The Easy Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe Your Family Will Love

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty beef and macaroni soup that promises warmth in every spoonful.

Chilly evenings call for something substantial and soul-soothing.

Memories of childhood kitchens drift through the aroma of simmering meat and tender pasta.

Robust flavors blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels like a culinary hug.

You appreciate how quickly this soup comes together with simple ingredients.

Each bite tells a story of nourishment and care.

Let’s uncover how you can transform basic pantry staples into a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love Beef and Macaroni Soup

• Quick and Easy Comfort: Whip up a hearty, soul-warming soup that requires minimal cooking skills and comes together effortlessly in one pot.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Pack a punch of protein from beef, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and carbohydrates from pasta, creating a balanced and satisfying meal for the whole family.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adapt this recipe to suit different tastes by swapping vegetables, changing cheese toppings, or adjusting spice levels, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.
• Minimal Clean-Up: Enjoy a delicious, home-cooked meal without dreading the aftermath, as this single-pot wonder means fewer dishes and more time to relax.

Beef and Macaroni Soup Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: Fresh ground meat for a hearty soup base.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape for comforting texture.

• Beef Stock: Rich and flavorful foundation for the soup.
• Tomatoes, Sundried Tomato Puree: Deep, robust tomato flavor profile.

• Red Onions: Sweet and sharp vegetable for depth of flavor.
• Oregano, Basil: Classic herbs that add Mediterranean warmth.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Complex, tangy condiment for extra richness.
• Shredded Cheese: Optional topping for extra creaminess.

• Mixed Garden Vegetables: Fresh vegetables to add nutrition and color.

Steps to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

Heat a large soup pot over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and diced red onions.

Cook until the beef is completely browned and onions become soft and translucent.

Use a spoon to drain any excess fat from the pot, creating a cleaner soup base.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Beef stock
• Chopped fresh tomatoes
• Sundried tomato puree
• Worcestershire sauce
• Crushed oregano
• Sweet basil

Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend and develop.

Step 3: Cook Pasta and Vegetables

• Elbow macaroni
• Mixed garden vegetables

Continue simmering for about 8 minutes.

The pasta should become tender but maintain a slight firmness, and vegetables should be cooked but still have a bit of crunch.

Step 4: Season and Finish

Taste the soup and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference.

Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls.

For extra richness, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top.

Accompany the soup with a side of warm crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for a Hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup

• Choose leaner ground beef like 90/10 or ground turkey to reduce overall fat while maintaining rich flavor.
• Slightly undercook macaroni during initial simmer since it will continue absorbing liquid and softening in the hot soup.
• Swap or add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or butternut squash to boost nutritional value and create personalized texture.
• Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or substitute with cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar during beef browning stage to deepen the soup's complex taste profile.

Storing and Reheating Beef and Macaroni Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the soup's rich flavors intact.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring a delicious meal is always ready.
• Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef stock if the soup seems too thick, restoring its original consistency.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then gently warm in a pot. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking and maintain the soup's creamy texture.

Great Pairings for Beef and Macaroni Soup

• Pair Zesty Red Wine: Select a medium-bodied red like Chianti or Zinfandel to complement the rich beef and tomato flavors, cutting through the soup's heartiness with its acidity.
• Create Crusty Bread Companion: Serve a rustic sourdough or herbed focaccia alongside the soup, perfect for soaking up the savory broth and adding textural contrast.
• Enhance with Sharp Cheese Topping: Sprinkle aged Parmesan or sharp cheddar over the soup, melting slightly to add depth and a tangy flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Refresh with Crisp Side Salad: Prepare a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the soup's richness, offering a fresh and zesty counterpoint to the warm, comforting meal.

Flavor Twists for Beef and Macaroni Soup

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace elbow pasta with gluten-free rice pasta or quinoa shells. Use tamari sauce instead of Worcestershire sauce to maintain flavor while keeping the dish celiac-friendly.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap beef with hearty lentils or plant-based ground meat substitute. Select vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a complete meat-free transformation. Add extra mushrooms for umami depth.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup's rich, comforting profile. Increase protein by adding extra lean ground meat.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate Greek oregano, add crumbled feta cheese on top. Include diced bell peppers and swap Worcestershire sauce with a splash of red wine vinegar for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

• What kind of beef works best for this soup?

Ground beef or chuck roast are ideal. They provide rich flavor and tender texture. Choose lean cuts to minimize excess fat.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance. The soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The flavors actually develop and become more robust overnight.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Absolutely. It combines protein from beef, carbohydrates from pasta, and nutrients from vegetables. Each serving offers a well-rounded meal with multiple food groups.

• How can I make the soup more hearty?

Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or celery. You can also increase the pasta quantity or include beans for more substance and protein.

Beef And Macaroni Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef and macaroni soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich meaty flavors with tender pasta goodness. Warm spices and creamy broth create a satisfying meal that hugs you with each delicious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) prime ground beef

Fresh Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) finely chopped red onion
• 14 ounces (396 grams) fresh chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sweet basil

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) rich beef stock
• 2 tablespoons sundried tomato puree
• 1 teaspoon traditional Worcestershire sauce
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) uncooked elbow pasta
• 1 1/2 cups (360 milliliters) quick-freeze garden vegetables

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, brown the ground beef with red onions until the meat is fully cooked and onions are softened, carefully draining excess grease to maintain a clean flavor profile.
2. Infuse the pot with beef stock, introducing chopped tomatoes, sundried tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and basil. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing herbs and seasonings to release their aromatic essence for 5 minutes.
3. Gently fold in elbow macaroni and mixed vegetables, continuing to cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta reaches an al dente texture and vegetables become tender yet vibrant.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, ensuring a balanced and harmonious flavor throughout the soup.
5. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, crowning each portion with a sprinkle of shredded cheese for an extra layer of creamy richness.
6. Accompany the soup with warm, crusty bread to transform this hearty dish into a complete and satisfying meal that comforts from the first spoonful.

Notes

• Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier soup base without compromising rich flavor.
• Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
• Cooking pasta separately prevents overcooking and maintains its perfect al dente consistency when added to the soup.
• For gluten-free adaptation, replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice as a low-carb alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 60mg