If you are looking for a hearty, comforting meal that comes together quickly without fuss, this Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with savory ground beef, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles swimming in a rich tomato and beef broth, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The balance of flavors and textures makes this soup a perfect weeknight dinner to satisfy everyone at the table without complicated steps or ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special to the pot — from the savory ground beef providing a meaty base, to the fresh vegetables adding color and vitamins, all topped off with noodles that soak up the delicious broth perfectly.
- 1 lb ground beef: Use lean beef for a healthier option, and brown it well for deep flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds a natural sweetness and aromatic foundation to the soup.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the broth with a warm, inviting aroma.
- 2 carrots, diced: Provide a pleasant crunch and natural sweetness to balance the savory elements.
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped: Brings vibrant color and a subtle sweetness to each spoonful.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce: Creates a rich, slightly tangy base for the broth.
- 4 cups beef broth: The heart of the soup, offering depth and umami flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the soup with hints of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all other flavors.
- 2 cups mafalda or rotini pasta (uncooked): These noodles add texture and body, soaking up all the tasty broth.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh pop of green and subtle herbal note for garnish.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks to get that irresistible browned texture. This step is crucial because it releases meaty flavors essential for a rich soup base. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup hearty but not greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. This brings out natural sweetness and forms the aromatic foundation for the soup. Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for another minute—be mindful not to let it brown too much, as you want that fresh garlic flavor to shine through.
Step 3: Add Carrots and Bell Pepper
Now it’s time to add those lovely diced carrots and chopped bell pepper. These vegetables not only add essential nutrients but also a sweet and slightly crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat and noodles. Cook everything together for about 5 minutes, allowing the veggies to soften just a bit.
Step 4: Combine Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth, then sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir, and bring the soup to a rolling boil. This combination creates a flavorful, comforting broth that’s both tangy and savory, tying all the ingredients together.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer helps the flavors meld into one another, deepening the richness of your Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s one of those cozy steps that truly elevates the dish.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Finally, add your choice of mafalda or rotini pasta directly into the soup. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes, until the noodles are perfectly tender. Don’t overcook, as you want them to maintain some bite, providing a great texture contrast in every spoonful.
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a beautiful burst of color and a touch of herbal freshness that livens up each bowl. You could also grate some Parmesan cheese over the soup for an extra layer of richness that melts wonderfully into the hot broth.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, crusty bread or buttery garlic toast are perfect companions to this soup. They’re great for dipping and soaking up every last bit of that flavorful broth. A simple green salad on the side helps keep things light and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your soup in rustic bread bowls—just hollow out a round loaf and ladle the soup inside. This not only looks impressive but also adds an edible, crunchy vehicle for enjoying the soup. You could also top the soup with a drizzle of good olive oil or sprinkle with chili flakes to add a little zing if you like some heat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the pasta has absorbed too much liquid.
Freezing
While the soup freezes well, the pasta can absorb broth and get mushy after thawing. To prevent this, freeze the soup without the noodles, and cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to eat. Simply thaw the soup overnight in the fridge and heat on the stove before adding hot-cooked pasta.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup slowly over medium heat to avoid overcooking the noodles or toughening the meat. Stir occasionally, and adjust seasoning if needed, since flavors can mellow out a bit in the fridge or freezer.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works well in this soup. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly and season generously to keep the flavors vibrant.
What pasta works best in this Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe?
Mafalda or rotini pasta is perfect because their ridges and curls hold onto the broth nicely. However, small shells, elbow macaroni, or even egg noodles are excellent substitutes depending on what you have on hand.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap out the ground beef for a plant-based protein like lentils or chopped mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The vegetables and seasoning will still provide plenty of flavor.
How spicy is this soup?
The base recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat.
Is it okay to use store-bought tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Definitely. Tomato sauce will give you a smoother broth, while crushed tomatoes add a chunkier texture. Both work well—choose based on your texture preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but comforting enough to please the whole family. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the cozy satisfaction that only a homemade soup can bring.
Print
Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for a family meal. Ground beef, vegetables, tomato, and pasta simmer together in a flavorful broth, creating a satisfying one-pot meal that’s simple to prepare and full of delicious flavors.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
Liquids and Seasonings
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 2 cups mafalda or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the soup from being greasy.
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add diced onion to the pot and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma.
- Add Vegetables: Mix in the diced carrots and chopped bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes to allow the vegetables to soften slightly and develop their flavors.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, which helps meld the flavors together.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This allows the vegetables to fully cook and the broth to deepen in flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the mafalda or rotini pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Final Touches and Serving: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add a fresh herbal note.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use any short pasta shape if mafalda or rotini is unavailable; small shells or elbow macaroni work well.
- For a spicier soup, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when adding the Italian seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Pasta may absorb broth, so add extra broth or water when reheating.
- To make this soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
