If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish that’s simple to make and full of flavor, Hamburger Noodle Soup is the perfect choice. This one-pot meal combines tender ground beef, savory beef broth, diced tomatoes, and a variety of vegetables with hearty egg noodles, making it a delicious and filling option for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare, satisfying, and a family-friendly favorite.
This recipe provides a nourishing and wholesome meal in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those nights when you need something easy yet substantial. Let’s walk through the steps to create this classic soup and explore some variations and pairing suggestions.
Overview of the Recipe
Hamburger Noodle Soup is a versatile, comforting dish that combines the ease of using ground beef with the heartiness of egg noodles and a rich, flavorful broth. It’s loaded with vegetables, making it a balanced and nutritious meal in one bowl. You can customize the soup with different vegetables or seasonings to suit your taste, and it’s a great way to use pantry staples like beef broth, canned tomatoes, and frozen veggies.
Ingredients
For this Hamburger Noodle Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef: Provides the base of the soup with rich, savory flavor.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic, savory notes that enhance the flavor of the soup.
- 4 cups beef broth: The flavorful liquid base for the soup. Use low-sodium broth if you want more control over the saltiness.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and moisture, balancing the richness of the beef.
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables: A convenient and nutritious mix of veggies like carrots, peas, and corn.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that complement the beef and tomatoes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the overall flavor of the soup.
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles: Adds heartiness to the soup. Egg noodles cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the broth.
Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the 1 pound of ground beef over medium heat until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the pot to prevent the soup from becoming greasy.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked beef. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant. This step adds depth and flavor to the soup base.
3. Add the Broth, Tomatoes, and Vegetables
Stir in the 4 cups of beef broth, 1 can of diced tomatoes (with their juices), and 1 cup of frozen mixed vegetables. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Bring to a Boil and Cook the Noodles
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, add the 2 cups of uncooked egg noodles. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the flavors have melded. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. Serve the Soup
Once the noodles are fully cooked and the soup is hot, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot. Enjoy your hearty Hamburger Noodle Soup!
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
Hamburger Noodle Soup is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few simple sides to create an even more filling and balanced dinner. Here are some serving and pairing suggestions:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: Serve with slices of crusty bread, dinner rolls, or garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a healthy, refreshing element.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair the soup with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for an indulgent, comforting combination.
- Roasted Vegetables: For an extra serving of vegetables, serve roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots alongside the soup.
Variations of the Recipe
While this Hamburger Noodle Soup is delicious as written, it’s a versatile recipe that can be easily customized to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some variations to try:
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. This will reduce the fat content while keeping the soup flavorful.
- Vegetable-Heavy Soup: Add more vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for a nutrient-dense version of the soup.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the soup if you prefer a little heat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles to make the soup gluten-free.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese at the end of cooking for a creamy, cheesy version of the soup.
Health Benefits and Notes
Hamburger Noodle Soup is not only delicious but also provides a range of nutrients from the beef, vegetables, and broth. Here are some of the health benefits of the ingredients in this recipe:
- Lean Protein: Ground beef is a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. To reduce fat content, opt for lean or extra-lean ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken.
- Vegetables: The frozen mixed vegetables add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the soup, helping to make it more nutritious and filling.
- Beef Broth: Broth-based soups are generally lower in calories than cream-based soups. Opt for low-sodium beef broth if you’re watching your salt intake.
- Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your body.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Hamburger Noodle Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep in mind that the noodles may absorb some of the broth and become softer, so you may want to add a bit more broth when reheating.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but it’s best to freeze it before adding the noodles. Cook the beef and vegetables as directed, then freeze the soup base in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, bring the soup to a simmer, and add fresh noodles to cook.
3. What other types of pasta can I use?
If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you can use other types of pasta such as macaroni, penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time to match the type of pasta you use.
4. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes! You can substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables like carrots, peas, corn, or green beans. Simply add them at the same time and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they are tender.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Conclusion
Hamburger Noodle Soup is the perfect one-pot meal for busy weeknights, providing all the comfort and heartiness of traditional beef and noodle dishes, but with the ease of a soup. The combination of ground beef, flavorful broth, vegetables, and tender egg noodles creates a satisfying, balanced meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. With its versatility and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Serve this soup with your favorite bread or salad and enjoy a warm, delicious bowl of comfort food!
