Name: Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (454 g) extra lean ground beef; 1 medium yellow cooking onion, finely chopped; 2 stalks celery, finely chopped; 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped; 28 oz (796 ml) can crushed tomatoes; 8 cups beef or vegetable broth; 3 tsp garlic powder; 2 tsp dried oregano; 2 tsp dried basil; 2 cups dried macaroni pasta or other small pasta of choice; 5 oz (142 g) baby spinach, roughly chopped (about one clamshell)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 74 reviews

If you are craving a hearty, comforting bowl that comes together effortlessly yet bursts with flavor, you have to try this Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe. It’s a delightful mix of tender ground beef, tender veggies, and cozy pasta all simmered in a savory tomato and herb broth — perfect for any day when you want something warm, filling, and downright delicious. What makes this dish so special is how quickly the Instant Pot marries all those flavors, creating a soup that tastes like it simmered all day but is ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a large shiny metal pot filled with a hearty soup placed on a white and gray striped cloth on a white marbled surface. The soup has a rich reddish-brown broth with visible pieces of bright orange carrot slices, green leafy vegetables, small pasta tubes in a pale yellow color, small chunks of ground meat, and diced red tomatoes scattered throughout. The ingredients float evenly across the surface, creating a colorful and textured look within the single layer of soup inside the pot photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering your ingredients for this recipe is simple and rewarding. Each one adds a vital element whether it’s texture, color, or depth, making your Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe vibrant and wholesome.

Extra lean ground beef (1 lb): Provides rich, savory flavor without too much fat, keeping the soup light but satisfying.
Yellow cooking onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds sweet, aromatic undertones that balance the beef perfectly.
Celery stalks (2, chopped): Give a subtle crunch and freshness to every spoonful.
Carrots (2 larger, peeled and chopped): Bring a lovely natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): Create a rich, tangy base that holds all the flavors together beautifully.
Beef or vegetable broth (8 cups): The soul of the soup, providing depth and warmth to the dish.
Garlic powder (3 tsp): Offers a mellow, fragrant garlic flavor that enhances the savory profile.
Dried oregano (2 tsp): Delivers an earthy, herbaceous note for that classic Italian-inspired touch.
Dried basil (2 tsp): Complements oregano perfectly, adding sweet and slightly peppery hints.
Dried macaroni pasta (2 cups): Small pasta pieces bring a delightful chew and heartiness to the soup.
Baby spinach (5 oz, roughly chopped): Adds a fresh green pop and a boost of nutrition without overpowering the flavors.

How to Make Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the beef and vegetables

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function and adding the extra lean ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until it’s nicely browned and in small chunks, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once your beef is mostly browned, toss in the chopped onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté these together for about 2 minutes; this lets the vegetables soften just enough to release their natural sweetness, melding perfectly with the rich beef.

Step 2: Add tomatoes, broth, seasonings, and pasta

Next, pour in the crushed tomatoes and your choice of broth — beef broth usually gives the richest flavor, but vegetable broth works great too for a lighter touch. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, dried oregano, and basil, then stir in the dried macaroni pasta. These seasonings create the heartwarming base of your soup, while the pasta begins to absorb all the vibrant flavors during cooking.

Step 3: Pressure cook the soup

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealed position. Cook on High pressure for 4 minutes. This brief but powerful cooking time ensures the pasta is tender, the beef is flavorful, and the vegetables are perfectly cooked. When the timer goes off, use the quick release method to let out the steam safely and open the lid carefully.

Step 4: Stir in fresh spinach

Immediately after opening, add in the roughly chopped baby spinach and stir well to combine. The residual heat of the soup will gently wilt the spinach, preserving its vibrant color and fresh flavor, giving the soup a nutritious boost that brightens every spoonful.

Step 5: Let the soup cool briefly

Before serving, give your soup about 10 minutes to cool down—this also gives the flavors a chance to meld even further. Be mindful that it will be very hot, so take care when ladling it out, especially if little ones are at the table.

How to Serve Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe

Two white bowls on a white marbled surface hold a colorful soup with several layers: a red tomato broth base, chopped spinach and dark green leafy pieces scattered throughout, light orange carrot slices, beige elbow pasta, and small browned meat crumbles. One bowl is in the front center filled to the top, with the second bowl slightly behind it on the right side. To the left, there is a small white bowl filled with shredded yellow and white cheese. A silver spoon is placed on the right edge of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra touch of freshness and texture, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a handful of shredded cheddar cheese on top. A little cracked black pepper or red pepper flakes can add a gentle kick that contrasts beautifully with the rich broth.

Side Dishes

This soup shines best alongside crusty bread or warm dinner rolls that are perfect for dipping. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty soup, making your meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in charming, rustic bowls and top with a drizzle of good olive oil or a dollop of sour cream to elevate presentation. For a fun twist, ladle the soup into bread bowls, letting your guests enjoy every last bit soaked up by the bread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will continue to deepen, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It will keep well for up to three months, making it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick after refrigerating or freezing to restore its cozy texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this soup?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in the Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe and keeps it just as hearty and flavorful.

What can I substitute for dried macaroni pasta?

You can use any small pasta shape you prefer—elbow macaroni, small shells, or even orzo all work wonderfully and absorb the savory broth well.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute, and use vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian and still delicious.

Can I add other vegetables to the soup?

Feel free to add veggies like potatoes, zucchini, or green beans to bulk it up. Just be mindful of cooking times so everything stays tender and not mushy.

How spicy is this recipe? Can I add heat?

This recipe is mild by default, perfect for all ages. If you want some heat, add crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or a dash of hot sauce when serving for a spicy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Hamburger Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a favorite for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners. It’s straightforward, deeply flavorful, and utterly comforting — all the reasons to have it on your meal rotation. Once you taste those tender ground beef chunks nestled among fresh veggies and pasta in a rich tomato broth, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become your go-to soup for years to come!