Old-Fashioned Hamburger Soup
Old-Fashioned Hamburger Soup is a hearty, comforting dish featuring ground chuck, tender noodles, and rich tomato sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers savory flavors with a satisfying texture. Ideal for those craving a warm, filling meal with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Crumble the ground chuck into a large pot.
- Cover with water, then add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on high heat until the meat starts to brown.
- Chop the onion and celery.
- Skim off excess grease from the meat mixture.
- Add the tomato sauce to the pot, rinse the cans with water and pour that in as well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add homemade noodles to the boiling soup.
- Cook just until the noodles are tender.
- Adjust the thickness by adding more broth, sauce, or water if desired.
- Serve hot, preferably with garlic bread and cole slaw.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding chopped garlic or herbs like thyme and oregano. If you prefer a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground chuck. For a heartier soup, you can add diced potatoes or carrots. Homemade noodles enhance the dish, but store-bought pasta works in a pinch. Remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Old-Fashioned Hamburger Soup hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and cole slaw for a complete meal. For a refreshing side, consider adding a Marinated Cucumber Salad. This comforting soup is perfect for cold days and makes for excellent leftovers.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover hamburger soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to restore the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Old-Fashioned Hamburger Soup contains roughly 18 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1225mg per serving (53% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, hamburger soup can be made in advance and actually benefits from sitting for a day, as the flavors deepen. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. If making ahead, consider undercooking the noodles slightly, as they will continue to soften when reheated.
What can I add to make it more nutritious?
You can add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, peas, or spinach for added nutrition. Additionally, using low-sodium tomato sauce and broth can help control sodium levels while still providing a rich flavor. For a heartier texture, consider adding some beans or lentils.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, hamburger soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of water or broth if needed.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).