If you are craving a warm, comforting, and absolutely flavorful dish that comes together with ease, this Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe is an absolute winner. Packed with hearty ground beef, vibrant vegetables, and tender noodles swimming in a rich, savory broth, it’s the kind of soup that feels like a big, cozy hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a satisfying meal to curl up with, this soup strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and nourishment, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe just right means choosing simple but essential ingredients that create a symphony of texture, color, and flavor. Each component plays a role, whether it’s the savory ground beef for richness, the fragrant garlic and onion for depth, or the bright vegetables that add freshness and crunch.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean or regular ground beef for a hearty, meaty base.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds sweetness and a tender bite once cooked.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: For subtle aromatic warmth that lifts the entire soup.
- 2 carrots, diced: Introduce a lovely pop of color and natural sweetness.
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped: Brings freshness and mild crunch, plus vibrant color.
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce: Creates a rich, slightly tangy broth base.
- 4 cups beef broth: Essential for that deep, savory flavor and to tie it all together.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A simple blend that adds herbal notes and complexity.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly and balance the flavors.
- 2 cups mafalda or rotini pasta (uncooked): Ideal short pasta shapes that soak up the broth beautifully.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh, bright garnish that makes the soup pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up as it goes. This step is key to getting that rich, meaty flavor that forms the soup’s base. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion. Cook it down until it’s softened and translucent, usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This sweetness from the onions will enhance the broth immensely. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant—but be careful not to burn it!
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
Now, introduce the diced carrots and chopped bell pepper. Cook these for about 5 minutes, just enough to soften them slightly while still retaining their fresh texture and vibrant color. These veggies not only bring nutrition but also add delightful layers of flavor and crunch.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce, followed by the beef broth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then give it a good stir. Bring everything to a boil so the flavors can meld together beautifully.
Step 5: Simmer to Develop Flavor
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. This step allows the ingredients to marry, creating that deep, comforting flavor that makes this soup so crave-worthy.
Step 6: Cook the Pasta
Finally, add the mafalda or rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. The pasta should be tender but not mushy, soaking up the rich broth just right. Once cooked, your Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe is ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
The simplest garnish can elevate this soup to something special. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top just before serving for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous flavor. You can also add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or a dash of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick.
Side Dishes
Because this soup is so hearty and full of veggies, light sides work best. Consider serving it with a crusty piece of garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to sop up the delicious broth. A crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, adding a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your hamburger noodle soup in individual bread bowls or crockpot-style mugs for a rustic look. You can even layer the ingredients in clear glass bowls so the vibrant colors shine through, making the meal as appealing visually as it is in taste.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup into airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, giving you quick access to a delicious, wholesome meal during busy days.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe. However, it’s best to freeze the soup broth and meat mixture without the pasta. Store the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, then cook fresh pasta when reheating to maintain perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the soup feels too thick. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight first. Add your fresh cooked pasta after reheating the soup base to keep noodles from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative. Just brown it similarly and follow the recipe as usual.
What type of pasta works best for this soup?
Mafalda or rotini pasta is preferred because their shapes hold onto the broth nicely, but small elbow macaroni or shells could also be great substitutes.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and replace beef broth with vegetable broth for a tasty vegetarian version.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe is mild by default but easy to adjust—add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want a little heat.
Is this soup good for meal prep?
Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge and freezes nicely, making it ideal for prepping meals ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup Recipe is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods to whip up on a busy night or whenever you need a warm, satisfying hug in a bowl. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method make it approachable for cooks at any level, and the flavor is absolutely hearty and homey. Give it a try—you’ll love how perfectly it balances ease with delicious, comforting taste!
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 comforting and hearty dish featuring ground beef, fresh vegetables, and tender pasta simmered in a flavorful tomato and beef broth. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, it combines satisfying flavors with simple ingredients for a delicious, homemade soup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mafalda or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook vegetables: Mix in the diced carrots and chopped bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften slightly, enhancing their sweetness.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked mafalda or rotini pasta to the pot. Cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a fresh, herbal note.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free meal.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to taste, especially after the pasta cooks.
- Fresh vegetables can be swapped based on preference or seasonal availability.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.
