Hamburger Noodle Soup: A Hearty and Comforting Meal

When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing more satisfying than a warm bowl of Hamburger Noodle Soup. This hearty, delicious soup is packed with ground beef, tender vegetables, egg noodles, and a flavorful broth, making it the perfect comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a make-ahead meal, this soup is easy to make and sure to become a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Quick – This soup comes together in less than an hour.
• Budget-Friendly – Uses affordable ingredients that are often pantry staples.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stores well in the fridge or freezer.
• Nutritious and Filling – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Kid-Friendly – A wholesome meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.

Let’s dive into everything you need to know about making this delicious Hamburger Noodle Soup, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations and pro tips!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef – Lean ground beef works best to avoid excess grease.
• 1 onion, chopped – Adds depth and flavor to the broth.
• 2 carrots, diced – Provides sweetness and color.
• 2 stalks celery, diced – Adds crunch and a mild earthy flavor.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced – Enhances the overall taste with a rich aroma.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – Adds a hint of herbaceous depth.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – Complements the other seasonings beautifully.
• 4 cups beef broth – The base of your flavorful soup.
• 2 cups water – Helps balance out the broth concentration.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained – Adds richness and acidity.
• 2 cups egg noodles – Provides the perfect chewy bite.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – Optional, but adds a fresh touch.

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this soup rich, hearty, and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly softened.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquid

Stir in the basil, oregano, beef broth, water, and diced tomatoes (with juices). Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Variations & Substitutions

1. Make It Low-Carb

Swap the egg noodles for zucchini noodles (zoodles) or cauliflower rice.

2. Use Different Proteins

Instead of ground beef, try:

• Ground turkey
• Ground chicken
• Plant-based meat alternatives

3. Add More Vegetables

Enhance nutrition by adding spinach, bell peppers, green beans, or peas.

4. Spice It Up

For a kick of heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.

5. Creamy Version

For a richer broth, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream before serving.

Tips for the Best Hamburger Noodle Soup

• Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease in the broth.
• Don’t overcook the noodles – They should be added toward the end to prevent mushiness.
• Adjust seasoning to taste – The right balance of salt and pepper makes all the difference.
• Make a double batch – This soup freezes well, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
• Use homemade broth for an even richer flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezing:

To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating:

Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge first.

Tip: If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~250-300
• Protein: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~30g
• Fat: ~8g
• Fiber: ~4g

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and vary based on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the beef first, then add all ingredients except the noodles to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles in the last 20-30 minutes.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Absolutely! Use the Sauté function to brown the beef and cook the veggies. Then, add the liquid and seasonings. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, quick release, then add noodles and cook on the Sauté function until tender.

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also use rotini, fusilli, or macaroni.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of pasta.

Final Thoughts

Hamburger Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you enjoy it fresh, freeze it for later, or customize it to your taste, this soup is a go-to meal that never disappoints.

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