When the weather dips or life gets hectic (or both), there’s nothing quite like a big pot of Hamburger Noodle Soup simmering on the stove. It’s hearty, simple, and tastes like something Grandma might’ve whipped up after a long day in the fields. This one’s got all the good stuff — savory ground beef, tender egg noodles, plenty of veggies, and a broth that hugs you from the inside out.
I started making this soup back when my kids were little and “what’s for dinner?” was a nightly debate. We needed meals that were fast, filling, and didn’t leave me knee-deep in dishes. This Hamburger Noodle Soup became a staple because it checks every box: easy prep, affordable ingredients, and that unbeatable homemade flavor that feels like home.
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Why You’ll Love This Hamburger Noodle Soup
- Fast prep, big payoff: 10 minutes of chopping and browning — that’s it.
- Family-approved: Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist those tender noodles.
- Budget-friendly: Just a pound of ground beef and pantry staples.
- Versatile: Use fresh, frozen, or leftover veggies — it all works.
- Perfect for leftovers: It reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
This soup is right up there with my Easy Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup and Cabbage Soup with Ground Beef — true comfort food recipes that taste even better the next day.
What Does Hamburger Noodle Soup Taste Like?
Imagine the cozy flavor of a beef stew mixed with the nostalgia of chicken noodle soup. It’s rich and savory from the browned beef and beef broth, with just enough sweetness from the tomatoes and veggies to balance it out. The noodles soak up all that goodness, giving every spoonful a mix of tender, chewy, and perfectly seasoned comfort.
It’s one of those soups that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family wander in asking, “When’s dinner?” long before it’s ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Hamburger Noodle Soup
You won’t need anything fancy — just good, honest ingredients that probably live in your pantry right now.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ large onion, chopped
- 1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup egg noodles (medium or wide)
If you’re a fan of hearty soups like my Beef and Barley Soup Recipe, this one’s going to fit right into your meal rotation.
How to Make Hamburger Noodle Soup (Step-by-Step)
Making Hamburger Noodle Soup is easier than you might think — and honestly, it’s one of those recipes that feels like a big payoff for very little effort. Let’s walk through it step by step, so even if this is your first time making it, you’ll end up with a soup that tastes like it’s been simmering in your grandmother’s kitchen all day.
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Start by heating a large, sturdy stockpot over medium heat. Add one pound of ground beef and half a chopped onion. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break up the beef into small crumbles as it cooks.
Let it brown until it’s no longer pink and the onions turn soft and translucent — about 6–8 minutes. You’ll notice the kitchen start to smell amazing — that’s your flavor foundation forming.
Once the beef is fully browned, drain off any excess grease to keep your soup light and balanced.
Tip: If you prefer leaner options, you can swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken. I’ve used turkey before in my Creamy Cheesy Ground Beef Taco Soup — it gives the same hearty texture without the extra fat.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Now, it’s time to add depth. Pour in one 16-ounce can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them — that liquid adds richness). Next, add 4 cups of beef broth, 1½ bay leaves, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
Give everything a good stir to combine. Then add your diced celery and a 10-ounce package of frozen mixed vegetables.
At this stage, your pot will look full of promise — colorful veggies, savory broth, and tender bits of beef all mingling together.
Pro Tip: For an even bolder flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a tablespoon of tomato paste. This trick works beautifully in soups like my Easy Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup, giving it that extra depth of “home-cooked” taste.
Step 3: Simmer and Let the Magic Happen
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover it with a lid and let it simmer for about 30 minutes.
This is where the real magic of Hamburger Noodle Soup Step by Step cooking happens — the flavors come together slowly, the veggies soften, and the broth becomes savory and comforting.
You don’t need to babysit it, but give it an occasional stir and take a peek to make sure everything’s simmering gently (not boiling too hard).
If your home starts to smell like cozy comfort, that’s your sign you’re doing it right.
Step 4: Add the Egg Noodles
After that simmering time, stir in 1 cup of uncooked egg noodles — medium or wide both work perfectly.
Turn the heat up just enough to bring the soup back to a light boil. Once it starts bubbling again, reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have soaked up all that wonderful beefy flavor.
Optional: Want more control over your noodle texture? Cook them separately in a small pot until just al dente, then stir them into the soup right before serving. This tip also helps if you’re planning on storing leftovers — the noodles won’t get too soft over time.
For more noodle tips, check out my Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe — it shares similar techniques for keeping your pasta perfectly tender in soups.
Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Serve
Before serving, fish out the bay leaves and give your Hamburger Noodle Soup a final taste. Add more salt or pepper if you need to, depending on your broth and personal preference.
If you like a slightly thicker texture, let it simmer uncovered for another 5 minutes. Prefer it more brothy? Add a splash of warm water or extra beef broth.
Ladle into bowls and serve hot, preferably with a few slices of crusty bread or crackers for dipping. The soup should look rich and inviting — a medley of tender noodles, colorful vegetables, and beefy goodness in every spoonful.
Step 6: Storage (Bonus Step for the Organized Cook)
If you’re meal prepping or saving some for later, this Hamburger Noodle Soup Step by Step storage method keeps it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it into airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze portions without noodles (they don’t freeze as well). Add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat. It’ll taste as good as the day you made it.
For more freezer-friendly soups, try my Beef Barley Soup Crock Pot — it’s another one that gets even better after a few days of resting.
Step 7: Enjoy Every Bite
There’s no wrong way to enjoy Hamburger Noodle Soup — it’s one of those dishes that makes everyone at the table feel taken care of. Pair it with a side salad or a loaf of garlic bread if you’re feeding a crowd, or enjoy it solo in your favorite mug on a chilly evening.
This Hamburger Noodle Soup Step by Step guide might seem simple, but that’s exactly what makes it wonderful. The beauty lies in its ease, its comforting flavors, and its ability to turn an ordinary night into something special.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Hamburger Noodle Soup
- Add more flavor: Try a dash of Worcestershire sauce or a spoonful of tomato paste for extra depth.
- Swap the noodles: If you don’t have egg noodles, rotini or small shells work great too.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for a little kick.
- Make ahead: The soup actually tastes better the next day — the flavors marry overnight.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storage and Reheating
Let the soup cool completely, then refrigerate it in a sealed container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up — the noodles tend to soak up liquid overnight.
You can also freeze it for up to 3 months (just cook the noodles separately if you plan to freeze).
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Fresh diced carrots, green beans, or corn are perfect — just sauté them a bit longer before adding the broth.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the beef and onion first, then transfer everything except the noodles to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours, add the noodles in the last 30 minutes.
Can I use turkey instead of beef?
Definitely. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version without losing that satisfying texture.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something easy, cozy, and made with love, Hamburger Noodle Soup is your answer. It’s that perfect middle ground between comfort and convenience — hearty enough for Sunday dinner, yet simple enough for a busy Tuesday night.
Next time you’re looking for a no-fuss meal that’ll warm your heart and fill your home with that “something good’s cooking” smell, grab this recipe.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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Hamburger Noodle Soup – A Cozy, Easy Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful hamburger noodle soup filled with ground beef, vegetables, and tender egg noodles. Light enough for any season and perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ large onion, chopped
- 1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ bay leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup medium or wide egg noodles, uncooked
Instructions
1. In a stockpot, cook ground beef and onion until browned. Drain off grease.
2. Add tomatoes, beef broth, bay leaves, salt, pepper, celery, and mixed veggies. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Add egg noodles, return to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Notes
Time-saving Tip: You can cook the pasta separately to the al dente stage and stir it in at the end when the veggies are tender. Let simmer for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 208
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 739mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 44mg
Keywords: Hamburger, Soup, Noodles, Easy Dinner
