concerns with that. It is safe to cook frozen meats in the Instant Pot, but since I have not ever done it myself, I am not sure how much extra time would need to be added on. Secondly, if you do add extra time, the veggies in the soup may become very overcooked and turn to mush. Also, you will lose flavor by not browning the beef. With all that said, you can definitely experiment, but I can't really advise you on timing, unfortunately. You could just thaw the beef as you would normally (safest to thaw it in the fridge) and then proceed with the soup as written.
Emily says
Bummer.. maybe I'll try thawing it and then carry on with the rest of the recipe. Thank you for your quick response! 🙂
Natasha says
You're welcome! I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know if you end up trying it. 🙂
Emily says
I just made this recipe and YUM!! The flavors are outstanding!! I ended up thawing my frozen ground beef in a bowl of hot water (changing out the water about 4 times until the middle wasn’t frozen anymore) and it worked out perfectly fine! I will definitely be making this again in the future. So delicious! 🤌🏼 **chefs kiss**
Natasha says
I'm so happy to hear that!!! 😀
Joy says
I sometimes thaw meat in the microwave on defrost setting.
Cyndi says
You can always cook the hamburger on sauté setting till it is cooked through. This is what I do. Scraping the cooked meat off as it browns. It take a few minutes longer to cook but we’ll worth the time. 😊
Madeline says
Hello, I am fairly new to using an instant pot but I want to try this recipe today. I am wondering when you cook the beef in the pot do you leave the instant pot? Or what setting do you have it on for this?
Thanks!
Natasha says
Hi! What you you mean by "do you leave the Instant Pot"? It's all cooked in the Instant Pot if that's what you mean. In step 1, press the sauté button. You don't close the lid or press a timer or anything... it's basically like sautéing anything on your stove. You add the beef to the Instant Pot in step 2. In step 4 you close the lid and then press the "manual" button and set the timer to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. I hope this helps... let me know if you need further clarification on anything. 🙂
Gail says
I’m making this recipe in my instant pot today😋 I followed recipe but...
I added whatever vegetables I had... yellow squash, fire roasted tomatoes, cut up cabbage, radishes, potatoes, onion, carrots, bay leaf, garlic, beef broth.
SMELLS GOOD COOKING can’t wait to taste it.
Thanks again for sharing
Natasha says
I hope you enjoy it, Gail! 🙂 You're very welcome!
Amber says
I made this tonight and my entire household enjoyed it! Including my picky 7 year old. We are vegetarian so I used impossible plant based meat. Added a can of corn like another commenter suggested and topped with freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Sooo good ! Will definitely be making again.
Natasha says
Fabulous!! Love it when everyone likes it! 🙂
jeff Hunter says
I have made this soup several times and it always turns out great. I follow the recipe exactly and it's delicious.
Natasha says
Wonderful!! Thanks, Jeff. 🙂
Jules says
This recipe looks delicious! What cooking times would you recommend for doubling the recipe?
Natasha says
The same. IP doesn’t recommend increasing time when you double most recipes. Just make sure you don’t go over the max fill line.
Candace Spencer says
We enjoyed this soup, and I am not a ‘soup person.’ I did put the tomatoes through the food processed to make it smooth. If I make again, I might use sweet Italian sausage and put fresh spinach in. To me it needed more substance, but my guy drowned homemade bread in his to sop up the juice.
My MIL just had oral surgery, so a quart is headed to her this morning.
Natasha says
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it! Fresh spinach would go great. Yes, it's a fairly light soup. I hope your MIL gets better soon! 🙂
Patty says
I love this kind of soup,when I bought my instant pot,I thought wow this is going to be fun,I never looked back,I made this last week with left over ground beef and now I’m doing it again by putting frozen mixed vegetables and black beans in thank you and is chicken good in this?
Natasha says
I think chicken would work ok! Glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
patty says
can i make this just like this but with chicken ? omg i made this and my kids loved it,now i want to try it with chicken,you think that would work?
Natasha says
Yes! I would say so.
Patty says
Do I make it same or with chicken broth because I love this flavor of beef but want to try chicken,just for the heck of it lol thanks let you know ok
Linda Knight says
I've made it with ground turkey, so I am sure ground chicken would work well. I didn't have any potatoes that were good, so I used Orzo. I used a bit too much, and it sucked up most of the broth.
Suzanne says
Made this recipe for my family. Will definitely be doubling this recipe. There was something in it for everyone. I really liked Dale’s idea of adding some carrots. I’m going to do that next time. Adding this to the family meal plan rotation. Thank you for such a great recipe, Natasha!
Natasha says
Fab!! You're very welcome! 🙂
dale says
The soup was so easy to make, and my wife and I really enjoyed. Very tasty! It should actually taste better after a day or two. I doubled the recipe and added two carrots, extra seasoning and 2 tsp of kosher salt and 1/4 tsp of black pepper. Thank you for sharing your recipe, it makes me look like a pro!
Natasha says
Good! Yes, it's definitely one that tastes better after a couple days. You're very welcome, Dale. 🙂