Name: Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3 medium carrots, chopped (1 1/2 cups); 3 stalks celery, chopped (1 1/2 cups); 4 garlic cloves, minced (may substitute 1 tsp garlic powder); 3 cups red or Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into 1/2” chunks; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 5 1/2 cups reduced sodium beef broth; 1 14.5 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices; 1 15 oz can tomato sauce; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/4 teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons granulated beef bouillon or 2 crushed beef bouillon cubes; 1 tablespoon yellow deli mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional); Cheddar cheese; Parsley; Green onions or chives; Sour cream

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of rich, hearty soup that warms you up from the inside out. This Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe brings that warmth with a deliciously deep, smoky flavor balanced by fresh veggies and tender potatoes. It’s super easy to make and perfect for cozy nights in.

Two white bowls are filled with thick vegetable and meat soup, showing three main layers: a thick red broth base with visible small chunks of ground meat, a middle layer of diced orange carrots and pale yellow potatoes, and a top layer of finely chopped green herbs sprinkled over the soup. Each bowl has a gold spoon resting inside or beside it. To the right, part of a pot with the same soup is visible, placed on a white marbled surface scattered lightly with chopped green herbs. Two additional gold spoons lie crossed on the marble near the bottom left, and a beige cloth is on the far right edge. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals because it hits every note: smoky, savory, and simply satisfying. Plus, it’s a breeze to throw together after a busy day — and that’s always a win in my book.

Hearty & Flavorful: The combination of spices and smoky paprika creates layers of deliciousness you won’t find in your average soup.
Quick & Easy to Make: It comes together in under an hour, perfect when you want homemade without the hassle.
Flexible Ingredients: You can swap ground beef for turkey or adjust veggies based on what you have on hand.
Family-Friendly: Everyone from picky kids to adults loves it — especially topped with cheese and a dollop of sour cream!

A white bowl filled with a thick stew showing about four layers: a deep red broth base, large light yellow chunks of potato scattered throughout, small green bell pepper pieces and diced orange carrots mixed in, and bits of browned ground meat evenly spread. The stew is topped with finely chopped fresh green herbs, some of which have fallen onto the white marbled surface beneath. The scene also includes two gold spoons resting on the surface and a blue and white cloth napkin beside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a part in building that familiar comforting flavor, with a smoky twist that keeps things interesting. I always recommend using fresh veggies when you can, and a good-quality beef broth really brings out the depth.

Flat lay of a raw lean ground beef patty, a whole yellow onion, three medium unpeeled carrots, three fresh celery stalks, four garlic cloves with skin, a green bell pepper, a small pile of red and Yukon gold potato chunks, two brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of chili powder, a small white bowl with ground cumin, a small white bowl with salt, a small white bowl with dried basil, a small white bowl with dried parsley, a small white bowl with dried oregano, a small white bowl with smoked paprika, a small white bowl of black pepper, a small white bowl of yellow deli mustard, a small white bowl containing Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl with apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of brown sugar, a small white bowl with liquid smoke, a small white bowl with granulated beef bouillon, a small pile of shredded cheddar cheese, a few fresh parsley sprigs, a few green onions, and a small white bowl of sour cream, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Ground beef or turkey: Lean ground meat browns nicely and adds hearty protein to bulk up the soup.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed at the start.
Carrots: They provide a subtle sweetness and nice texture contrast.
Celery: Brings an aromatic, slightly peppery crunch to balance the richness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic punches up the savory flavor, creating a robust base.
Chili powder: Offers a mild heat and complexity to complement the smokiness.
Ground cumin: Brings warm, earthy undertones that anchor the soup’s flavor profile.
Salt & pepper: Essential for seasoning, but taste as you go!
Dried herbs (basil, parsley, oregano): These Italian herbs add a fresh, herby background note.
Smoked paprika: The star for that signature smoky aroma and taste.
Red or Yukon gold potatoes: Chunky potatoes absorb the broth and soften beautifully.
Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh crunch and a little brightness when cooked.
Reduced sodium beef broth: The flavorful liquid base that’s rich but not overpowering.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: These add smoky tomato flavor and a bit of acidity.
Tomato sauce: Thickens the broth and deepens the tomato presence.
Yellow deli mustard: Surprising but brilliant — it adds a subtle tang to lift the flavors.
Worcestershire sauce: A secret umami booster for richness and depth.
Apple cider vinegar: Balances the heaviness with a touch of brightness.
Brown sugar: Just a bit to soften acidity and marry the flavors.
Liquid smoke (optional): For an extra punch of smoky BBQ flavor, but totally up to you.
Beef bouillon or better than bouillon: Concentrates that savory taste intensely.
Cheddar cheese: The perfect melty topping that makes every bite better.
Fresh parsley, green onions or chives, and sour cream: Garnishes that freshen, brighten, and add creaminess.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love is how easy it is to tweak the Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe to suit your tastes or pantry. Feel free to play around with the veggies, swap meats, or go meatless if you want.

Vegetarian version: Try using lentils or finely chopped mushrooms in place of the ground beef for a delicious plant-based twist I’ve tested with great results.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños—trust me, it amps the flavor beautifully.
Slow cooker method: Brown meat and veggies first, then dump everything into the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours for set-it-and-forget-it ease.
Extra smoky: Double up on the smoked paprika or add a splash more liquid smoke to really get that deep BBQ flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté the Veggies

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and break it up with your spoon or spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary, then add your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until veggies start to soften and onions get translucent. This builds that savory foundation.

Step 2: Add the Spices and Potatoes

Mix in the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, dried herbs, and smoked paprika. Stir well so the spices coat the meat and veggies evenly and become fragrant—this step really wakes up the flavors. Then add the chopped potatoes and green pepper, stirring to combine. The potatoes take a little time to cook through, so this early addition is key.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquids and Simmer

Pour in the beef broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato sauce. Add the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, liquid smoke (if using), and beef bouillon to enrich the broth. Give everything a good stir, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for about 20-25 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Give the soup a taste before serving. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of vinegar depending on your preference. It’s all about balancing those smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors to your liking.

Step 5: Serve Hot with Tasty Toppings

Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with shredded cheddar cheese, a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives, and a dollop of sour cream. These last touches bring creaminess and freshness that take this soup from cozy to memorable.

Top Tip

From years of making this Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe, I’ve learned a few little secrets that really take it to the next level. They help avoid common pitfalls and guarantee that deep smoky flavor we all crave.

Don’t skip the smoked paprika: It’s the cornerstone of that unique smoky flavor, so make sure yours is fresh and good quality.
Brown the meat well: Proper browning creates those tasty caramelized bits that add richness — don’t rush this step.
Use fire-roasted tomatoes: They naturally add smokiness and depth without extra effort.
Avoid overcooking the potatoes: Keep an eye on them so they’re tender but not mushy, maintaining a pleasant texture.

How to Serve Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe

smoky hamburger soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always top this soup with shredded sharp cheddar cheese because it melts into the hot broth perfectly. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped green onions adds brightness, and a spoonful of sour cream creates a luscious, tangy contrast — these garnishes really bring the bowl to life.

Side Dishes

For sides, crusty bread or garlic toast are my favorites — perfect for dunking in the flavorful broth. Sometimes, I serve it with a simple mixed green salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette to lighten things up.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love serving the Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls — it looks fancy but is so easy to do. You can also garnish each bowl with crispy fried onions or a swirl of homemade pesto for a unique twist that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your soup has cooled to room temperature, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days, making it a great option for weekday lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup multiple times without losing flavor or texture. Just cool fully, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. It freezes well for up to 3 months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your refrigerated or thawed soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave works fine too—just reheat in bursts to avoid overheating and drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours for convenient, hands-off cooking.

What if I don’t have liquid smoke?

No worries! The smoked paprika and fire-roasted tomatoes provide plenty of smoky flavor on their own. The liquid smoke is an optional boost and not essential.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works great and lowers the fat content. Just be sure to brown it well so it doesn’t get mushy and still develops good flavor.

How do I prevent the potatoes from getting mushy?

Cut the potatoes into uniform chunks and add them partway through cooking rather than at the very beginning. Keep an eye on them during simmering and test for doneness early to avoid overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe has been a staple in my kitchen for years, partly because it’s so adaptable and partly because it just tastes like a warm hug. I hope you’ll give it a try and see how easy it is to make a big pot of comforting, flavorful soup that your whole family will rave about. Trust me, once you get that smoky aroma filling your kitchen, you won’t look back!