Craving a warm, hearty, and utterly delicious meal that's also quick to make? Look no further! This hamburger noodle soup recipe is your answer. It's a perfect blend of savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a flavorful broth, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. This easy recipe is perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort food!
Ingredients: A Simple List for Delicious Results
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight dinner.
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making Your Bowl of Happiness
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is incredibly straightforward and will have you enjoying a delicious meal in under an hour.
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the beef broth, oregano, basil, pepper, and bay leaf. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained). Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the simmering soup and cook according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until tender.
- Season and Serve: Remove the bay leaf. Season the soup with salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Hamburger Noodle Soup
- For a richer flavor: Use a combination of beef broth and water.
- Add some heat: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Boost the veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or mushrooms.
- Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end for a richer texture.
- Use different noodles: Try different pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Cheesy Hamburger Noodle Soup: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Vegetarian Hamburger Noodle Soup: Replace ground beef with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
- Spicy Hamburger Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This easy hamburger noodle soup recipe is a fantastic option for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner. It's packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. Enjoy this delicious and comforting meal!