Hamburger Noodle Soup: A Comforting Recipe and Guide

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

1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium heat , breaking it up as it cooks .
2. Add onions, garlic, carrots, and celery and cook until veggies start to soften .
3. Pour in the broth and bring to a boil , then turn down to a simmer .
4. Stir in the noodles and cook until they’re tender , about 6–8 minutes .

Slow Cooker Method

1. Brown beef in a skillet , then add it to the slow cooker .
2. Mix in chopped veggies, broth, and seasonings . Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours .
3. Add noodles 30 minutes before you plan to eat so they don’t go mushy .

Instant Pot Method

1. Use Sauté mode to brown beef and veggies , then pour in the broth .
2. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes . Quick-release the steam .
3. 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

1. Prep Veggies: Chop carrots, celery, and onion into small, even pieces so they cook all together .
2. 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 .
3. Add Veggies and Broth: Toss in onions, garlic, carrots, and celery . Pour in broth and a splash of Worcestershire sauce .
4. Cook Noodles: Bring to a boil , then add egg noodles . Let simmer about 6–8 minutes or until noodles feel soft .
5. 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

Hamburger Noodle Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that combines ground beef, egg noodles, and vegetables in a savory broth. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner and is sure to please the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 People

Calories 350 kcal

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.

Notes

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes well; just be sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to enjoy again. Feel free to add any other favorite vegetables or spices to customize your soup!