Name: Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (85-90% lean); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 cup frozen corn (optional); 1 cup frozen peas (optional); 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice); 6 cups beef broth; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups egg noodles (or preferred pasta); Optional garnish: chopped parsley, grated Parmesan

Warm, rustic, and satisfying — Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup is the kind of meal that brings instant comfort on a chilly day or when you need something nourishing without a lot of fuss. Brimming with tender pasta, savory ground beef, and colorful vegetables in a rich, seasoned broth, this dish strikes the perfect balance between heartiness and wholesome simplicity. It’s the kind of soup that simmers quietly on the stove and fills your kitchen with the aroma of a home-cooked hug.

What makes this soup especially appealing is how accessible it is. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry or freezer. It comes together quickly and efficiently, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for meal prep that tastes better with time, this is the soup to turn to.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup

One-pot magic: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
Budget-friendly: Uses affordable and common ingredients.
Family-approved: Both kids and adults devour it.
Customizable: Swap noodles, veggies, or protein to suit preferences.
Freezer-friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and storing for later.
Ready in under 45 minutes: Quick enough for any night of the week.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and Why They Matter)

To get the most out of your Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup, having the right tools makes the process smoother and faster. This recipe doesn’t require anything fancy, but a few kitchen essentials are key to success:

Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot or Dutch Oven
A sturdy pot distributes heat evenly, allowing your soup to simmer gently without burning. Dutch ovens are ideal for browning beef and simmering broth in one vessel.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Essential for breaking up and stirring ground beef without scratching your cookware.
Chef’s Knife & Cutting Board
For dicing vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery — the fresher the cut, the better the texture and flavor.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Precision matters, especially with broth and seasoning levels.
Colander (optional)
If you pre-cook noodles separately to avoid over-softening, a colander will come in handy.
Ladle
For serving soup neatly and in hearty portions.

Preparation Tips

Pre-chop vegetables: Dice your carrots, celery, onions, and garlic before you start cooking. This streamlines the cooking process and prevents overcooking.
Use lean ground beef: 85–90% lean meat strikes a good balance between flavor and less grease. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté aromatics first: Browning the beef with onions and garlic builds a rich base of flavor before adding liquids.
Al dente noodles: If adding pasta directly to the soup, keep an eye on cook time so it doesn’t become mushy. Alternatively, cook pasta separately and add just before serving.
Season as you go: Taste at each stage — after browning meat, after adding broth, and once noodles are in — to fine-tune salt and seasoning.
Simmer gently: A rolling boil will break down vegetables too quickly. Keep it at a steady low bubble.

Ingredients for Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup

Here’s everything you need to create a comforting pot of this flavorful soup. The ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and can be easily swapped to suit your preferences.

Main Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) ground beef – lean (85–90%) for the best balance of flavor and minimal grease
1 tbsp olive oil – for browning and added depth
1 medium yellow onion, diced – adds sweetness and aromatic base
2 cloves garlic, minced – boosts savory notes
2 medium carrots, peeled and diced – classic veggie for texture and color
2 celery stalks, diced – adds crunch and herbal undertone
1 cup frozen corn – optional, for a touch of sweetness
1 cup frozen peas – optional, for a pop of green and mild flavor
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes – with juices, for acidity and richness
6 cups beef broth (or a mix of broth and water) – savory liquid foundation
1 tsp Italian seasoning – blend of basil, oregano, thyme for herbaceous flavor
Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta:

2 cups egg noodles (or fusilli, rotini, etc.) – adds body and heartiness

Garnish (Optional):

Chopped fresh parsley – for freshness and color
Grated Parmesan – if you want a savory, cheesy finish

This combination creates a well-rounded, satisfying bowl. You can always add zucchini, green beans, or bell peppers to sneak in more veggies or tailor the flavor profile.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into crumbles. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before proceeding.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Stir in minced garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for another 4–5 minutes, letting the vegetables soften slightly and soak in the beefy flavors.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 10–15 minutes. This allows flavors to meld and vegetables to become tender.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Stir in the egg noodles or pasta of choice. Simmer for another 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are just al dente. If using pre-cooked pasta, stir it in during the final 2 minutes of cooking to heat through without overcooking.

Step 5: Add Frozen Veggies

Stir in peas and corn during the last 3–5 minutes of simmering. These don’t need much cook time and will retain their color and sweetness.

Step 6: Taste and Finish

Adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Once everything is tender and flavorful, remove from heat. Ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

Broth consistency: For a soupier texture, add more broth or a splash of water. If you prefer it heartier, reduce the broth slightly or let it simmer uncovered longer to thicken.
Vegetable flexibility: This soup is very forgiving. Use what you have — zucchini, green beans, bell peppers, or spinach all work well.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or milk at the end for a richer texture.
Low-sodium option: Use low-sodium broth if you’re watching salt intake, and adjust seasoning to taste.
Gluten-free twist: Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice to accommodate dietary needs.
Slow cooker version: Brown the beef and aromatics first, then transfer to a slow cooker with all remaining ingredients (except noodles). Cook on low for 6–7 hours, add pasta during the last 30–40 minutes.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the noodles: Adding pasta too early or letting it sit too long in the hot broth can make it mushy. Cook just until al dente or boil separately.
Skipping the browning step: Browning the meat develops flavor. Don’t rush it or skip draining excess fat if needed.
Not tasting as you go: The flavor can vary depending on the broth or veggies used. Taste after simmering and before serving.
Using overly fatty beef: Ground beef with too much fat can result in a greasy soup unless properly drained.
Boiling instead of simmering: A rapid boil may cause veggies to break down too much and lead to cloudy broth.
Adding frozen veggies too early: They don’t need long to cook and can turn mushy if added with the broth.
Neglecting seasoning balance: Broth types vary widely. Start light on salt and adjust near the end for better control.
Letting it sit too long with noodles in broth: If storing for later, keep pasta and soup base separate to preserve texture.

What to Serve With Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup?

This hearty soup stands well on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a full, satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a little extra on the plate, here are some excellent choices to round things out.

8 Recommendations

Crusty Garlic Bread
Perfect for dipping and soaking up the savory broth — a warm, buttery slice elevates every spoonful.
Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich
A melty, golden sandwich pairs incredibly well with the rich tomato and beef flavors in the soup.
Side Salad with Vinaigrette
Something crisp and acidic like a green salad with balsamic or lemon vinaigrette balances the soup’s warmth.
Buttered Dinner Rolls
Soft, fluffy rolls make a comforting and filling addition to the meal.
Roasted Vegetables
For extra nutrition, serve with a tray of oven-roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts.
Pickles or Pickled Vegetables
Their tangy crunch contrasts nicely with the warm, tender textures of the soup.
Coleslaw
A cool, creamy slaw can be a refreshing side to the savory, steamy soup.
Cornbread Muffins
Slightly sweet and fluffy, cornbread is a Southern-inspired match that complements the beef and noodle flavors.

These pairings add texture, contrast, and a bit of fun to your mealtime — whether you’re hosting or enjoying a quiet dinner at home.

Storage Instructions

Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup stores beautifully, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep or leftovers. To maintain its flavor and texture, follow these simple storage tips:

Refrigeration: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: If you plan to freeze it, it’s best to do so without the noodles — they can become overly soft or mushy once thawed. Freeze the soup base in containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When reheating, cook fresh pasta separately and add it in just before serving.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much. Microwave reheating also works well — use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving — based on 6 servings)

Calories: ~320
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 780mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 5g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on exact ingredients used (especially broth, beef fat content, and noodle type). For precise numbers, use a nutrition calculator with your specific brands and amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just note it has a milder flavor, so you might want to bump up the seasoning a bit or use a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth.

2. What’s the best pasta to use for this soup?

Egg noodles are the classic choice, but you can also use rotini, elbow macaroni, or even small shells. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type.

3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the ground beef and sauté the veggies beforehand, then transfer everything (except pasta) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, then add noodles during the last 30–40 minutes.

4. How can I make it gluten-free?

Swap the noodles for a gluten-free pasta or rice, and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

5. Is this soup spicy?

Not at all — it’s kid-friendly and mild. If you want a kick, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

6. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes. Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as the protein base, and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. The flavors still come together beautifully.

7. Should I cook the pasta separately?

It’s optional. Cooking it separately helps prevent mushiness if you plan to store leftovers, but it’s convenient to simmer it right in the soup if serving immediately.

8. Can I freeze leftovers with pasta?

You can, but the noodles may soften more than desired upon thawing. For best results, freeze the soup without pasta and add fresh-cooked noodles when reheating.

Conclusion

Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup is the kind of feel-good, no-fuss dish that belongs in every home cook’s rotation. It’s comforting, adaptable, and deeply satisfying, whether you’re enjoying it right off the stove or as a heat-and-eat leftover. With simple prep, flexible ingredients, and soul-warming flavor, this soup doesn’t just feed — it soothes. Give it a try, and make it your own with your favorite noodles, vegetables, or proteins.