Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup: Comfort in a Bowl
Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup is the perfect cozy dish that combines the heartiness of ground beef with the comforting warmth of noodles, all in a flavorful broth. It’s a go-to recipe for busy nights when you want something satisfying, quick, and budget-friendly. Packed with simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this soup is sure to please the whole family. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a fulfilling lunch, Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup is a comforting meal that never disappoints.
The History of Hamburger Noodle Soup
Hamburger Noodle Soup is a modern take on classic homemade soups that often used inexpensive and accessible ingredients to feed families, especially during the Great Depression era. The use of ground beef, a cheap and versatile protein, made its way into many home kitchens as a mainstay in simple comfort food. Over the years, variations of this soup have emerged, adapting to regional tastes, available ingredients, and personal preferences. While many traditional recipes for hamburger soup are more rustic and include vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, the addition of noodles is a more contemporary spin, turning this soup into a hearty, one-bowl meal.
Ingredients Breakdown
This soup’s charm lies in its simplicity and the availability of ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The base of the soup is ground beef, which provides rich, savory flavor. Egg noodles are often used for their texture and ability to soak up the flavorful broth, but other pasta types can work just as well. The broth, typically made with beef stock or broth, gives the soup its savory depth, while seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper elevate the taste. For added depth and freshness, diced onions and perhaps a few vegetables like carrots, peas, or corn can be included. The simplicity of the recipe allows for many variations and offers a great opportunity to customize it to your preferences.
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Vegetables: If using, add diced onions, carrots, or any vegetables you’d like to include. Cook until the vegetables begin to soften, around 3-5 minutes.
- Season the Soup: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. Allow the seasonings to blend into the beef mixture for a minute.
- Add Broth and Noodles: Pour in the beef broth or stock and bring the soup to a boil. Add the egg noodles (or other pasta) and stir. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Tips for the Perfect Hamburger Noodle Soup
For the best results, make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop rich flavor. You can also customize the texture by using different types of pasta. If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken the soup towards the end. For an extra boost of flavor, adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste can enhance the soup’s depth. If you have the time, you can make the soup ahead of time and let the flavors meld overnight for an even richer taste. Always taste the broth before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking—especially salt and pepper.
Variations and Customizations
While the base recipe is simple, Hamburger Noodle Soup is highly adaptable. You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a leaner option. To boost the vegetable content, try adding peas, corn, green beans, or diced tomatoes. You could even toss in some fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for a burst of green. If you prefer a more hearty version, add potatoes or swap the noodles for rice. For a spicier kick, add a bit of red pepper flakes, chili powder, or a dash of hot sauce. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme, oregano, or bay leaves for a more aromatic flavor profile.
Health Considerations and Nutritional Value
Hamburger Noodle Soup is generally a well-rounded meal, offering protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in one bowl. By using lean ground beef or turkey, the dish can be made lower in fat, while the addition of vegetables boosts the nutritional content. Opting for whole-wheat or gluten-free noodles can make this meal a healthier option for those with dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that the sodium content of the soup can be high, especially if using store-bought broth, so consider using low-sodium options or making your own broth if you’re watching your salt intake. If you’re aiming for a low-carb version, substituting the noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice can be a great alternative.
FAQ:
- Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork. Each will provide a slightly different flavor but will still work well in this soup. - Can I freeze Hamburger Noodle Soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, keep in mind that noodles may become soft after freezing and reheating. You may want to freeze the soup without the noodles and add fresh noodles when reheating. - What other vegetables can I add to the soup?
Carrots, peas, corn, green beans, or even spinach are great additions to add more vegetables and flavor to the soup. - Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually develop more as it sits. Just reheat and serve! - What kind of noodles should I use?
Egg noodles are commonly used in this soup, but feel free to substitute with any short pasta like rotini, elbow macaroni, or even whole-wheat noodles.
Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1/2 – 1 jalapeno seeds and ribs removed, chopped
- 3-4 carrots peeled and chopped
- 4-6 cups beef broth depending on how brothy you prefer your soup
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp poultry seasoning
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 cup pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat a small amount of oil in a pan (or on the sauté setting in a slow cooker). Add the ground beef and break it up, sprinkling with kosher salt.
- While the beef browns, prepare your vegetables by dicing the onion, bell pepper, and jalapeno, and peeling and dicing the carrots. Add the vegetables to the pan with the beef as you go.
- Once the ground beef is browned, drain off any excess oil.
- Transfer the beef and vegetables to the slow cooker. Add all the seasonings and mix well. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and add the broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. I used about 1 tsp of kosher salt and added more at the end, if needed.
- Set the slow cooker to high and cook for 2-3 hours. In the last 15-20 minutes, add the pasta and cook until the pasta is tender.