There’s something so comforting about a hearty bowl of soup kissed with smoky, tangy flavors that just warms you from the inside out. This Smoky Hamburger Soup with Tomatoes Recipe is exactly that — a cozy, robust meal that comes together fast and tastes like a warm hug after a long day.

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 Smoky Hamburger Soup with Tomatoes Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Smoky Hamburger Soup with Tomatoes Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Smoky Hamburger Soup with Tomatoes Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit — when I first made this Smoky Hamburger Soup with Tomatoes Recipe, I was blown away by how much depth those simple pantry ingredients brought to the table. It’s not just soup; it’s a one-pot dinner that checks every box for flavor, ease, and hearty satisfaction.

Deep smoky flavor: A touch of smoked paprika and optional liquid smoke add a subtle barbecue essence that makes every spoonful memorable.
Ready in under an hour: You can prep and cook this entire soup in about 40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Flexible ingredients: The soup is easy to tweak based on what you have on hand or your family’s tastes.
Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better the next day, making it an ideal meal for batch cooking or leftovers.

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 one of these ingredients brings something special to the pot. From the ground beef’s savory richness to the vibrant bite of fire-roasted tomatoes, this soup balances smoky, tangy, and comforting all in one bowl. Here are a few reasons why these staples work so well together and some tips when shopping:

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

Lean ground beef or turkey: Provides savory, meaty flavor without excess fat, keeping the soup hearty but not greasy.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed — don’t skip this foundational flavor builder.
Carrots and celery: Classic soup veggies that add texture, subtle sweetness, and a bit of crunch if you prefer.
Garlic: The secret weapon for warmth and aromatic depth; fresh cloves are best, but garlic powder works in a pinch.
Chili powder and ground cumin: These spices create a gentle warmth and hint of earthiness that ties into the smoky theme.
Smoked paprika and liquid smoke: The heart and soul of the soup’s smoky flavor — don’t leave these out unless you’re avoiding smoky notes entirely.
Potatoes: Red or Yukon gold work beautifully here for their tender, creamy texture when cooked.
Green bell pepper: Adds freshness and a mild bite that complements the richness of the beef.
Beef broth: Reduced sodium is key to keeping control of saltiness — it’s the soup’s flavorful liquid base.
Fire roasted diced tomatoes & tomato sauce: They bring acidity and body, plus the fire-roasted type adds extra smoky depth.
Yellow deli mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar: These little additions boost complexity with tang, umami, and just a touch of sweetness.
Beef bouillon or better than bouillon: Concentrates meaty flavor if your broth needs a boost.
Cheddar cheese, parsley, green onions or chives, sour cream (for garnish): These toppings add creaminess, freshness, and a pop of flavor that takes the soup up a notch.

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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 making this soup just as written, but the best part is how easy it is to customize. Play around with it depending on what you have or your mood—there are no strict rules here. I often swap ground turkey for a leaner twist or toss in extra veggies like corn or zucchini.

Variation: One time, I added a splash of hot sauce and black beans to turn it into a smoky chili-style soup, which was an instant hit with the family.

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

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and brown the beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, carrots, and celery with a splash of oil. Cook for about 5 minutes until the veggies soften and the onion is translucent. Then add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns — cook until it’s no longer pink. Drain any excess fat to avoid a greasy soup. This step is crucial for building the base flavor.

Step 2: Add the garlic and spices

Next, stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, basil, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let these toast gently for about a minute to release their aromas — this little step makes a huge difference in flavor.

Step 3: Build the broth and simmer

Throw in the chopped potatoes, green bell pepper, beef broth, fire-roasted tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, liquid smoke, and bouillon. Give everything a good stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the flavors come together beautifully.

Step 4: Final taste and serve

Before serving, taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or smoky elements as you prefer. Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, shredded cheddar, green onions or chives, and a dollop of sour cream. These toppings add that creamy, fresh finish that makes the dish truly shine.

Top Tip

From making this Smoky Hamburger Soup with Tomatoes Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate the dish and smooth the cooking process. These tips will help you nail it the first time:

Toast your spices: Taking just a minute to let the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika bloom in the hot pot before adding liquids amps up their flavor dramatically.
Don’t skip the liquid smoke: It’s optional but adds that unmistakable smoky barbecue note that makes the soup uniquely delicious.
Drain excess fat early: This keeps the broth bright and not greasy — unless you like it super rich, then feel free to skip this step!
Adjust seasoning at the end: Soup flavors develop as it cooks, so tweak salt, pepper, and acidity last for perfect balance.

How to Serve Smoky Hamburger Soup with Tomatoes Recipe

Smoky Hamburger Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for topping this soup with a handful of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and a generous dollop of sour cream. It adds a creamy, tangy layer that balances the smoky broth. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and sliced green onions or chives brings freshness and a slight crunch I love.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I usually serve it with crusty bread or warm cornbread. Sometimes a simple green salad on the side works beautifully, especially if you want to keep things light.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the soup in little bread bowls—kids and adults alike find it fun! Another approach is laying out a “toppings bar” with different cheeses, herbs, and sour cream options so everyone builds their perfect bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually lasts about 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so I often make it the day before to really let it shine.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—just cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid boiling to keep the potatoes from getting mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the veggies first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until potatoes are tender.

What can I substitute for liquid smoke if I don’t have any?

If you don’t have liquid smoke, you can increase the smoked paprika slightly or try adding a drop or two of smoked salt if you have it on hand. It won’t be exactly the same but still adds a subtle smoky essence.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey works great and creates a lighter version of this soup. Just be sure to season well and brown it properly for good flavor.

How spicy is this soup?

This soup has a mild warmth thanks to chili powder, but it’s not spicy-hot. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you prefer some kick.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Smoky Hamburger Soup with Tomatoes Recipe has become one of my favorite comfort foods to whip up when I want something both simple and full of personality. It’s the kind of meal that feels like it took hours but really just needs a bit of patience and a few good pantry staples. I hope you love making it as much as I do — it’s truly a soul-warming bowl you’ll keep coming back to!