Tomato juice being poured into the slow cooker
Tomato juice being poured into the slow cooker
About 30 minutes before serving, stir the soup well, breaking up any larger clumps of beef with a spoon. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, stirring it down into the hot broth so it’s submerged.
Cover again and continue cooking on HIGH for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. Stir once or twice during this time if you can, to keep the pasta from sticking together.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch more salt if needed. If the soup seems thicker than you like, you can stir in a splash more tomato juice or a little water to loosen it.
Macaroni being stirred into hot hamburger soup
Macaroni being stirred into hot hamburger soup
Ladle the hot hamburger soup into bowls and serve right away while the pasta is still pleasantly firm. Store any leftovers, once cooled, in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of water or tomato juice if it thickens up overnight.
Variations & Tips
For a slightly leaner pot, you can use ground turkey or a leaner grind of beef, though traditional Amish-style versions usually rely on regular ground beef for fuller flavor. If you prefer to skim some fat, let the soup rest for a few minutes after cooking and spoon off any fat that rises to the top.
A bowl of hamburger soup served with bread and pickles
A bowl of hamburger soup served with bread and pickles
To stretch the meal even further, add an extra cup of tomato juice and a handful more pasta near the end, or stir in a drained can of diced tomatoes for more texture. If your family likes a touch of sweetness, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of sugar along with the salt to round out the tomato tang, which is common in many Midwestern kitchens.
You can also swap the frozen mixed vegetables for whatever you have on hand—canned green beans, diced potatoes (add them at the beginning so they soften), or even leftover cooked vegetables from last night’s dinner. For a little extra comfort, top each bowl with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar or Parmesan, or stir in a pat of butter right before serving, just the way farm wives used to do to make a simple soup taste a little more special.
