Hamburger Noodle Soup: A Comforting & Easy Recipe

Hamburger Noodle Soup: Just the name conjures up images of cozy nights, comforting warmth, and the satisfying taste of a home-cooked meal, doesn’t it? I remember my grandmother making this on chilly autumn evenings, the aroma filling the entire house and promising a delicious escape from the blustery weather outside. It’s a dish that transcends generations, a simple yet profound testament to the power of good food to bring people together.

While its exact origins are a bit murky, Hamburger Noodle Soup likely emerged as a resourceful way to stretch ground beef and pantry staples during leaner times. Think of it as a culinary hug, a hearty and economical way to feed a family. And that, I believe, is a huge part of its enduring appeal. It’s not fussy, it’s not pretentious; it’s just honest, good food.

But let’s be honest, the real reason we all adore this soup is the taste! The savory richness of the browned ground beef, the tender noodles, the vibrant vegetables swimming in a flavorful broth – it’s a symphony of textures and tastes that’s simply irresistible. It’s also incredibly convenient. One pot, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student on a budget, or simply craving a comforting meal, this Hamburger Noodle Soup recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup uncooked egg noodles
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
• Salt to taste
• Optional: Shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

Browning the Beef and Aromatics

1. Get started by browning the ground beef. In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Cook the beef until it’s fully browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there are no pink pieces remaining.
3. Drain off any excess grease. This step is crucial for preventing a greasy soup. You can carefully tilt the pot and spoon out the grease, or use a grease separator.
4. Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook the onion with the browned beef for about 3-5 minutes, or until it becomes softened and translucent. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
5. Incorporate the minced garlic. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

Building the Soup Base

1. Pour in the tomato sauce. Add the entire can of tomato sauce to the pot with the beef, onion, and garlic.
2. Add the diced tomatoes. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice. The juice adds extra flavor and moisture to the soup.
3. Pour in the beef broth. Add the beef broth to the pot. This will form the liquid base of the soup.
4. Add the water. Pour in the water. This helps to thin out the soup slightly and allows the flavors to meld together.
5. Season with herbs and spices. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, and black pepper to the pot. These herbs will add depth and complexity to the flavor of the soup.
6. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Make sure everything is mixed thoroughly so that the flavors can develop evenly.
7. Bring the soup to a simmer. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be! You can simmer it for up to an hour for an even richer taste.

Adding the Noodles and Vegetables

1. Add the egg noodles. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Make sure they are submerged in the liquid so they cook evenly.
2. Add the frozen mixed vegetables. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. They will cook quickly in the hot soup.
3. Simmer until the noodles are tender. Continue to simmer the soup, uncovered, for about 8-10 minutes, or until the egg noodles are tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning. Taste the soup and add salt to taste. Remember that the beef broth may already contain salt, so start with a small amount and add more as needed. You can also add more pepper or other seasonings to your liking.

Serving the Hamburger Noodle Soup

1. Ladle the soup into bowls. Carefully ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls.
2. Optional: Top with shredded cheddar cheese. If desired, top each bowl of soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt slightly into the hot soup, adding a creamy and cheesy element.
3. Serve immediately. Serve the hamburger noodle soup immediately while it’s hot and delicious.

Tips and Variations:

• Use different types of ground meat. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even ground sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Add other vegetables. Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as chopped carrots, celery, potatoes, or green beans. Add them along with the frozen mixed vegetables.
• Spice it up. For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Use different types of noodles. If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use other types of pasta, such as elbow macaroni, ditalini, or rotini. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it creamy. For a creamier soup, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving.
• Add Worcestershire sauce. A teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of savory flavor.
• Make it in a slow cooker. You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the ground beef and onions as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles and frozen vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Make it ahead of time. Hamburger noodle soup is a great make-ahead dish. The flavors actually improve as it sits. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freeze it for later. This soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Add a bay leaf. Adding a bay leaf while simmering the soup adds a subtle, aromatic flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
• Use fresh herbs. If you have fresh herbs on hand, such as oregano, basil, or parsley, use them instead of dried herbs. Add them towards the end of cooking for the best flavor. Use about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs for every 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
• Add a can of beans. Adding a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or cannellini beans adds extra protein and fiber to the soup.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping.
• Pair with a simple green salad.
• Serve as a comforting and hearty meal on a cold day.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving):

Calories: 350-400

Protein: 25-30g

Fat: 15-20g

Carbohydrates: 30-35g

Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

Conclusion:

This Hamburger Noodle Soup isn’t just another recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a comforting classic reimagined for busy weeknights, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. From the savory ground beef to the tender noodles swimming in a rich, flavorful broth, every spoonful is an explosion of deliciousness. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone seeking a quick, easy, and satisfying meal.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. If you’re a veggie lover, toss in some extra diced carrots, celery, or even some frozen peas towards the end of cooking. Want to make it even heartier? Add a can of drained and rinsed kidney beans or black beans.

Serving suggestions are endless! A crusty loaf of bread for dipping is always a welcome addition. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. And for a truly comforting meal, pair it with some grilled cheese sandwiches – the perfect combination for a chilly evening.

For variations, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef for a lighter option. You could also experiment with different types of noodles, such as egg noodles, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. If you’re short on time, you can even use pre-cooked ground beef or shredded rotisserie chicken to speed up the process.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together, creates lasting memories, and leaves everyone feeling warm and satisfied. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover vegetables lurking in your fridge!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get cooking! I promise you won’t regret it. This Hamburger Noodle Soup is destined to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.

And now, for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you’ve tried this recipe, please share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any modifications? What did your family think? I’m always eager to learn from your feedback and see how you’ve made this recipe your own. Don’t be shy – your insights could inspire other readers and help them create their own perfect bowl of comfort.

Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your Hamburger Noodle Soup adventures! Remember to tag me in your photos on social media – I love seeing your creations! Let’s spread the love and share the joy of this delicious and easy recipe with the world.

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