As the days get shorter and the air turns brisk, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of Hamburger Noodle Soup. This simple yet satisfying dish combines the savory richness of ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tender egg noodles in a flavorful broth. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up from the inside out during those chilly evenings.
Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup is a delightful fusion of savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a medley of vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. This comforting dish offers numerous reasons to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
1. Hearty and Satisfying
Combining protein-rich ground beef with carbohydrates from noodles and the nutritional benefits of vegetables, this soup provides a balanced and filling meal. Each spoonful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, ensuring satisfaction with every bite.
2. Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the standout features of this soup is its simplicity and speed of preparation. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a hearty meal ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
3. Versatility and Customization
This soup is highly adaptable to personal preferences and dietary needs. You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or use plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version. The choice of vegetables is flexible; incorporate seasonal produce or whatever you have on hand, such as zucchini, peas, or spinach, to enhance flavor and nutrition.
4. Budget-Friendly Ingredients
Utilizing affordable and readily available ingredients like ground meat, pasta, and common vegetables, this soup is cost-effective without compromising on taste. It’s an excellent way to make use of pantry staples and reduce food waste by incorporating leftover ingredients.
Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe
Cooking Method: Sauteing,Simmering Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner, Lunch
Difficulty:Beginner
Prep Time10 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time40 mins
Cooking Temp:175 C Servings:6 Estimated Cost:$ 9.60Calories:350 kcal
Best Season:Fall, Winter
Description
Creating a wholesome, comforting meal doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort. This Hamburger Noodle Soup is a prime example of how you can turn simple ingredients into a tasty and satisfying meal. With just a few basic steps, you can make a flavorful dish that the entire family will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion (chopped)
- 2 carrots (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can diced tomatoes (undrained)
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper
- Chopped parsle (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef:In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Drain any excess grease to avoid a greasy soup base.
- Sauté Vegetables:Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, diced celery, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the aroma is irresistible.
- Add Flavors and Liquids:Stir in the dried basil, oregano, beef broth, water, and canned diced tomatoes (with their juice). Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Cook the Noodles:Add the egg noodles to the soup and cook for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking together
- Season and Serve:Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Note
Hamburger Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines ground beef, vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth. To ensure your soup turns out flavorful and satisfying, consider the following tips and tricks:
1. Choosing the Right Ground Beef:
Opt for lean ground beef (around 85% lean) to balance flavor and minimize excess fat. If using higher-fat content beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning to prevent a greasy soup.
2. Building Flavor with Aromatics:
Begin by sautéing diced onions, celery, and carrots (known as mirepoix) in a bit of olive oil until softened. This foundational step enhances the soup’s depth of flavor. Adding minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing prevents it from burning and turning bitter.
3. Browning the Meat:
After the vegetables have softened, add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until it’s browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Browning the meat develops a rich, savory flavor through the Maillard reaction.
4. Incorporating Herbs and Spices:
Season the mixture with dried herbs like oregano and basil, along with seasoned salt, to enhance the taste. Adding a bay leaf during simmering can impart additional depth to the broth.
5. Selecting and Cooking Noodles:
Egg noodles are a traditional choice, but feel free to use any sturdy pasta like rotini or penne. Cook the noodles separately until al dente, then add them to the soup just before serving to prevent them from becoming mushy.
6. Enhancing the Broth:
Use a combination of beef broth and diced tomatoes (with their juices) to create a flavorful base. A tablespoon of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can add umami richness. For a thicker consistency, consider adding a can of tomato sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste.
7. Simmering for Flavor Development:
Once all ingredients are combined, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
8. Adjusting Seasonings:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. A pinch of red pepper flakes can be added for a subtle kick.
9. Serving Suggestions:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Serve alongside crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
10. Storage and Reheating:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the noodles, as they can become mushy upon thawing. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Variations:
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate other vegetables such as peas, green beans, or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- Protein Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Flavor Twists: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to introduce a different flavor profile.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and satisfying Hamburger Noodle Soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Pro Tips for Perfect Soup:
- Brown the Beef Well: Browning the ground beef properly adds rich flavor and depth to the soup.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Let the onions, carrots, and celery soften and caramelize to bring out their natural sweetness.
- Herb Harmony: Use fresh basil and oregano to enhance the soup’s savory profile and balance the flavors.
- Noodle Timing: Add the egg noodles at the end of cooking to ensure they stay firm and don’t become overcooked.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste.
