How to Make Hamburger Noodle Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon.
- Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is soft and translucent. Drain any excess grease.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add the beef broth, water, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Add the Vegetables
- Toss in the sliced carrots and celery.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
- Add the uncooked egg noodles directly to the pot. Stir well to prevent sticking.
- Cook for another 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Stir in the frozen peas or green beans during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking. This keeps them bright and slightly crisp.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
- Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
Tips and Variations
- Make It Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end for a creamy twist.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils and use vegetable broth.
- Add More Veggies: Throw in spinach, corn, or diced potatoes to make it even more nutritious.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so make a big batch and refrigerate for up to 3 days.