Hamburger Soup With Noodles Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a hearty, comforting, and satisfying meal that can be whipped up in no time, hamburger soup with noodles is your go-to dish. This soup has everything you need in a single bowl: protein-packed ground beef, tender vegetables, savory broth, and soft noodles. It’s one of those classic comfort foods that’s perfect for chilly evenings, cozy family dinners, or when you need a quick and easy recipe to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to tweak the ingredients based on what you have in your pantry. Let’s dive into the delicious details of this incredibly flavorful soup!

Hamburger Soup With Noodles Recipe

This hamburger soup with noodles combines the savory goodness of ground beef with the rich flavors of a vegetable-packed broth, all topped off with soft noodles. The noodles absorb all the delicious flavors of the soup, making each bite even more satisfying. It’s not just filling, it’s also comforting and easy to prepare. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you master this soup.

Ingredients Needed

To make this hearty hamburger soup with noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef (1 lb): The base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor. Ground beef is the key protein here, and lean beef is preferable to reduce excess grease.
• Onion (1 medium): Adds sweetness and depth to the soup. Chopped finely for easy incorporation into the broth.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Freshly minced garlic adds that aromatic, earthy quality that’s essential in any flavorful soup.
• Carrots (2 medium): Sliced or diced carrots bring a slight sweetness and a pop of color to the soup. They also add extra nutrients.
• Celery (2 stalks): Diced celery complements the carrots, offering a slight crunch and an additional layer of flavor.
• Tomatoes (2 medium, or 1 can of diced tomatoes): Fresh or canned, the tomatoes add tanginess and a bit of acidity to balance the richness of the beef.
• Beef broth (4 cups): The main liquid for the soup, adding savory depth. You can also use vegetable broth or chicken broth if you prefer.
• Water (1-2 cups): To adjust the consistency of the soup, depending on how thick or soupy you like it.
• Noodles (1 cup): Any small pasta works here-egg noodles, elbow macaroni, or even bowtie pasta. They’ll soak up all the delicious broth and beef flavor.
• Bay leaves (2): These provide a subtle earthy flavor that rounds out the broth.
• Salt and pepper: For seasoning. Feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Optional add-ins: Frozen peas, corn, green beans, or even potatoes can be added to make the soup heartier or to change things up based on what you have available.

Cooking Instructions

Making this hamburger soup with noodles is easy and requires only about 40 minutes from start to finish. Follow these steps:

1. Cook The Beef

   • Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef for 5-7 minutes, until no longer pink.
   • Drain any excess grease, if necessary.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the beef. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and the onions become translucent.

3. Add The Broth And Seasonings

   • Pour in the beef broth and water, then add the diced tomatoes (if using fresh, chop them first).
   • Season with salt, pepper, and the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

4. Simmer The Soup

   • Let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

5. Cook The Noodles

   • Add your choice of noodles to the soup, stirring occasionally. Let them cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
   • If you want your soup a little thinner, feel free to add extra water at this stage.

6. Finish And Serve

   • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
   • Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup serves a specific purpose to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish. Here’s a closer look at the key ingredients:

• Ground beef: Aside from being the primary protein, it imparts a meaty flavor that serves as the base for the soup. Lean beef helps keep the soup light, but you can always opt for fattier cuts for a richer taste.
• Noodles: The noodles absorb the flavors of the broth and beef, making them the perfect vehicle for the savory soup. Egg noodles are a classic choice for their soft texture and ability to soak up the broth without becoming too mushy.
• Carrots and celery: These vegetables offer a balance of sweetness and earthiness. Together, they add complexity to the flavor profile, contributing to the classic “soup” taste.
• Tomatoes: Whether fresh or canned, tomatoes bring acidity, a natural sweetness, and a deep color to the soup. The combination of tomatoes and beef broth creates a perfectly balanced broth base.
• Bay leaves: These aromatic leaves provide a subtle herbal note that enhances the savory quality of the soup. Remember to remove them before serving, as they are not edible.

Expert Tips

To elevate your hamburger soup with noodles, consider these expert tips:

• Brown the beef well: Don’t rush the browning process. Let the beef cook until it gets a nice caramelized color, which adds richness and flavor to the soup.
• Use homemade broth: If you have the time and resources, homemade beef broth will take this soup to the next level in terms of flavor. The deep, complex flavor of homemade broth enhances every component of the soup.
• Adjust the thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of liquid or let it simmer for longer before adding the noodles. Conversely, for a thinner soup, add more broth or water.
• Let it rest: Like many soups, this hamburger soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Make extra and store leftovers for later!

Recipe Variations

While this recipe is simple and satisfying, it’s also adaptable to your preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add greens: Throw in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients and color.
• Swap the meat: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Alternatively, try ground pork for a different flavor profile.
• Spicy version: Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. This gives the soup a warm kick that balances out the richness of the beef and broth.
• Add more vegetables: You can incorporate additional veggies like green beans, peas, or even zucchini for more flavor and texture.
• Cheesy option: Stir in some shredded cheese like cheddar or Parmesan right before serving for an extra creamy, rich texture.

Final Words

Hamburger soup with noodles is a dish that combines simple ingredients with unbeatable flavor. It’s one of those recipes you can rely on for any occasion, whether you need to feed a family or want something warm and cozy after a long day. The versatility of the recipe allows for plenty of customization, so feel free to adjust it based on what you have at home. If you love a hearty soup that’s packed with flavor and texture, this one’s a winner.