Name: Hearty Hamburger Soup with Smoky Tomato Broth 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; 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 cubes (Better than Bouillon); 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; 2 teaspoons liquid smoke (optional); Cheddar cheese (highly recommended); Parsley; Green onions or chives; Sour cream

There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of soup that’s both filling and full of flavor. This Hearty Hamburger Soup with Smoky Tomato Broth Recipe hits that sweet spot with its rich tomato base, smoky hints, and a vibrant mix of veggies and beef that makes every spoonful a little celebration.

Two white bowls filled with chunky beef and vegetable stew are placed on a white marbled surface. The stew has layers of tender brown ground beef, orange carrot cubes, yellow potato pieces, red tomato chunks, and green celery bits, all mixed in a rich reddish-brown broth. The bowls are garnished with finely chopped green herbs. A gold spoon rests inside the top bowl, while two more gold spoons lie beside the bottom bowl. A light beige cloth is partially visible on the bottom right, and a blue handle of a pot containing more stew appears in the top right corner. 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 Hearty Hamburger Soup with Smoky Tomato Broth Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Soup with Smoky Tomato Broth Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Hearty Hamburger Soup with Smoky Tomato Broth Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this soup has been my go-to when I want something cozy, simple, but with that extra oomph of smoky tomato flavor that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s quick enough for weeknights but special enough to share with family and friends.

Balanced Flavors: The smoky tomato broth combines fire-roasted tomatoes and liquid smoke, creating a rich base that’s both tangy and comforting.
Hearty & Healthy: Packed with ground beef or turkey plus a rainbow of veggies, it’s a wholesome dinner that warms you up without weighing you down.
Easy & Versatile: You can whip it up on the stovetop in less than 45 minutes or set it in a slow cooker for hands-off convenience.
Family Favorite: This soup has earned rave reviews from everyone who’s tried it — expect happy bellies and requests for seconds!

A white speckled bowl filled with chunky vegetable and meat stew, showing layers of diced orange carrots, green bell peppers, yellow potatoes, and browned ground meat all mixed in a thick red tomato-based sauce, sprinkled with fresh chopped green herbs on top, placed on a white marbled surface with scattered herbs around and golden spoons on the side photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this soup plays a role — from grounding the dish to adding layers of flavor and texture. I love pointing out a few essentials so you can shop smart and understand why each matters.

Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef shaped naturally, a whole yellow onion with bright golden skin, three medium vibrant orange carrots, three crisp green celery stalks, four plump garlic cloves, small white ceramic bowls each holding chili powder, ground cumin, salt, dried basil, dried parsley, dried oregano, and smoked paprika powders, a small bowl of black pepper, several chunky pieces of red and Yukon gold potatoes mixed together, one whole green bell pepper, a small white bowl filled with rich beef broth, another small white bowl with bright red fire roasted diced tomatoes with juices, a small white bowl of smooth tomato sauce, a small white bowl of glossy yellow deli mustard, a small white bowl with dark Worcestershire sauce, a small white bowl containing apple cider vinegar, a small white bowl of golden brown sugar, a small white bowl with liquid smoke, a small white bowl holding granulated beef bouillon, a wedge of sharp cheddar cheese with a bright orange rind, a few sprigs of fresh flat-leaf parsley, slender green onions or chives, and a small dollop of creamy white sour cream all arranged in perfect symmetry on spotless white ceramic dishes placed 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 meat keeps the soup hearty without excess fat, and turkey is a lighter option that still provides great texture.
Yellow onion: Gives a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed nicely at the start.
Carrots & Celery: Classic soup veggies that introduce crunch, color, and gentle sweetness.
Garlic: Essential aromatic that elevates the savory flavor. Fresh is best but garlic powder works if you’re in a pinch.
Chili powder & smoked paprika: These spices bring the smoky warmth that defines the broth’s unique character.
Potatoes (red or Yukon gold): They soak up the broth deliciously and add comforting creaminess as they cook.
Green bell pepper: Adds a bright, slightly sweet crunch and color contrast.
Beef broth & canned tomatoes: The broth is the flavorful base, while fire-roasted tomatoes add smoky char notes that give this soup its edge.
Yellow deli mustard & Worcestershire sauce: They deepen the umami and add complexity.
Apple cider vinegar & brown sugar: These balance acidity and sweetness to round out the broth.
Liquid smoke (optional): Just a splash adds authentic smoky barbecue flavor without needing a grill.
Beef bouillon: Adds an extra punch of meaty richness.
Cheddar cheese, parsley, green onions, sour cream (for garnish): These toppings bring fresh, creamy, and tangy contrasts that really lift each bite.

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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 my favorite parts about this Hearty Hamburger Soup with Smoky Tomato Broth Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I always encourage you to make it fit your pantry and taste buds—don’t hesitate to get creative.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap out the meat for hearty lentils or diced mushrooms, and use vegetable broth. I’ve done this for meatless Mondays, and it’s surprisingly satisfying!
Spice it Up: Love heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños when you cook the onions to bring some fire.
Slow Cooker Friendly: Brown the meat and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours—perfect for a hands-off day.
Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in corn, peas, or green beans toward the end of cooking to sneak in more nutrients.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Hearty Hamburger Soup with Smoky Tomato Broth Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base

Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef or turkey, breaking it up as it cooks until nicely browned and no longer pink. This step builds flavor, so don’t rush it. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a bowl, draining excess fat if needed. Then, in the same pot, toss in the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté until onions are translucent and veggies soften, about 5-6 minutes. This veggie base adds natural sweetness and heartiness to your soup.

Step 2: Layer in the Seasonings

Lower the heat a bit and add minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices and release their aromas—this step is crucial for building that smoky tomato broth flavor everyone raves about.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Potatoes

Pour in the beef broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, liquid smoke (if using), and beef bouillon. Give everything a good stir to combine. Add the chopped potatoes last so they can cook gently in the flavorful broth, and bring your pot to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer to Perfection

Reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently, uncovered, for about 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender and flavors meld. Stir occasionally, tasting through the process to adjust seasoning if needed. Return the cooked ground beef to the pot during the last 5 minutes to heat through.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little secrets that really make this soup sing and ensure it turns out great every time. These are little things that make a big difference, so I wanted to pass them along to you.

Brown the Meat Well: Browning adds caramelized flavor—don’t skip on breaking it up and letting it get that nice crust before removing it.
Sauté Veggies in the Same Pot: Cooking the vegetables in the meat drippings adds depth and reduces cleanup. That flavor base is critical!
Be Patient at Simmer: Let those potatoes get tender and the spices meld together by keeping the soup at a gentle simmer—not a boil—to avoid breaking down the veggies too much.
Taste and Adjust: The balance of smoky, sweet, tangy, and savory can shift based on your ingredients, so give it a taste before serving and tweak salt or mustard if needed.

How to Serve Hearty Hamburger Soup with Smoky Tomato Broth Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping my bowl with a generous sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese that melts beautifully into the hot soup. A little chopped fresh parsley or green onions adds freshness and color, and a dollop of sour cream lends a cool, creamy contrast that brightens every bite. These simple garnishes elevate the soup from everyday to feel-good feast.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or garlic toast works perfectly to soak up the smoky, tomatoey goodness. I often serve a crisp side salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness and add crunch. For something heartier, corn muffins or cheesy biscuits make a wonderful pairing if you’re feeding a crowd.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or cozy dinners, serving this soup in small, rustic bread bowls is always a crowd-pleaser—it’s fun and adds extra flavor. I’ve also layered it over cooked rice or tiniest pasta shapes to make a comforting casserole-style meal. Adding a swirl of sour cream and a sprinkle of smoked paprika on top makes for a beautiful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually let it cool completely before refrigerating to keep the broth nice and clear. When you reheat, do it gently on the stovetop so the potatoes don’t mush up too much.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup multiple times with great results—just skip the sour cream and cheese topping before freezing. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving space for expansion. It keeps well for up to 3 months and is perfect for quick, comforting meals when you’re short on time.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the broth has thickened too much after chilling or freezing, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up. Add fresh garnishes after reheating to keep the flavors vibrant.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use turkey instead of beef in this soup?

Absolutely! Using lean ground turkey works wonderfully as a lighter alternative and still yields a satisfying and flavorful soup. Just brown it as you would beef and proceed with the rest of the recipe.

What gives the soup its smoky flavor?

The smoky flavor comes from a combination of smoked paprika, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and optional liquid smoke. These ingredients layer in that rich, barbecue-inspired smokiness that makes this soup stand out.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meat and sauté the vegetables first. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just add the potatoes about halfway through cooking so they don’t get too mushy.

How long does the soup keep in the fridge?

The soup stays fresh for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To maintain the best texture and flavor, reheat gently and add fresh garnishes before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Hearty Hamburger Soup with Smoky Tomato Broth Recipe reminds me of home and simple joys—comfort, ease, and a little smokiness that feels special but not fussy. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or something to warm the whole family, give this recipe a try. I promise it’ll become one of those dishes you come back to again and again—just like you do with a good, trusted friend.