There’s something uniquely comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially one that’s robust enough to be a meal in itself. When you combine the savory satisfaction of ground beef with tender noodles and a medley of vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth, you create a culinary hug in a bowl. This is precisely what Hearty Hamburger Noodle Soup delivers – a classic, no-fuss dish that speaks to the soul of comfort food.

Rooted in the tradition of resourceful home cooking, hamburger noodle soup has been a staple in many households for generations. It’s the kind of meal that uses simple, affordable ingredients to create something truly delicious and deeply satisfying. Perfect for a chilly evening, a quick weeknight dinner, or simply when you’re craving something warm and familiar, this one-pot wonder is sure to become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

Why I Love This Recipe

As a professional food writer, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that are both incredibly flavorful and genuinely easy to prepare. This Hearty Hamburger Noodle Soup ticks all those boxes and more. What I particularly love about it is its incredible efficiency – it’s a true one-pot meal, meaning minimal cleanup, which is a huge win on busy weeknights!

The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor that develops from browning the ground beef directly in the pot. It’s wonderfully versatile, allowing you to easily adjust the vegetables or spices based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a family or a crowd without breaking the bank. Every spoonful is packed with savory goodness, tender noodles, and wholesome vegetables, making it a complete and utterly satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to the table.

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List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting one-pot Hamburger Noodle Soup:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended for flavor)
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes (or diced tomatoes, undrained)
• 6 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste, especially if using low-sodium broth)
• 4 cups wide egg noodles (about 6-8 oz dry)
• 1 cup frozen peas (or fresh, if in season)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

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Swaps and Notes

• Ground Beef: You can easily substitute ground turkey, ground chicken, or a blend of ground beef and pork for a different flavor. Adjust cooking time slightly for leaner meats.
• Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables based on your preferences or what you have available. Diced bell peppers, corn, green beans, or even a handful of spinach (stirred in at the very end) would be delicious additions.
• Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes give a smoother texture, but diced tomatoes work perfectly fine if you prefer more texture. A small can of tomato paste (1-2 tablespoons) added after browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics can deepen the tomato flavor even further.
• Broth: Beef broth provides a rich base, but vegetable broth or even chicken broth can be used. Adjust seasoning as needed.
• Seasoning: Italian seasoning and thyme are classic, but you can also add a bay leaf (remove before serving), a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for extra depth.
• Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional for their comforting texture and ability to soak up broth, but you can use other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or small shells. Adjust cooking time according to package directions. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the dried seasonings.

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List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease from the pot.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery to the pot with the browned ground beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
3. Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
5. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the soup simmer for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to become tender.
6. Add Noodles: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to package directions, typically 6-8 minutes, or until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them, as they will continue to absorb liquid.
7. Stir in Peas: Just before serving, stir in the frozen peas. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until they are heated through and bright green.
8. Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper) as needed.
9. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

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Tips for Success

• Drain Grease Thoroughly: Draining excess grease from the ground beef is crucial for a cleaner, less oily soup.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles: Add the noodles towards the end of the cooking process. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and absorb too much broth, leaving you with less soup.
• Adjust Broth: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add an extra cup of broth. If it’s too thick, feel free to thin it out with a little water or broth.
• Let Flavors Mingle: The longer the soup simmers (even beyond the recommended 15-20 minutes), the more the flavors will develop and deepen.
• Fresh Herbs for Finish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a dollop of fresh pesto adds a burst of freshness and color right before serving.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Hearty Hamburger Noodle Soup is a complete meal on its own, but a few accompaniments can make it even more delightful:

• Crusty Bread: A must-have for dipping! Serve with warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or even simple saltine crackers to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
• Grilled Cheese: The classic pairing with any hearty soup, a grilled cheese sandwich elevates this meal to ultimate comfort food status.
• Cheese Topping: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or shredded cheddar cheese on top of each bowl before serving adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
• Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of a kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce can be a great addition.

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Nutritional Information

While homemade comfort food is often about warmth and satisfaction, it’s helpful to have an idea of the nutritional content. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients, fat content of the beef, and portion sizes.

A serving of Hearty Hamburger Noodle Soup (approximately 1.5 cups):

• Calories: 300-400 kcal
• Protein: 20-25g (primarily from ground beef)
• Fat: 10-15g (can be reduced by using leaner ground beef)
  • Saturated Fat: 4-6g
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g (from noodles, vegetables, and tomatoes)
  • Dietary Fiber: 4-6g
• Sodium: 600-900mg (can be significantly reduced by using low-sodium broth and controlling added salt)
• Vitamins & Minerals: A good source of Iron, Zinc, B Vitamins (from beef), and Vitamin A (from carrots).

This soup offers a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, complex carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, making it a satisfying and nourishing choice.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

One of the great things about this soup is that it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

• Refrigeration: Once cooled, transfer any leftover soup to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Hamburger noodle soup freezes reasonably well, though the noodles can become a bit softer upon thawing.
  • Option 1 (Best for Noodles): If you plan to freeze, you can cook and freeze the soup without the noodles. When ready to serve, thaw the soup, bring it to a simmer, and then cook fresh noodles directly in the thawed soup.
  • Option 2 (With Noodles): If freezing with noodles, ensure they are cooked al dente initially. Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating:
  • Stovetop: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of extra beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Microwave: For individual portions, microwave on high, stirring every minute, until heated through.

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Final Thoughts

This Hearty Hamburger Noodle Soup is the epitome of comfort in a bowl. It’s a simple, straightforward recipe that delivers big on flavor and warmth, making it an ideal choice for a satisfying family meal. Its one-pot nature means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying. So, the next time you’re craving a taste of home and a meal that truly nourishes, reach for this classic recipe.

What are your favorite one-pot comfort meals? Share your thoughts and any personal twists you add to your soups in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac.com for more delicious and easy-to-make recipes. Happy cooking!