Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
If you’re craving a soul-warming, satisfying bowl of goodness that checks all the boxes for comfort food, Beef and Macaroni Soup has you covered. This delightful blend of tender beef, toothsome pasta, savory broth, and colorful veggies comes together in just half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike. Every spoonful is loaded with nostalgic flavors, hearty textures, and a touch of Italian-inspired flair—exactly what you want from a simple homemade meal that invites everyone back for seconds. If you’re looking to fill your kitchen with inviting aromas and your table with smiles, this recipe is calling your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With a handful of straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients, each component of this Beef and Macaroni Soup serves a special role—whether it’s building robust flavor, providing satisfying texture, or adding bright color to the bowl. Trust me, you’ll appreciate how every item does its part!
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables and meat to perfection.
- Ground beef: The star protein, bringing hearty flavor and that classic “beefy” taste.
- Yellow onion (diced): Gives sweetness and depth as the aromatic base.
- Garlic (minced): Adds a gentle kick of savoriness and aroma.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses the soup with subtle herby notes reminiscent of your favorite pastas.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to heighten all the other flavors—taste as you go!
- Tomato paste: Concentrated flavor and color that enriches both broth and beef.
- Beef broth: Forms the savory, comforting backbone of the soup—use a good-quality broth for the best result.
- Diced tomatoes (with juice): Bring acidity and freshness, plus lovely bits of tomato in every bite.
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked): Classic, kid-friendly pasta shape that soaks up all the flavors beautifully.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: Colorful, convenient, and an easy way to add nutrients and crunch.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A sprinkle of green to brighten the final presentation.
How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a generous soup pot over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. You’re aiming for deeply browned, deliciously crumbled beef—that little bit of caramelization means even more flavor in your finished Beef and Macaroni Soup. Once browned, drain off any excess fat for a lighter result.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Now, toss in your diced onion and let it cook with the beef for about 3 to 4 minutes. When the onions are soft and fragrant, stir in the minced garlic. This is when those homey kitchen aromas really start to bloom. Only a minute more is needed, just until the garlic is golden but not burned.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Let this mixture cook for about a minute, letting the tomato paste deepen and the herbs unfurl their aroma. This step infuses every bite of Beef and Macaroni Soup with layers of savory, herby notes—don’t rush!
Step 4: Add Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (including the juices). Give everything a good stir to combine and bring the soup up to a gentle simmer. At this stage, you can already see and smell the beginnings of a great soup coming together, packed to the brim with flavor.
Step 5: Cook the Macaroni
Now it’s time for the pasta! Sprinkle in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Leave the soup uncovered as it simmers, and let the macaroni cook right in the broth for about 8 to 10 minutes. It should be just tender, and as it cooks, it’ll absorb plenty of that beefy, tomato-rich broth, plumping up beautifully.
Step 6: Add the Vegetables
Just as your pasta reaches al dente, stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Let them simmer for 3 or 4 minutes, just enough to heat through and stay bright and crisp. Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed, giving one last flavor check before you’re ready to serve.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into generous bowls and top with a scattering of fresh parsley, if you’d like an extra pop of color and freshness. The finished Beef and Macaroni Soup is hearty, fragrant, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out.
How to Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup
Garnishes
Garnishing your soup isn’t just about looks—it’s about adding that little something special. A shower of chopped fresh parsley delivers brightness and freshness, while a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a handful of shredded cheese right before serving can give the soup a richer, more indulgent finish. If you want to add some heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes on top.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as a stand-alone meal, but it’s also delightful when served alongside warm, crusty bread for dipping. Try a wedge of cornbread or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to complete the picture. These sides add texture, a touch of contrast, and plenty of satisfaction to the whole experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or fun family dinners, serve Beef and Macaroni Soup in mini cups or mugs for easy handling. Or, fill hollowed-out bread bowls—the ultimate comfort food presentation! For a rustic centerpiece, bring the steaming pot straight to the table and let everyone ladle their own, building a sense of community with every serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Beef and Macaroni Soup is a champion when it comes to leftovers. Once completely cooled, ladle the soup into airtight containers and keep it in the fridge. The flavors will actually deepen overnight! Just a quick note: the pasta will continue to absorb broth as it sits, so you may find the soup a bit thicker the next day—simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully if you want to prepare ahead or save portions for later. Spoon the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving just a bit of room for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. For the best texture, you might want to slightly undercook the pasta before freezing, as it will soften a bit when thawed and reheated.
Reheating
Reheating Beef and Macaroni Soup is a breeze. Pour the soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot throughout. If reheating from frozen, let the soup thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm as above. Don’t forget to add extra broth or water if the pasta has soaked up much of the liquid—it’ll restore that perfect, soupy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and adds that classic feel to Beef and Macaroni Soup, you can swap in any small pasta you have on hand, like small shells or ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time as needed for the new shape.
What’s the best way to make this soup gluten-free?
To enjoy a gluten-free version, simply substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta for the elbow macaroni. Be sure to watch the cooking time closely, as gluten-free pasta can cook (and soften) faster than regular versions.
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken make excellent lighter alternatives to beef, while still delivering a satisfying, hearty soup. You may want to add a splash of extra olive oil or increase the seasonings slightly, as these meats are leaner and milder.
How can I add more vegetables?
Feel free to boost the veggie content! Add chopped bell peppers, zucchini, fresh spinach, or even a handful of baby kale during the last few minutes of cooking. This makes your Beef and Macaroni Soup even heartier and more colorful.
My soup is too thick after storing. What should I do?
It’s completely normal for the pasta to soak up extra broth as the soup sits. All you need to do is stir in some additional beef broth or water when reheating, until you get back to your preferred consistency. The flavors will still be spot on!
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about a pot of homemade Beef and Macaroni Soup—it’s simple, incredibly cozy, and guaranteed to bring everyone to the table. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this classic soup never fails to hit the spot. Give it a try, and chances are good it’ll become a regular favorite in your home too!
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Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly days. Made with ground beef, vegetables, and macaroni in a flavorful broth, it’s a family-friendly dish that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
For garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil: In a large pot over medium heat, heat the olive oil.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add onion and seasonings: Add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Cook for an additional minute.
- Add broth and tomatoes: Pour in the beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juice. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni and cook uncovered for 8–10 minutes or until tender.
- Stir in vegetables: Mix in the frozen mixed vegetables and simmer for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For added richness, stir in shredded cheese just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge, but the pasta may absorb more broth. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
