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; 1 tablespoon yellow deli mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional); 2 teaspoons granulated beef bouillon or 2 crushed bouillon cubes; Cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley; Green onions or chives; Sour cream

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup that hits all the right notes: hearty, flavorful, and just a little bit smoky. That’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe with you—a delicious twist on a classic that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

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

I couldn’t wait to share why this Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s the kind of dish everybody asks for seconds of, and trust me—it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but special enough to impress.

Deep Smoky Flavor: Thanks to smoked paprika and a touch of liquid smoke, it’s got that irresistible barbecue vibe that’s subtle but unforgettable.
Hearty and Nourishing: Loaded with ground beef, colorful veggies, and potatoes, this soup feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Flexible and Friendly: Whether you want to use turkey or beef, make it on the stove or slow cooker, this recipe adapts to your kitchen.
Make-Ahead Magic: It tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or batch cooking.

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

This recipe is a beautiful combination of straightforward, wholesome ingredients that bring the soup’s flavor to life. I always recommend using fresh veggies and quality broth—they really make all the difference.

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

Lean ground beef or turkey: Lean means less grease but all the meaty richness you want for hearty soup.
Yellow onion: Provides a sweet, savory base that melts into the broth perfectly.
Carrots: Add a natural sweetness and satisfying texture to every spoonful.
Celery: Brings subtle earthy notes and a bit of crunch.
Garlic cloves: A flavor essential that wakes up the whole soup—fresh is best, but garlic powder works too.
Chili powder & cumin: These spices add warmth and a gentle kick without overpowering the dish.
Dried herbs (basil, parsley, oregano) and smoked paprika: These create a complex, smoky herbaceous mix that really elevates the soup.
Red or Yukon gold potatoes: Chunky and creamy, they soak up all that wonderful broth.
Green bell pepper: Adds a fresh, slightly sweet crunch and bright color.
Beef broth: The heart of the soup, providing savory depth. Reduced sodium prevents it from getting too salty.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Bring smoky, roasted tomato flavor that blends beautifully with the spices.
Tomato sauce: For richness and body that thickens the broth slightly.
Yellow deli mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar: These ingredients together create a perfectly balanced tangy, sweet, and savory sauce base.
Liquid smoke (optional): The secret ingredient for that authentic smoky note without needing a smoker.
Beef bouillon or better than bouillon: Helps intensify the beefy flavor efficiently.
Cheddar cheese, parsley, green onions or chives, sour cream: These garnishes add creaminess, brightness, and an extra layer of yum.

📝

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 most about this Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I often switch up the veggies or adjust the spices based on what I have on hand or what my family prefers.

Variation: Sometimes, I swap out potatoes for sweet potatoes in the fall for a cozy, slightly sweeter twist that everyone enjoys.
Healthier option: Using ground turkey keeps the soup lighter but still satisfying, and I add extra veggies like zucchini or mushrooms for bulk.
Spicier kick: If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce work perfectly in this soup.

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

Step 1: Brown the meat and sauté aromatics

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef (or turkey) and cook it until nicely browned—breaking it apart as it cooks. This takes about 6-8 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat if needed, then toss in your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook together for about 5 minutes or until the veggies soften and the onions become translucent. The aroma during this part will have you hooked already!

Step 2: Add spices, potatoes, bell pepper, and liquids

Next, stir in your chili powder, cumin, salt, dried herbs, smoked paprika, and pepper. Let those spices toast for a minute to release their flavors. Then add the chopped potatoes and green bell pepper. Pour in your beef broth, fire roasted tomatoes with juices, and tomato sauce. Don’t forget the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, and bouillon. If you’re using liquid smoke, now’s the time to add it—trust me, it makes a difference! Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Step 3: Simmer and let flavors mingle

Reduce the heat and let your soup simmer, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes, or until your potatoes and veggies are tender. Stir occasionally and taste-test toward the end to adjust seasoning. The broth should be rich, smoky, and perfectly balanced.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that a few little tweaks can transform this Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe from good to outstanding. These tricks have saved me from common pitfalls and helped my family fall in love with it every time.

Don’t skip the smoked paprika and liquid smoke: They bring authentic smoky barbecue vibes without needing a grill, which is why I always keep these pantry staples ready.
Brown the meat well: Taking your time here develops flavor, so resist rushing through this step.
Simmer with lid off: Letting the soup simmer uncovered helps thicken the broth and intensify flavors more than closing the pot.
Adjust the seasoning at the end: Sometimes it needs a pinch more salt or vinegar to brighten everything up—so taste as you go!

How to Serve Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe

Smoky Hamburger Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of topping my bowl of this soup with shredded cheddar cheese that melts right into the warm broth. Fresh chopped parsley and slices of green onion or chives add a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream balances the smoky heat beautifully and gives it an extra creamy touch. These simple additions really elevate each bite.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but I love serving it with crusty bread or warm cornbread for dipping. A simple green salad or roasted veggies are perfect if you want to round out the meal without overshadowing all those bold flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

When I wanted to impress guests, I ladled the soup into rustic bread bowls lined with melted cheese on top for a fun twist. It’s a cozy, casual presentation that everyone loved—and it’s perfect for a fall dinner party or casual weekend gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. I keep it in an airtight container, and it often tastes even better the next day once all those flavors have had time to meld together overnight.

Freezing

I frequently freeze leftovers in portion-sized containers, which work great for quick lunches or dinners later in the week. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. Avoid boiling once reheated to keep the flavors fresh and the veggies intact.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Just add the potatoes midway so they don’t get too mushy.

What can I use instead of liquid smoke?

If you don’t have liquid smoke, smoked paprika alone gives a nice smoky flavor, or you can add a small amount of chipotle chili powder for a smoky heat twist.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just make sure your beef broth and Worcestershire sauce are gluten-free, as some brands add gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I add other vegetables to this soup?

Definitely. Feel free to add zucchini, mushrooms, corn, or green beans based on what you have available or prefer. Just adjust cooking times so all veggies stay tender but not mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s just so reliably delicious and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just yourself, it’s a low-fuss, big-flavor win every time. I really hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—there’s nothing quite like cozying up with a bowl after a long day. Grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!