Hearty One-Pot Hamburger Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Comfort Food

When the colder months arrive, there’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of homemade soup. Our Hamburger Noodle Soup is a true hug-in-a-bowl, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures that will quickly become a family favorite. This cozy, one-pot dinner features savory lean ground beef, tender egg noodles, and a colorful mix of frozen vegetables, all simmered together in a rich, tomato-based broth. It’s not just incredibly flavorful; it’s also wonderfully easy to make, coming together in about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. This makes it the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty, delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

This ground beef and noodle soup is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. It captures all the familiar, beloved tastes of beef and noodles in a comforting soup format that’s perfect for feeding a crowd or ensuring plenty of leftovers. Just like our popular Crockpot Loaded Baked Potato Soup and Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup, this easy hamburger soup recipe is incredibly versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with layers of savory goodness. If you prefer a hands-off approach, we’ve also included simple slow cooker instructions, so you can set it and forget it until dinner time!

Essential Ingredients for Your Beef and Noodle Soup

Creating a truly flavorful hamburger noodle soup starts with quality ingredients. This section details each component and offers some helpful notes and substitution options to make this recipe your own. You’ll find all exact measurements, full ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.

• Lean Ground Beef: We recommend using lean ground beef (90/10 or 85/15) to minimize excess grease, making your soup less oily. If you use regular ground beef (like 80/20), simply make sure to thoroughly drain any rendered fat after browning. For a different twist, you could also use ground turkey or ground chicken, adjusting the broth accordingly (e.g., chicken broth).
• Yellow Onion & Fresh Garlic: These aromatic powerhouses form the foundational layer of flavor for your soup. The onion adds a sweet, pungent depth, while fresh garlic provides an unmistakable savory punch. Chop the onion finely and mince the garlic for even distribution of flavor.
• Beef Broth: The backbone of our savory broth. Opt for low-sodium beef broth or stock whenever possible. This gives you greater control over the final salt content, allowing you to season the soup perfectly to your taste without it becoming overly salty.
• Tomato Sauce & Diced Tomatoes: A combination of tomato sauce and petite diced tomatoes creates the rich, slightly tangy, and robust tomato base that defines this soup. The tomato sauce provides a smooth texture and concentrated tomato flavor, while the diced tomatoes add texture and a fresh burst of tomato goodness. Using petite diced tomatoes ensures smaller, more integrated pieces in your soup.
• Frozen Mixed Veggies: For ultimate convenience, a 10-ounce or 12-ounce bag of frozen mixed vegetables (typically containing corn, peas, carrots, and green beans) works perfectly. There’s no need to thaw them; just add them straight from the freezer. This is a fantastic way to add a variety of nutrients and vibrant colors to your soup with minimal prep.
• Italian Seasoning: This versatile blend of dried herbs usually includes oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary. It’s a brilliant shortcut that adds complex, aromatic flavors to the broth without requiring you to measure out multiple individual seasonings.
• Worcestershire Sauce: A small but mighty ingredient! Worcestershire sauce adds a subtle tang, a touch of sweetness, and a wonderful umami depth that truly elevates the overall flavor profile of the soup, making it taste richer and more complex.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process, especially after adding the broth. The amount you need will depend on your broth’s sodium content and personal preference.
• Egg Noodles: The star of the “noodle” part of this soup! Use dry, medium-width egg noodles (not fresh or frozen). They cook directly in the pot, absorbing all the delicious flavors of the broth, resulting in perfectly tender, savory noodles that complete the meal.

How to Make Quick & Easy Hamburger Noodle Soup

This section provides a step-by-step guide with detailed instructions to help you create a perfect pot of homemade hamburger noodle soup. For the full printable recipe, including exact measurements and a complete list of ingredients, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté the Onion.
In a large Dutch oven or a sturdy soup pot, add your lean ground beef and chopped yellow onion. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon as it browns. Continue to cook until the ground beef is no longer pink and the onion has softened and become translucent. This initial browning step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavor in your soup.

Step 2: Add the Garlic and Drain Grease.
Once the beef is browned and the onion is soft, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for just 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes wonderfully fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. After the garlic is fragrant, carefully drain any excess grease from the pot. This step ensures your soup isn’t too oily. Return the pot to the stovetop.

Step 3: Simmer the Broth.
Stir in the beef broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, frozen mixed vegetables, Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and your initial measurements of salt and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot. As the broth heats, the flavors will begin to meld beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles.
Once the soup mixture is boiling vigorously, add the dry egg noodles to the pot. Stir them in well to ensure they are fully submerged in the broth and don’t clump together. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, or until the egg noodles are tender to your liking. Keep an eye on them starting around the 10-minute mark to avoid overcooking. Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This ground beef noodle soup is wonderful for meal prep and makes fantastic leftovers. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors for days to come.

• Fridge: Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup might thicken upon standing; simply add a splash of extra beef broth or water when reheating if desired.
• Freezer: For longer storage, this soup freezes beautifully! Once completely cooled, transfer the soup to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months. For the absolute best texture, we highly recommend freezing the soup without the egg noodles. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the soup, then bring it to a simmer on the stovetop and add fresh egg noodles to cook until tender. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy when reheated after freezing.
• To Reheat: Whether from the fridge or freezer (after thawing), gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until piping hot. Add a little extra broth or water if the soup is too thick.

Delicious Side Dishes for Your Hamburger Vegetable Soup

While this hearty ground beef vegetable soup is certainly substantial enough to be a meal on its own, pairing it with a delicious side can truly elevate your dining experience. Here are some of our favorite accompaniments:

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: A classic pairing! A warm, crusty baguette or homemade rolls like our 7 Up Biscuits are perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich, savory broth. Garlic bread is also an excellent choice.
• Fresh Green Salad: For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a crisp, vibrant salad. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette or a Copycat Olive Garden Salad provides a fresh, crunchy counterpoint to the warmth of the soup.
• Crackers: Don’t forget the classics! Saltines, oyster crackers, or even Ritz crackers are traditional favorites that add a satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness to each spoonful.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread offers a sweet and savory balance that complements the robust flavors of the soup beautifully.

Creative Additions and Variations to Try

This one-pot hamburger soup is incredibly forgiving and adaptable, making it a fantastic base for experimentation. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Swap the Meat: While ground beef is traditional, you can easily lighten things up or change the flavor profile by using ground chicken or ground turkey. If you make this swap, consider also using chicken broth instead of beef broth to better complement the poultry.
• Change the Noodles: If you don’t have egg noodles, or simply prefer a different pasta shape, feel free to experiment! Elbow macaroni, small shells, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti pieces work wonderfully and will cook similarly in the broth.
• Add Your Favorite Veggies: This is truly a “use what you have” kind of recipe. Beyond the standard frozen mixed vegetables, consider adding:
  • Fresh Vegetables: Diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms can be sautéed along with the onion and ground beef at the beginning.
  • Canned Vegetables: Canned corn, green beans, or peas (drained) can be stirred in during the simmering stage. Even drained canned mushrooms would be a nice addition for extra umami.
  • Leafy Greens: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking until wilted for added nutrition.
• Make it Cheesy: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of your favorite cheeses at the very end, just before serving, for a creamy, cheesy twist.
• Add a Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the Italian seasoning, or stir in a dash of hot sauce at the end.
• Boost the Umami: A teaspoon of tomato paste added when sautéing the garlic can deepen the tomato flavor significantly. A splash of soy sauce can also enhance umami.
• Make it Creamy: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in a quarter cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last few minutes of cooking (after the noodles are done). Do not boil after adding cream.

More Cozy Ground Beef Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of comforting, easy-to-make dishes featuring ground beef, you’ll want to explore these other delicious recipes from our collection:

• Sloppy Joe Pasta: A fun and flavorful one-pan meal combining two favorites.
• Crockpot Chili with Beans: A classic, hearty chili perfect for game day or a cozy evening.
• Easy Cottage Pie: A comforting British classic with a savory meat filling topped with mashed potatoes.
• Slow Cooker Chili Mac: The ultimate comfort food fusion, combining chili and macaroni and cheese.