Instant Pot Hamburger Soup: A Quick, Delicious, and Nutritious Meal

In today’s fast-paced world, finding time to cook healthy and satisfying meals can be a real challenge. That’s where the Instant Pot comes in! This magical kitchen appliance can transform meal preparation, making it quicker and easier than ever before. And what better way to showcase the Instant Pot’s capabilities than with a hearty and comforting bowl of hamburger soup?

This Instant Pot hamburger soup recipe is a game-changer. It’s packed with flavorful ground beef, a medley of colorful vegetables, and a rich, savory broth. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you’re a busy parent, a college student, or simply someone who appreciates a good, home-cooked meal without the fuss, this recipe is for you.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Hamburger Soup

• Quick and Easy: The Instant Pot drastically reduces cooking time compared to traditional methods. You’ll have a delicious and healthy meal on the table in under an hour.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less dishes to wash! Everything cooks in the Instant Pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with vegetables and lean ground beef, this soup is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and protein.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses affordable ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your preferences and dietary needs. Swap out vegetables, add different seasonings, or use a different type of ground meat.
• Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick and easy meal on a busy weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef is recommended, but you can use ground turkey or ground chicken as a substitute.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
• Garlic: 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced.
• Carrots: 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced.
• Celery: 2 stalks of celery, diced.
• Potatoes: 2 medium russet potatoes, peeled and diced. You can also use Yukon gold or red potatoes.
• Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained.
• Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
• Beef Broth: 6 cups of beef broth. You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth.
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Optional Add-ins: Corn, green beans, peas, kidney beans, bell peppers, pasta (such as elbow macaroni or ditalini).
• Garnish: Fresh parsley, shredded cheese, sour cream.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Instant Pot (6-quart or larger)
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting Instant Pot hamburger soup:

1. Brown the Ground Beef: Turn on the Instant Pot and select the “Saute” function. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Saute the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the Instant Pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are slightly softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, diced potatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding any optional vegetables like corn, green beans, or peas, add them now.
4. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” function and set the cooking time to 10 minutes.
5. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally pressure release for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure manually by turning the valve to the venting position.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Open the Instant Pot and stir the soup. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you’re adding pasta, cook it separately according to package directions and then stir it into the soup. Serve hot and garnish with fresh parsley, shredded cheese, or sour cream, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Instant Pot Hamburger Soup

• Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the ground beef and vegetables before pressure cooking helps to develop deeper flavors.
• Deglaze the Pot: After browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables, pour a little bit of the beef broth into the Instant Pot and scrape the bottom with a wooden spoon or spatula to loosen any browned bits. This will prevent the “Burn” notice and add extra flavor to the soup.
• Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less broth. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more broth.
• Add Pasta Last: If you’re adding pasta to the soup, it’s best to cook it separately and then stir it in after the pressure cooking is complete. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute any vegetables you like. Some good options include corn, green beans, peas, kidney beans, bell peppers, and zucchini.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Make it Creamy: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving for a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Freezing Instructions: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Label and date the containers. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat the soup in the Instant Pot on the “Saute” function or in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Variations and Adaptations

One of the best things about this Instant Pot hamburger soup recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations and adaptations to suit your preferences and dietary needs:

• Vegetarian Hamburger Soup: Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Low-Carb Hamburger Soup: Omit the potatoes or substitute them with cauliflower florets.
• Spicy Hamburger Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño pepper to the soup.
• Creamy Tomato Hamburger Soup: Use cream of tomato soup instead of diced tomatoes and tomato paste.
• Chicken Hamburger Soup: Use ground chicken instead of ground beef. Use chicken broth instead of beef broth. Add shredded cooked chicken after pressure cooking.
• Taco Hamburger Soup: Add a packet of taco seasoning to the soup. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, and salsa.
• Italian Hamburger Soup: Add a can of cannellini beans to the soup. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot hamburger soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to make it even more enjoyable:

• Serve with crusty bread or crackers: For dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Top with fresh herbs: Such as parsley, chives, or cilantro.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt: For a creamy and tangy flavor.
• Sprinkle with shredded cheese: Such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan.
• Serve with a side salad: For a light and refreshing accompaniment.
• Pair with grilled cheese sandwiches: For a classic and comforting combination.

Nutritional Information (Estimated)

(Based on 1 serving, without optional add-ins or garnishes)

• Calories: Approximately 350-400
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
• Fiber: 5-7 grams

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use frozen ground beef? Yes, you can use frozen ground beef. Just make sure to break it up as it thaws during the sautéing process. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the sautéing time.
• Can I use canned potatoes? Yes, you can use canned potatoes. Drain and rinse them before adding them to the Instant Pot.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure not to exceed the maximum fill line of your Instant Pot. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• My Instant Pot says “Burn.” What should I do? The “Burn” notice usually indicates that there is not enough liquid in the pot or that food is stuck to the bottom. Release the pressure manually, open the Instant Pot, and add more broth. Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any stuck food. Then, reseal the Instant Pot and continue cooking.
• Can I use a slow cooker instead of an Instant Pot? Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables in a skillet before transferring them to the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot hamburger soup is a hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re craving a comforting bowl of soup. With its customizable ingredients and simple instructions, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your Instant Pot, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal in no time!

Enjoy your homemade Instant Pot Hamburger Soup! Let me know in the comments how it turns out, and if you made any delicious alterations. Happy cooking!