Hamburger Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that has become a favorite in many households. The combination of savory ground beef, vegetables, and tender noodles in a rich broth makes for a meal that is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s the kind of soup that offers a warm, filling experience, perfect for cold evenings or when you need a quick, delicious dinner. Whether you’re serving it for a busy family meal, looking for an easy lunch, or simply craving something hearty, this soup will definitely hit the spot. One of the best things about Hamburger Noodle Soup is its simplicity. It requires minimal ingredients and comes together in a short amount of time, making it an ideal choice for those who are short on time but still want to enjoy a homemade, flavorful meal. The savory broth, combined with the richness of the ground beef and the comforting texture of the noodles, creates a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. What’s even better is that it’s easily customizable. You can add or swap vegetables, adjust the seasonings to your taste, and even use different types of pasta to create your perfect bowl of soup. This article will walk you through the steps to make Hamburger Noodle Soup from scratch, provide tips and variations, and give you all the information you need to create this crowd-pleasing dish in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
For Hamburger Noodle Soup, the ingredients list is relatively short, making it easy to gather everything you need without too much fuss. You’ll need about 1 lb of ground beef. You can choose lean or regular ground beef, depending on your preference for fat content. A medium onion, finely chopped, adds sweetness and depth to the soup, while two cloves of garlic, minced, bring in that signature savory aroma that will fill your kitchen as the soup cooks. The base of the soup is made with 4 cups of beef broth and 2 cups of water, creating a flavorful liquid that the ground beef and vegetables will simmer in. Frozen mixed vegetables, usually a blend of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans, are added for both nutrition and color, making the soup a one-pot meal that includes all the food groups. You’ll also need 2 cups of egg noodles or any pasta you prefer. Egg noodles are traditional in this soup, but feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like macaroni or shells. The seasonings include 1 teaspoon of salt, which can be adjusted based on your preference, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to give the soup a warm, earthy flavor. For those who enjoy a hint of smokiness, paprika is optional but recommended. A tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce can also be added for extra depth and umami, which will enrich the broth and make the soup more complex. Olive oil is used to brown the ground beef and sauté the onion and garlic, while fresh parsley is optional for garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh note to the dish when serving.
Preparation:
Step 1: The first step in preparing Hamburger Noodle Soup is to heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat up for a minute or so. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef to the pot. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure that the beef is browned evenly. This should take about 5–7 minutes. The goal is to get a nice golden-brown color on the beef while ensuring that it cooks all the way through. Browning the beef is essential, as it adds a rich, savory flavor to the soup that will be the base of the dish. Once the beef is browned, remove any excess grease if necessary, depending on the fat content of the beef you’re using.
Step 2: Next, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to cook for another 3–4 minutes. The onions will begin to soften and turn translucent, while the garlic will release its fragrant aroma. This step is crucial, as it allows the onions to develop sweetness and the garlic to infuse the dish with its signature flavor. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly if overcooked.
Step 3: Once the onions and garlic are softened, pour in the beef broth and water. Stir to combine everything, making sure the broth mixes well with the ground beef and vegetables. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once the soup is boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. This is where the magic happens. The simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the beef to release its juices, which will flavor the broth. You’ll want to let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: After the soup has simmered for 10 minutes, add the frozen mixed vegetables. These vegetables not only add color to the soup but also contribute to its overall nutrition, providing vitamins and minerals. Stir the soup well to ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed. Now, season the soup with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. If you’re using paprika, add that in as well for an extra layer of flavor. At this stage, you can also add Worcestershire sauce to give the soup more depth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to thaw and incorporate into the broth.
Step 5: Finally, it’s time to add the egg noodles. Stir them into the soup, making sure they’re fully submerged in the broth. Let the soup simmer for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. If you find the soup to be too thick, you can add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or thyme to suit your taste.
Variation:
There are many ways to put your own spin on Hamburger Noodle Soup. For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives. Options like lentils, tempeh, or a plant-based ground meat can be used in place of beef to create a hearty, meatless version of the soup. If you enjoy a bit of spice, you can add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup while it’s simmering to give it a kick. For those who prefer a tomato-flavored soup, you can add a can of diced tomatoes or a tablespoon of tomato paste to the broth. This will create a tangy, rich base that complements the other flavors in the soup. Another variation is to turn the soup into a cheesy version. You can add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan cheese towards the end of cooking for a creamy, cheesy twist. The cheese will melt into the soup, giving it a rich and velvety texture. You can also experiment with different vegetables. While frozen mixed vegetables are convenient, you can swap them for fresh vegetables like zucchini, green beans, or spinach for a lighter and more seasonal version of the soup.
Cooking Note:
Hamburger Noodle Soup is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. If you have leftovers, the soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The noodles may soak up some of the broth over time, so you might want to add extra liquid when reheating. If you plan to store the soup, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the soup and add freshly cooked noodles. If you like your soup with a thicker consistency, you can reduce the amount of broth used, or add more noodles to make the soup heartier. Alternatively, for a thinner consistency, you can add more water or broth to the soup. When serving, don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness.
Serving Suggestions:
Hamburger Noodle Soup can be served with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, serve it with crusty bread or a grilled cheese sandwich. The bread will absorb the flavorful broth, making it a perfect companion to the soup. If you’re looking for a lighter side, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a Caesar salad pairs wonderfully with the rich soup. You can also top the soup with grated Parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese for added richness and flavor. The cheese will melt into the soup, adding a creamy texture that complements the savory broth.
Tips:
Use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the soup, or opt for ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative. If you prefer to use homemade broth, it will give the soup a richer, more complex flavor than store-bought versions. Egg noodles are traditional for this soup, but you can experiment with other types of pasta, such as macaroni or shells. For extra nutrition, add more vegetables to the soup, such as spinach, zucchini, or potatoes. If you like your soup spicier, feel free to add more pepper or red pepper flakes. Keep in mind that this soup is quite filling on its own, but it can be enhanced with a side of bread, a salad, or even a slice of cheese toast.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):
Calories: 375 Protein: 22g Sodium: 900mg Fat: 15g Carbohydrates: 35g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 4g
FAQs:
Q: Can I use a different type of meat?
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage instead of ground beef. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding the broth.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Brown the beef and sauté the onion and garlic on the stovetop, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Add the broth, water, vegetables, and seasonings, and cook on low for 6–7 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: Is this soup gluten-free?
A: To make the soup gluten-free, simply replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I make Hamburger Noodle Soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors even improve after sitting overnight. Just be aware that the noodles may soak up some of the broth, so you may need to add more liquid when reheating.
Conclusion:
Hamburger Noodle Soup is a simple, satisfying dish that brings together all the flavors of comfort food. It’s a flexible recipe that can be customized with your favorite ingredients and flavors. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a meal to share with loved ones, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and provides a nourishing, filling meal. With its rich broth, tender noodles, and hearty vegetables, Hamburger Noodle Soup is a perfect example of how comfort food can be both simple and delicious. Try this recipe today and enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor that will leave you feeling full and satisfied.