Hamburger Noodle sоup is a warm and filling soup that mixes grоund bеef and еgg noodles in a rich brоth . It often has veggies like carrots and сelery , for color and crunch. Kids and grown ups both like it cause it's easy to cook and it reminds me of my grandma's kitchen . Sometimes the noodles get a bit too soft and that's ok , it still tastes good .
Its popularity comes from how you can change it up with things you have on hand and it never fails . I once made it late on a weeknight and it still turned out fine even though I forgot some seasonings . You can use a pot on the stove or toss everything in a slow cooker , either way you get a tasty meal with almost no fuss .
In this write up you’ll see where Hamburger Noodle Soup started and why folks love it so much . You’ll also find a list of must-have ingredients and tips for cooking it right , plus a simple recipe to follow . Whether you know your way around a kitchen or you’re just learning , this article will help you serve up a bowl of comfort .

History and Origin of Hamburger Noodle Soup
Hamburger Noodle Soup is a simple mix of bеef, noodles, and vеgetables in a savory broth . It tastes rich and homey , exactly what you want on a cold day . Egg noodles add a soft bite and veggies like carrots and celery give it a bit of sweetness and extra color . Herbs and spices, like thyme or parsley, make the flavor pop and stick in your memory .
Historical Background
The first versions of this soup probably showed up in the early 1900s when cooks tried mixing meat and starch for cheap meals . It might be inspired by Eastern European dishes that combine dumplings or noodles with meat . During tough times, people needed something that was both filling and easy on the wallet , so Hamburger Noodle Soup became a go-to in many homes .
Because ground beef was affordable and noodles were often in the pantry, this soup stayed popular through the mid-century . Families on a budget could count on it for a dinner that felt special but didn’t cost much .
Variations
Over the years, folks have added different veggies or spices to make the soup their own . In the Southwest you might find corn and black beans inside , while other places stick to thyme and bay leaf . No matter what you add, the main idea stays the same: a warm, comforting dish that brings people together around the table .

Ingredients Used in Hamburger Noodle Soup
To make a great Hamburger Noodle Soup, you just need a few basic things that work well together .
Main Ingredients
- Ground Beef: The heart of the dish . Bеef gives rich taste and protein . You can also use ground turkey or a plant-based crumble if you want .
- Noodles: Egg noodles are most common because they cook fast and feel soft . But whole wheat or gluten-free noodles work too .
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are the usual trio , adding both flavor and nutrition . You could toss in peas or green beans if you like .
- Broth: Beef broth gives deep flavor , but vegetable broth is fine if you want to keep it lighter or vegetarian .
Optional Ingredients
If you want to step it up, try these extras :
- Herbs and Spices: Bay leaf, thyme, garlic. For heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce works .
- Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top makes it creamy and extra tasty .
- Alternative Proteins: Ground chicken, turkey, or even lentils can replace beef .
Ingredient Substitutions
Got diet needs? No problem :
- Gluten-Free: Swap in gluten-free noodles and use broth that’s labeled gluten-free .
- Low-Carb: Try zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of regular noodles .
Cooking Methods and Techniques
You can make Hamburger Noodle Soup on the stove, in a slow cooker, or with an Instant Pot . Pick what fits your schedule .
Traditional Stovetop Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat , breaking it up as it cooks .
- Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until veggies start to soften .
- Pour in the broth and bring to a boil , then turn down to a simmer .
- Stir in the noodles and cook until they’re tender , about 6–8 minutes .
Slow Cooker Method
- Brown beef in a skillet , then add it to the slow cooker .
- Mix in chopped veggies, broth, and seasonings . Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours .
- Add noodles 30 minutes before you plan to eat so they don’t go mushy .
Instant Pot Method
- Use Sauté mode to brown beef and veggies , then pour in the broth .
- Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes . Quick-release the steam .
- Stir in noodles and let them sit in the hot soup with the lid on for a few more minutes .
Tips for Enhancing Flavor
- Browning Beef: Get a nice brown crust on the beef for extra taste .
- Seasoning in Stages: Sprinkle salt and pepper while you cook , not just at the end .
Detailed Recipe for Hamburger Noodle Soup
Ingredients List
- Ground beef: 1 pound
- Egg noodles: 2 cups
- Beef broth: 4 cups
- Carrots: 2, diced
- Celery: 2 stalks, diced
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Seasonings: Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, dried herbs
- Optional garnishes: Cheese, parsley
Directions
- Prep Veggies: Chop carrots, celery, and onion into small, even pieces so they cook all together .
- Brown the Beef: In a big pot over medium heat , cook the ground beef until it’s no longer pink . Drain extra fat if there’s too much . Season with salt and pepper .
- Add Veggies and Broth: Toss in onions, garlic, carrots, and celery . Pour in broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce .
- Cook Noodles: Bring to a boil , then add egg noodles . Let simmer about 6–8 minutes or until noodles feel soft .
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese or parsley if you like .
Advice for Cooking
- Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days .
- Freezing: Freeze portions in sealed containers for quick meals later . Thaw and reheat on the stove or microwave .
Nutritional Information
This soup is comfy and gives you good nutrition . One serving usually has :
- Calories: About 350–450 , depending on what you add .
- Protein: Around 20–25 grams from the beef .
- Carbs: Between 30–40 grams from noodles and veggies .
- Fats: About 15 grams , varies with how lean your beef is .
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
- Salad: A simple garden or Caesar salad pairs well .
- Bread: Crusty bread or rolls that you can dunk in the broth .
Ideal Pairings
- Soda: A cold soda goes well with the savory taste .
- Beer: A light lager or amber ale balances the richness .
Conclusion
Hamburger Noodle Soup is a classic meal that’s both easy and cozy . With simple ingredients and flexible methods, it’s perfect for families or anyone who wants a quick bowl of comfort . Feel free to tweak the recipe to match your taste and make it yours .
FAQs
What is Hamburger Noodle Soup?
It’s a homey soup made with ground beef, noodles, and veggies in a savory broth . It’s simple to make and popular for weeknight dinners .
How long does it last in the refrigerator?
In a sealed container, it stays good for about 3 days .
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes , ground turkey works fine and gives a lighter taste .
Is this soup ok to freeze?
Sure , just put it in freezer-safe containers and leave a little room for it to expand . Reheat gently on the stove .
Any cool twists I can try?
You can add different veggies, spices, or even a handful of cheese to change it up . Try regional flavors like corn and beans for a Southwest style .

Hamburger Noodle Soup
Equipment
- 1 Large pot or Dutch oven
- 1 Wooden spoon or spatula
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
- 1 Ladle for serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6 cups beef broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish Optional
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Add the can of diced tomatoes (with juice), beef broth, dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.




