Hamburger Noodle Soup -

Introduction

Hamburger Noodle Soup is the epitome of comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. With tender ground beef, nourishing vegetables, and comforting noodles all simmered in a savory broth, this soup is perfect for a cozy family meal on a chilly day. The combination of simple ingredients and rich flavors will fill your kitchen with the mouth-watering aroma of a homemade meal that everyone will love. Not only is this soup delicious, but it’s also a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes, making it a great option for weeknight dinners. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress your guests, Hamburger Noodle Soup will surely become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 lb ground beef (preferably lean)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
2 cups water
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups egg noodles (or your choice of pasta)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)

Optional Garnishes:

Fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese
Croutons

Preparation

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook the beef until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Once the beef is cooked, drain off any excess fat, if needed.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the pot with the beef. Stir to combine and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened and the onion is translucent.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Seasonings

Pour in the beef broth, water, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles (or your choice of pasta) to the soup. Stir to combine, then let the soup simmer for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce if needed. Once the noodles are fully cooked and the soup has thickened slightly, it’s ready to serve.

Variation

Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or extra beans for a vegetarian version of this soup. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain the flavor.
Extra Veggies: Add other vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or peas for added nutrition and flavor.
Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the vegetables.
Cheesy Version: Stir in some shredded cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, just before serving to make the soup even creamier and richer.
Beef Broth Substitution: If you prefer a lighter flavor, you can use chicken broth instead of beef broth.

COOKING Note:

Ground Beef: For a leaner version of this soup, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Noodles: If you’re using a different type of pasta, adjust the cooking time according to the pasta’s instructions. Some pasta types, such as penne or farfalle, may take longer to cook than egg noodles.
Broth Consistency: The longer the soup simmers, the thicker it will get. If the soup gets too thick, simply add a bit more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Serving Suggestions

Side Salad: A light side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette dressing complements the hearty nature of this soup.
Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the flavorful broth.
Cheese Toast: For a fun twist, serve the soup with a slice of cheesy garlic toast for an extra layer of flavor.

Tips

Freezing Leftovers: This soup freezes well! If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stove.
Flavor Boost: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to enhance the soup’s flavor profile before serving.
Noodle Texture: To prevent the noodles from becoming too soft, it’s best to cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This way, they won’t absorb too much liquid and become mushy.
Make It a One-Pot Meal: For a true one-pot meal, add the noodles directly to the soup and let them cook right in the broth. However, keep in mind that the noodles will absorb some of the liquid as they cook, so you may need to add extra broth or water.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking Time:

30 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Nutritional Information

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this soup?

Yes, you can use any pasta you like! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with elbow macaroni, shells, or even small penne. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have time to develop. Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat on the stove.

Can I add more vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! You can add extra vegetables like peas, spinach, or corn to enhance the soup’s nutritional value and flavor. Just add them when you add the broth and let them cook until tender.

Is this soup gluten-free?

The soup is not gluten-free due to the noodles. However, you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How can I make the soup spicier?

For a spicier version, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup. You can also top each bowl with hot sauce for an extra kick.

Can I freeze Hamburger Noodle Soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove.

Conclusion

Hamburger Noodle Soup is a hearty, comforting meal that brings together the savory flavors of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and noodles in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s a perfect dish to warm up on a cold day, and its simplicity makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights. Whether you prefer to keep it classic or experiment with variations, this soup is sure to please everyone at your table. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. So grab your ingredients, gather your loved ones, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious, satisfying soup today!