Hamburger Noodle Soup

Ingredients

2 cups egg noodles, or your favorite sturdy pasta

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

1 cup sliced celery

1 cup sliced carrots

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon basil

1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 envelope dry onion soup mix

3 cups beef broth

1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Sep 1:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously.

Add the noodles and cook until al dente.

Drain and reserve.

Sep 2:

Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven.

Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook until they start to soften.

Add the garlic and cook another minute.

Sep 3:

Add the ground beef and continue to cook, breaking the beef up as it cooks.

Cook until the beef is browned and the vegetables are soft.

Drain any fat, if needed.

Sep 4:

Stir in the oregano, basil, and seasoned salt.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Stir for 30 seconds, then stir in the onion soup mix.

Sep 5:

Add the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and soy sauce.

Let the soup come to a bubble, then lower the temperature and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes.

Sep 6:

Add the noodles into the soup, let it heat through for about 5 minutes, then serve topped with the parmesan cheese.

Notes:

Customizable Pasta: The recipe suggests egg noodles, but you can switch them out for any sturdy pasta shape that holds up well in soups, like penne or farfalle.

Make-Ahead Option: This soup can be prepared in advance and reheated when ready to serve. Just store the noodles separately to maintain their texture.

Alternative Protein: Ground turkey is a lean alternative to ground beef if you’re looking for a healthier option. Adjust the seasonings accordingly.

Seasoning Substitution: While seasoned salt adds flavor, you can omit it if you prefer to control the seasoning using salt and other spices according to your taste.

Tomato Variation: Fresh tomatoes can replace canned diced tomatoes if you prefer. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference and tomato acidity.

Substitute for Onion Soup Mix: If you’re out of onion soup mix, create a substitute using dried onion flakes, onion powder, and a bit of beef bouillon or broth.

Freezing Tip: Freeze the soup without the noodles for the best texture upon reheating. Add freshly cooked noodles when serving.

Optional Parmesan: While Parmesan adds a nice finishing touch, feel free to skip it or substitute with a different cheese according to your preference.

Refrigeration Shelf Life: Stored properly, this soup stays good in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, providing convenient leftovers for future meals.

Customizable Vegetables: You can customize the vegetable mix in this soup according to your liking. Consider adding mushrooms, peas, spinach, or any other favorite vegetables to personalize the dish.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use your favorite sturdy pasta if you don’t have egg noodles.

Choose a shape that holds up well in soups.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and reheat it when ready to serve.

Just store the noodles separately to prevent them from getting too soft.

Can I substitute ground turkey for ground beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be a lean alternative to ground beef in this recipe.

Adjust the seasonings to your taste.

Is it necessary to use seasoned salt?

The seasoned salt adds flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer to control the seasoning using salt and other spices.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes.

Adjust the quantity based on personal preference and the acidity of the tomatoes.

What can I use instead of onion soup mix?

If you don’t have onion soup mix, you can substitute with a mixture of dried onion flakes, onion powder, and a touch of beef bouillon or broth.

Can I freeze this soup?

It’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles.

Freeze in portions, and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for the best texture.

Is the Parmesan cheese necessary?

Parmesan adds a nice finishing touch, but you can skip it or use a different cheese if you prefer.

How long does this soup stay good in the refrigerator?

Properly stored, this soup can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Can I customize the vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on your preference.

Mushrooms, peas, or spinach could be great additions.