Get ready to wrap yourself in pure comfort with a big bowl of Beef and Macaroni Soup! This one-pot wonder is the ultimate antidote to a chilly night or a weeknight craving for something hearty, homey, and absolutely packed with flavor. Imagine tender ground beef, elbow pasta, veggies, and a rich tomato broth all coming together effortlessly—this is the kind of meal that disappears fast around the dinner table. No complicated steps, just cozy, crowd-pleasing goodness!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef and Macaroni Soup is in its simplicity: every ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of bold flavor and satisfying texture. Each component, from the juicy beef to the colorful vegetables, makes this soup not only delicious but visually tempting, too. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Ground Beef: Provides the hearty base of the soup with tons of savory flavor and satisfying protein.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the onion, lending a subtle richness you can taste in every spoonful.
- Onion: Brings mild sweetness and depth, rounding out the overall flavor profile.
- Garlic: Adds a punch of aromatic warmth that plays perfectly with the savory broth.
- Beef Broth: Forms the robust, meaty foundation of the soup while enhancing all the other flavors.
- Water: Balances the broth and ensures just the right consistency for sipping and slurping.
- Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Contributes both acidity and sweetness, along with a pop of color.
- Tomato Sauce: Makes the broth rich and smooth, tying all the tomato flavors together.
- Italian Seasoning: Brings a classic blend of herbs that brightens the soup instantly.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and gorgeous red hue without overpowering spice.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for making every ingredient sing—taste and adjust as you go.
- Elbow Macaroni (uncooked): The star pasta; perfect for soaking up flavor and giving irresistible texture.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables (peas, carrots, corn): Adds color, sweetness, and nutrients for a complete one-bowl meal.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (optional): The finishing touch for freshness and a burst of green.
How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Sauté and Brown
Start by heating up the olive oil in your largest soup pot over medium heat. Once it shimmers, crumble in the ground beef and begin breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Brown the beef thoroughly—it’s all about building that deep, savory flavor. If there’s excess grease, just drain it off. This keeps your Beef and Macaroni Soup hearty, not heavy.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Next, add your diced onion into the browned beef and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’re looking for the onions to soften and start turning translucent. Just before you think they’re done, stir in the minced garlic. Give it only about 30 seconds so it becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn—trust me, this step makes the whole kitchen smell inviting!
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in your beef broth, water, diced tomatoes with their juice, and silky tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir so it combines into a welcoming, tomato-rich base. Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, and plenty of salt and black pepper. Bring the whole pot up to a bubbling boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes so those flavors can mingle and deepen.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Veggies
This is where it all comes together! Add in the uncooked elbow macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables straight from the bag. Simmer the soup for another 10 to 12 minutes, or just until the pasta is tender and the veggies are heated through. The macaroni will soak up that flavorful broth, turning the Beef and Macaroni Soup into something truly soul-soothing. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When it’s time to dig in, ladle the soup into bowls and, if you’re feeling fancy, shower the top with a handful of chopped fresh parsley. Its pop of color and refreshing taste is the ultimate finishing touch. Now you’re ready to enjoy your new favorite comfort food!
How to Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup
Garnishes
I’m a big believer that the right garnish can turn an everyday meal into something special. For Beef and Macaroni Soup, a scattering of chopped fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try a little sprinkle of grated parmesan, a crack of black pepper, or a swirl of olive oil. Each adds just the right spark of flavor and a touch of elegance.
Side Dishes
The joy of a warm, comforting soup is how well it plays with others. Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup alongside a crusty slice of artisan bread or a buttery dinner roll for dipping. If you’re feeling ambitious, a crisp green salad with Italian or balsamic dressing makes a refreshing, colorful pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family-style meal, bring the pot right to the table and let everyone ladle up their own bowl. If you’re entertaining or packing lunchboxes, consider serving the soup in cute mugs, ramekins, or even hollowed-out bread bowls for a playful twist. However you serve it, this soup turns any meal into a small celebration.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Beef and Macaroni Soup is a meal-prepper’s dream. Simply pour any cooled leftovers into airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors keep developing, and the soup tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
Want to stash some comfort away for a rainy day? Spoon cooled soup into freezer-friendly containers (leaving a little space for expansion) and freeze for up to 3 months. For the best texture, you can slightly undercook the macaroni before freezing so it holds up perfectly when reheated.
Reheating
When you’re ready for a quick lunch or cozy dinner, just reheat Beef and Macaroni Soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up—then taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! Small shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even rotini all work well in Beef and Macaroni Soup. Just keep in mind you may need to tweak the cooking time so the pasta gets perfectly tender.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
Chicken or vegetable broth makes a fine substitute, although it will lighten the flavor a bit. You can also use water in a pinch—just be sure to bump up the seasoning to keep your soup tasty.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Swap in your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni or small pasta. Be sure to check labels on your broth and tomato products, just to be safe, and prepare as usual.
Can I make Beef and Macaroni Soup in advance?
Definitely. This soup holds up beautifully in the fridge and, if anything, tastes even better after the flavors meld overnight. For best texture, slightly undercook the pasta if you plan to reheat later.
Can I add other vegetables?
Why not! Feel free to toss in chopped spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans. Just add firmer vegetables with the mixed veggies or greens towards the end so they stay vibrant and fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dinner that’s pure comfort and guaranteed crowd-pleaser, Beef and Macaroni Soup is simply unbeatable. From busy weeknights to lazy Sundays, there’s never a wrong time to enjoy a steaming bowl of this cozy classic. Give it a try—your kitchen (and your taste buds) will thank you!
Print
Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Beef and Macaroni Soup recipe that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. This soup is loaded with ground beef, vegetables, flavorful broth, and tender macaroni.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot, brown the ground beef, then add onion and garlic.
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in beef broth, water, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Pasta and Vegetables: Stir in macaroni and mixed vegetables. Simmer until pasta is tender.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup, adjust seasoning if needed, and garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the water slightly or simmer longer.
- Leftovers store well and can be reheated the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
