Hamburger Pasta Soup Recipe

Are you craving something comforting, hearty, and easy to make? Well, the Hamburger Pasta Soup might be the perfect dish for you. It’s a fusion of two classic comfort foods: a rich, savory hamburger and a satisfying, warm bowl of pasta. This dish combines all the elements of a burger-ground beef, cheese, tomatoes, and seasoning-into a soup format, making it both filling and delicious.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s an excellent meal for the whole family or for a cozy dinner with friends. Imagine cozying up with a bowl of this soup, a slice of warm bread, and just feeling comforted by the combination of rich flavors and textures. And guess what? It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s so adaptable.

Let’s dive into this flavorful and satisfying soup recipe that will surely become a family favorite.

This recipe will have you diving into a bowl of pure comfort. With its juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs, this soup packs in layers of flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance. It’s the kind of recipe where you’ll want to keep going back for just one more spoonful.

Ingredients Needed

Ground Beef (1 lb): The star of the show, offering that meaty, savory depth that anchors the entire soup. You can use lean or fatty ground beef, depending on your preference.
Pasta (1 cup): Small shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or ditalini work best because they absorb the flavors of the broth while still providing texture.
Tomato Sauce (2 cups): Adds a tangy, rich base for the soup. You could even swap this with crushed tomatoes for a slightly chunkier, heartier texture.
Beef Broth (4 cups): The liquid foundation of the soup, giving it a deep, meaty taste that complements the ground beef perfectly.
Carrot (1 medium, diced): Adds a touch of sweetness and color to the dish, balancing out the savory flavors.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Brings an aromatic base to the soup and contributes a mild sweetness when cooked down.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): For that deep, savory layer that makes everything taste better.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, oregano, and basil are the go-to spices for this recipe. They create a simple yet effective flavor profile, but feel free to adjust or add your favorites.
Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): When it comes to burger flavors, cheddar is a must! It melts beautifully into the soup, creating creamy pockets of cheese.
Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing the vegetables and beef. Adds a subtle richness to the base.
Optional: A sprinkle of parsley or chives for garnish, adding color and a fresh, aromatic finish.

Cooking Instructions

Sauté The Veggies And Beef

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and carrots, sautéing for about 5 minutes until they’re softened and aromatic. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the ground beef to the pot. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
Add The Liquid And Simmer

Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Add The Pasta

Stir in the pasta and let it cook in the broth until it’s tender, about 10-12 minutes (follow the pasta package instructions for timing). Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking.
Season The Soup

Add salt, pepper, oregano, and basil to taste. If you like a little heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Stir well to incorporate the seasoning.
Add The Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the soup, creating a creamy texture. Adjust the seasoning one last time if needed.
Serve And Enjoy

Ladle the soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh parsley or chives if you like. Serve it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Beef: The fat content of the beef plays a huge role in the soup’s flavor. Lean ground beef (around 90% lean) works well to keep the soup lighter, but a fattier version (80% lean) will give it a richer, more decadent taste. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative.
Tomato Sauce vs. Crushed Tomatoes: If you want a smoother, more uniform texture, stick with tomato sauce. For a chunkier soup, crushed tomatoes will add texture and a slightly more robust tomato flavor.
Broth: Beef broth is ideal for this soup, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can use chicken broth or even vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Always choose low-sodium options to control the saltiness of the dish.
Pasta Choices: Small pasta shapes are key here because they soak up the flavorful broth and are easy to eat with a spoon. Avoid large pasta shapes like penne, as they might overpower the soup’s consistency.

Expert Tips

Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t rush this step! Browning the beef adds depth and flavor. Allow it to get a little crispy and caramelized on the edges, which brings out its natural richness.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta continues to cook while it sits in the soup, it’s important to stop cooking it just as it reaches al dente. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and alter the soup’s texture.
Cheese Choices: While cheddar is a classic, you can also try mozzarella for a more stringy, gooey finish. For an extra layer of richness, experiment with adding some Parmesan.
Make It Ahead: This soup gets even better the next day as the flavors meld. If you plan to make it ahead, store the soup without the pasta and add it when reheating to avoid it becoming too soft.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute like Beyond Beef or Impossible Burger for a plant-based twist. You can keep all other ingredients the same, and it will still be flavorful and satisfying.
Spicy Hamburger Pasta Soup: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a few dashes of hot sauce to the broth. This variation works great for those who love a little spice in their meals.
Creamy Version: Stir in a little heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking to make the soup extra creamy and decadent. You could even top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Cheese Variations: Switch out the cheddar for a mix of sharp cheddar and provolone for a more complex cheese profile. You could also throw in some blue cheese for a bold flavor, or even go with Swiss cheese for a milder taste.

Final Words

This Hamburger Pasta Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm embrace on a cold day. It’s versatile, filling, and flavorful, with each bite bringing a sense of home and comfort. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, something to feed a crowd, or just a new twist on the classic hamburger, this soup ticks all the boxes.

Hamburger Pasta Soup Recipe