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 (or 1 tsp garlic powder); 3 cups red or Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into 1/2” chunks; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 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 bouillon cubes; 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional); 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; 1 tablespoon yellow deli mustard; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; Cheddar cheese; Parsley; Green onions or chives; Sour cream

There’s something about a bowl of hearty, comforting soup that just hits the spot—especially when it’s packed with robust flavors and a little smoky twist. This Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe blends tender ground beef, vibrant veggies, and a rich, smoky broth that keeps me coming back again and again.

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 recipe is one of those gems that’s both simple and impressive—the kind of meal you can pull together after a busy day but one that tastes like you put in a lot more effort. I adore how the smoky paprika and liquid smoke layer the soup with a barbecue-inspired depth without overpowering the classic beef and tomato base.

Hearty and satisfying: The combination of beef, potatoes, and colorful veggies means this soup really fills you up and warms your belly.
Easy to make: With just one pot and straightforward steps, it’s perfect even for weeknights or when you’re short on time.
Customizable flavors: You can dial up the smoky factor or tweak the spice level depending on your mood.
Make-ahead friendly: Leftovers taste just as incredible the next day—or even better!

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 in this Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the spices that provide that signature smoky warmth to the fresh veggies that keep it bright and hearty, here’s the lowdown on what makes them perfect together.

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: I prefer lean ground beef for richness, but turkey works if you want a lighter version—just be sure to brown it well.
Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth once sautéed, creating a solid flavor base.
Carrots: Bring a subtle sweetness and pleasing texture that balances the savory meat.
Celery: Offers a fresh, crisp note and classic soup flavor.
Garlic cloves: Fresh is best here, but garlic powder works in a pinch to keep things quick.
Chili powder: Gives a gentle kick that harmonizes with the smoky spices.
Ground cumin, dried basil, parsley, oregano, smoked paprika: This spice blend is what makes the soup uniquely flavorful and smoky without being overpowering.
Pepper and salt: Essential seasoning to elevate all the ingredients.
Red or Yukon gold potatoes: They hold up beautifully, making the soup hearty and filling.
Green bell pepper: Adds a slight bite and fresh crunch that complements the soup.
Beef broth: The rich base that ties all the flavors together—using reduced sodium lets you control saltiness.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes: Bring a smoky, roasted flavor that melds perfectly with the liquid smoke.
Tomato sauce: Thickens the broth and enhances that comforting tomato presence.
Yellow deli mustard: It might surprise you, but it brightens the broth with a subtle tang.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami depth that rounds out the meatiness.
Apple cider vinegar: Just a touch to balance the richness and add brightness.
Brown sugar: A hint of sweetness to soften the acidity of the tomatoes.
Liquid smoke (optional): The star for that smoky barbecue vibe—add a bit at a time to avoid overpowering.
Beef bouillon or better than bouillon: Packs in concentrated beef flavor without extra fat.
Cheddar cheese, parsley, green onions/chives, sour cream (for serving): These garnishes provide creaminess, freshness, and a pop of flavor that elevate each bowl.

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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

I love how forgiving this Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe is when it comes to customizing it. You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand, and it always turns out delicious.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the beef for hearty mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth to create a smoky, meatless version that still hits all the flavor notes.
Make it Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to bring heat that wakes up the smoky base—my husband loves it this way!
Extra Veggies: Toss in corn, zucchini, or green beans for a colorful, nutritious twist, especially in summer when those veggies are fresh and sweet.
Crockpot Friendly: Brown the meat and sauté veggies ahead, then dump everything into the slow cooker for an easy all-day meal. Just add potatoes towards the end so they don’t turn mushy.

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

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Build Flavor

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat and add the ground beef (or turkey). Break it apart with a wooden spoon and brown it until nicely caramelized—this step develops the rich, meaty flavor that’s key to the soup. Once browned, carefully drain excess fat, leaving just a bit to sauté the veggies without drying out the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

Add chopped onion, carrots, celery, green bell pepper, and garlic to the pot. Cook until they soften and begin to release their aroma—about 5 minutes. Stir often so nothing sticks or burns. This step layers in subtle sweetness and freshness.

Step 3: Season and Add Liquids

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and the rest of your herbs and spices. Stir gently to coat everything in spices, letting them toast for a minute to bloom their flavors. Then add your beef broth, fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, tomato sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, liquid smoke (start with 1 tsp!), and beef bouillon. Give everything a good stir to combine and bring the soup to a simmer.

Step 4: Add Potatoes and Simmer

Toss in the chopped potatoes, making sure they’re submerged in the broth. Lower the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. The potatoes will soften without falling apart, and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Before serving, taste your soup and adjust salt, pepper, or smoky notes with more liquid smoke if desired. This is where it really comes together to match your preferred flavor balance.

Top Tip

When I first tried this Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe, I learned these handy tips that made all the difference between good soup and unforgettable soup!

Don't Skip Browning: Taking the time to brown the meat well brings rich depth and locks in flavor—along with a satisfying texture.
Toast Your Spices: Stirring spices into the hot pot before adding liquids wakes up their essential oils and intensifies the smoky, savory profile.
Control the Smoke: Liquid smoke is powerful—start with a small amount and taste before adding more, so it complements rather than overwhelms.
Potatoes Last: Adding potatoes during the simmer prevents them from turning mushy and keeps the soup hearty with some bite.

How to Serve Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe

Smoky Hamburger Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about bright, fresh garnishes to balance the smoky soup. A generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese melting on top is a must for me. Then I like chopped parsley and green onions or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess that cools the palate and makes each bite extra cozy.

Side Dishes

To keep the meal simple but satisfying, I often pair this soup with a warm crusty bread or buttery garlic toast—perfect for dipping. Sometimes a crisp green salad rounds it out beautifully, especially if you want some fresh crunch alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at family get-togethers, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—kids loved scooping every last bit out! You can also set up a garnish bar with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped herbs, and crispy bacon bits so everyone can customize their own bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover smoky hamburger soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually marry beautifully overnight, making the next-day meal taste even better.

Freezing

This soup freezes wonderfully. I like to portion it out into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving some room for expansion. It’s great for busy weeks—you can reheat a portion without fuss and still enjoy all that smoky goodness.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, a splash of broth or water loosens it right up. The garnish goes on fresh to keep things vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian or vegan version, swap the ground beef for lentils or chopped mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. Skip Worcestershire sauce or choose a vegan version. The smoky flavors can still shine through with the smoked paprika and liquid smoke.

What’s the secret to getting a smoky flavor without a grill?

Liquid smoke is your best friend here—it adds that smoky barbecue flavor without needing any special equipment. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste, paired with smoked paprika and fire roasted tomatoes which also add subtle smoky notes.

Can I use frozen vegetables in this soup?

Yes, frozen carrots, celery, or diced bell peppers can be used if you don’t have fresh ones. Just add them at the same stage as fresh and keep an eye on cooking times. Potatoes are best fresh to avoid mushiness.

How long does this soup keep in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated. Flavors actually improve when rested, making leftovers delicious for your next meal.

Final Thoughts

This Smoky Hamburger Soup Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s the ultimate comfort food without fuss or fancy ingredients. It’s the kind of meal I can make on a busy night that brings smiles around the table and warms us all up inside. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it yours—trust me, it’s one you’ll want in your regular rotation.