Where did hamburger soup originate from?

It's tough to pinpoint the exact origin of hamburger soup, as it's likely a dish that evolved over time in many places. Here's what we know:

* The "Hamburger" Part: The hamburger itself has its roots in Germany, specifically the city of Hamburg. The "Hamburger Steak" was a popular dish, but it's unclear if it was ever a soup.

* Soup is Universal: Soup is a fundamental dish across cultures, and countless variations exist. It's safe to say that soup-like concoctions incorporating ground meat existed long before the hamburger was even a thought.

* American Influences: American cuisine has strong ties to European and immigrant influences. The "hamburger" as we know it became popular in the US in the late 19th century. It's likely that somewhere along the way, someone decided to combine ground beef with broth and vegetables, thus creating a recognizable "hamburger soup."

So, the most accurate answer is: Hamburger soup likely emerged as a combination of various influences - the hamburger itself, the widespread popularity of soup, and likely, some American ingenuity.

There's no single "originator" we can point to, but it's a testament to the versatility of both ground meat and soup that this delicious dish exists!