As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm your soul and satisfy your hunger. Our Hamburger Noodle Soup with Tomatoes and Parmesan is a hearty and comforting meal that brings together the richness of ground beef, the tanginess of tomatoes, and the delightful texture of pasta. This soup is not only flavorful but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of making this delicious soup, from preparing the ingredients to serving it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
### Recipe: A Brief Description of the Recipe
Hamburger Noodle Soup is a delightful blend of savory flavors and textures. The ground beef adds richness, while the tomatoes bring a burst of acidity that balances the dish. The noodles provide a comforting base, making the soup hearty enough to be a meal on its own. The addition of Parmesan cheese at the end adds a salty, nutty finish that elevates the soup. This recipe is versatile, allowing for adjustments based on personal preference or ingredient availability, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
### Ingredients: A Detailed List of Ingredients
To create this flavorful Hamburger Noodle Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups egg noodles (or any sturdy pasta of your choice)
– 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
– 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
– 8-ounce can tomato sauce
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
### Directions/Instructions: Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
1. **Prepare the Noodles**: Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water, which enhances the flavor of the noodles. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook until they are al dente, following the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. **Sauté the Vegetables**: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced celery, and sliced carrots. Cook these vegetables until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. This should take about 5 minutes.
3. **Add the Garlic**: Once the vegetables are softened, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
4. **Cook the Ground Beef**: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the lean ground beef to the pot. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and the vegetables are fully softened. If there’s excess fat, drain it from the pot to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
5. **Season the Soup**: Stir in the oregano, basil, seasoned salt, and salt and pepper to taste. These herbs and spices will infuse the soup with a depth of flavor that complements the beef and vegetables.
6. **Add the Onion Soup Mix**: Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix over the beef and vegetable mixture. Stir well to incorporate the mix fully, allowing its flavors to meld with the other ingredients for about 30 seconds.
7. **Incorporate the Liquids**: Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and soy sauce. Stir the mixture to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
8. **Simmer the Soup**: Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let the soup cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop and deepen.
9. **Add the Noodles**: Add the cooked noodles to the soup and let them heat through for about 5 minutes. This step ensures that the noodles absorb some of the soup’s flavors without becoming overly soft.
10. **Serve and Garnish**: Ladle the Hamburger Noodle Soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt slightly, adding a creamy, salty finish to each bite.
### FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About the Recipe
**Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?**
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute egg noodles with any sturdy pasta you have on hand, such as rotini, fusilli, or even broken spaghetti.
**Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?**
A: Yes, this soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a bit of broth or water if it thickens too much.
**Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?**
A: To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and beef broth. Use vegetable broth instead and consider adding more vegetables or a meat substitute for added texture.
**Q: Can I freeze this soup?**
A: While you can freeze the soup, be aware that the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze the soup before adding the noodles, then cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to serve.
### Conclusion
Hamburger Noodle Soup with Tomatoes and Parmesan is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a satisfying dish for the whole family. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or simply want a quick and easy meal, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy the delightful combination of beef, noodles, and tomatoes with a cheesy finish. Happy cooking!