Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Hamburger Noodle Soup recipe is simple & delicious, combining savory ground beef with tender egg noodles in a comforting broth. It’s a budget-friendly, one-pot meal that comes together quickly for busy weeknights. If you enjoy easy ground beef dinners, try the Ground Beef and Rice Casserole | Easy Dinner Idea Recipe for another family favorite.

Ingredients

This Hamburger Noodle Soup is a comforting bowl of savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles simmered in a rich, herb-infused beef broth.

• 2 cups egg noodles or your favorite sturdy pasta
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 cup sliced carrots
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 6 cups beef broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	40 minutes

Context: This Hamburger Noodle Soup recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Brown the Ground Beef

Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains. Drain excess fat for a lighter soup.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Add 1 diced onion, 2 sliced carrots, and 2 chopped celery stalks to the pot with the beef. Cook for 5–7 minutes until vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Step 3 — Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in 8 cups of beef broth, then stir in 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 bay leaf, and salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Step 4 — Simmer the Soup Base

Cover the pot and let the Hamburger Noodle Soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The broth should be gently bubbling, not boiling vigorously.

Step 5 — Cook the Noodles

Add 2 cups of dry egg noodles to the simmering soup. Cook according to package directions, usually 7–10 minutes, until noodles are tender but still firm. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6 — Check Noodle Doneness

Test a noodle for doneness—it should be soft but still hold its shape. Avoid overcooking, as noodles will continue to soften in the hot broth. Remove the bay leaf at this stage.

Step 7 — Adjust Seasoning and Serve

Taste the Hamburger Noodle Soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. For best flavor, let it rest off heat for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the noodles to absorb more broth.

Step 8 — Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Noodles will absorb more liquid when reheated—add extra broth when warming to maintain the perfect soup consistency.

Nutritional Information

Calories	320
Protein	22g
Carbohydrates	28g
Fat	12g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	850mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Lean ground turkey or chicken — Lighter protein with a mild flavor that absorbs the soup’s savory broth beautifully.
• Plant-based ground crumbles — A vegan-friendly option that provides a similar texture and hearty quality to the soup.
• Zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spiralized carrots — A fresh, low-carb alternative to traditional pasta that adds extra vegetables.
• Whole wheat or chickpea pasta — Offers more fiber and protein compared to regular egg noodles for a more nutritious bowl.
• Low-sodium beef or vegetable broth — Easily controls the salt content while maintaining a rich, flavorful base for the Hamburger Noodle Soup.
• Gluten-free pasta varieties — Such as brown rice or quinoa noodles, making this comforting soup suitable for gluten-free diets.
• Coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk — A creamy, dairy-free alternative if you want to add a richer, slightly sweet undertone to the broth.
• Extra vegetables like spinach or kale — Stir in at the end to boost vitamins and minerals without altering the classic flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Hamburger Noodle Soup with a crisp side salad or warm, crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Serve it on chilly evenings or as a comforting lunch to warm up the whole family.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese to enhance flavor and presentation.
• Bring this Hamburger Noodle Soup to potlucks or serve it at casual gatherings for easy, crowd-pleasing dining.
• Use deep bowls to keep the soup hot longer and showcase the hearty noodles and beef.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar for a creamy, cheesy twist.

This Hamburger Noodle Soup is versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering both comfort and satisfaction in every bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using lean ground beef, which lacks flavor. Fix: Opt for 80/20 or 85/15 beef for richer, more savory broth.
• Mistake: Overcooking the noodles, making them mushy. Fix: Cook noodles separately and add just before serving to maintain texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of browning the beef properly. Fix: Brown beef in batches to develop a deep, caramelized fond.
• Mistake: Adding all vegetables at once, leading to uneven cooking. Fix: Sauté aromatics first, then add hardy veggies like carrots before softer ones.
• Mistake: Underseasoning the broth, resulting in a bland Hamburger Noodle Soup. Fix: Season in layers and taste at the end, as flavors concentrate.
• Mistake: Using a weak broth base that lacks depth. Fix: Use beef broth and deglaze the pan with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Mistake: Not skimming excess grease after browning the beef. Fix: Drain or skim fat to prevent a greasy, heavy soup.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the pot when sautéing, which steams instead of browns. Fix: Use a wide, heavy-bottomed pot and work in batches if needed.
• Mistake: Storing soup with noodles already in it, which causes them to swell. Fix: Store noodles and soup separately, combining only when reheating.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Hamburger Noodle Soup quickly and store in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags for up to 3 months. Leave some space for expansion.
• Reheat: Reheat soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until it reaches 165°F (74°C), stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if needed.

Always allow your Hamburger Noodle Soup to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to maintain food safety and quality.

Conclusion

This Hamburger Noodle Soup is a simple, satisfying meal your family will love. If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup Recipe next. Don’t forget to leave a comment and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Hamburger Noodle Soup ahead of time?

Yes, this Hamburger Noodle Soup stores well. Let it cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.

What can I use instead of ground beef?

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef to make a lighter version of this Hamburger Noodle Soup. For a plant-based option, use lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative, adjusting the seasoning as needed.

How can I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

To keep your Hamburger Noodle Soup from having mushy noodles, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls when serving. Alternatively, if storing leftovers, keep the soup and cooked noodles separate until you are ready to eat.