Slow Cooker Hamburger Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Hamburger Noodle Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm, satisfying meal. With seasoned ground beef, tender noodles, and a medley of vegetables, this soup is both nourishing and easy to make. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it work its magic for a flavorful, one-pot meal. Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Cook’s Notes and Tips
• Variations
• Serving Suggestions
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Conclusion

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Brown the Beef: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Assemble the Soup

3. Add Vegetables and Broth: Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Add Noodles

5. Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the uncooked egg noodles and frozen peas (if using). Cover and continue cooking on HIGH until the noodles are tender, about 20-30 minutes.

Step 4: Serve

6. Serve: Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Brown the Beef: Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor of the soup. It also helps to drain the excess fat to avoid a greasy broth.
• Noodles: Add the noodles towards the end of cooking to prevent them from getting overly soft or mushy. You can also cook the noodles separately and add them to individual servings.
• Frozen Vegetables: You can add other frozen vegetables like corn or green beans for added nutrition and variety.

Variations

• Turkey Noodle Soup: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version of this soup.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño for some heat.
• Vegetable-Packed: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
• Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
• Cheese Topping: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Can I Freeze This Soup?

Yes, you can freeze this soup, but it’s best to freeze it without the noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating the soup.

Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as ditalini, small shells, or even rotini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Slow Cooker Hamburger Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for cozy family dinners. With its savory broth, tender vegetables, and flavorful ground beef, this soup is both satisfying and easy to make. Simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do all the work, leaving you with a delicious meal that everyone will love. Gather your ingredients, get your slow cooker ready, and enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!

Happy Cooking!