If you’re on the hunt for a meal that wraps you up in pure comfort, Beef and Macaroni Soup is the answer. With a rich tomato base, tender ground beef, colorful veggies, and perfectly chewy pasta, every steaming bowl is like a hug from the inside out. Whether you’re fighting off a chilly day or trying to bring the family together at the dinner table, this cozy soup brings hearty flavors and simple joy in every bite. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but delicious enough to make you proud to serve it to guests.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Beef and Macaroni Soup lies in its straightforward, down-to-earth ingredients that truly make the dish shine. Each component adds an essential layer of flavor, texture, or color, so don’t be tempted to skip or substitute unless you have to—every item earns its place!
- Lean ground beef: Brings that satisfying, meaty base and makes the soup hearty enough for a stand-alone dinner.
- Onion (finely chopped): Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatics that blend beautifully with the beef.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers a punch of flavor and warmth, deepening the complexity of the broth.
- Beef broth: Forms the rich, savory liquid foundation that brings all the ingredients together.
- Water: Helps achieve just the right soup consistency without overpowering the base flavors.
- Diced tomatoes with juice: Brings natural acidity, brightness, and color straight from the can.
- Tomato sauce: Gives the soup extra body and thick, velvety texture.
- Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice, ensuring perfect bite-sized spoonfuls.
- Frozen mixed vegetables: No chopping required—just add color, nutrients, and a touch of sweetness from peas, carrots, corn, and green beans.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that delivers familiar, comforting notes you crave in soups like this.
- Paprika: Adds depth and a mild pop of earthy flavor that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning to taste—don’t underestimate how much a good sprinkle brings it to life!
- Optional chopped fresh parsley: A fresh and flavorful final flourish, perfect for garnishing before serving.
How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then add the lean ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, letting it brown evenly for irresistible flavor. If there’s any excess fat, just drain it off—you want a rich soup, not a greasy one. This first step sets the tone for the entire dish, as that fond at the bottom of the pan will lend unbeatable depth to your Beef and Macaroni Soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and let them sauté with the browned beef for 2-3 minutes. Stir often so nothing sticks! The onions should soften and become fragrant, while the garlic infuses the mixture with irresistible notes that will soon fill your kitchen.
Step 3: Add Broths and Tomatoes
Next, pour in the beef broth, water, diced tomatoes with their juice, and the tomato sauce. Stir everything together, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the pot for extra flavor. Bring the whole mixture up to a simmer—this is where the base of your Beef and Macaroni Soup comes to life and starts to develop that signature robust taste.
Step 4: Season and Simmer
Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, and generous pinches of salt and pepper. Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This gives all the spices and veggies time to meld and bloom their flavors, so every spoonful has just the right balance of savory, herby, and gently spiced.
Step 5: Stir in Pasta and Veggies
Add the elbow macaroni and frozen mixed vegetables straight into the simmering soup. Cook for another 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the vegetables are perfectly heated through. As the macaroni cooks, it absorbs rich flavors from the broth, giving each bite incredible taste and texture.
Step 6: Adjust and Serve
Taste and tweak your seasonings as needed—maybe another pinch of pepper, or a tad more salt depending on your broth. Once you’re happy, ladle the piping hot Beef and Macaroni Soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Comfort food doesn’t get any easier or more satisfying!
How to Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup
Garnishes
For garnishing, keep it simple and classic. A handful of freshly chopped parsley adds an earthy brightness that pops against the deep tomato broth. Or, for a rustic touch, try a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese—a little goes a long way in adding creaminess and extra flavor. Even a dash of red pepper flakes works wonders if you want a bit of heat!
Side Dishes
Though Beef and Macaroni Soup is hearty enough on its own, serving it with warm, crusty bread or homemade garlic toast means no drop of broth goes to waste. Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette for a bit of crunch and freshness. If you’re really planning a feast, consider buttery baked potatoes or even a classic grilled cheese on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this family classic into a showstopper by serving your Beef and Macaroni Soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, edible vessel. You can also ladle it into colorful soup mugs and top each with a swirl of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. For gatherings, offer a toppings bar with cheese, croutons, or hot sauce so everyone can customize their bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Beef and Macaroni Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors only deepen as it sits, making for fantastic next-day lunches or cozy suppers. Keep in mind: if the pasta soaks up some extra broth, you can always add a splash of water or beef stock when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
Beef and Macaroni Soup actually freezes quite well, though the pasta can soften slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and freeze for up to three months. For best results, you can freeze the soup just before adding the macaroni, then add fresh pasta when you reheat.
Reheating
For stovetop reheating, pour the soup into a pot and warm it gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming. If it looks thick (and it often does, thanks to the pasta soaking up liquid), simply add more broth or water until you reach the perfect soup consistency. For single servings, the microwave works well too—just cover the bowl and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between until hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is a traditional favorite for Beef and Macaroni Soup, you can swap in any short, sturdy pasta like ditalini, small shells, or even rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so your chosen noodle doesn’t get too soft.
Is this soup gluten-free?
The classic recipe uses wheat-based macaroni, which isn’t gluten-free. However, you can easily substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta to make Beef and Macaroni Soup suitable for gluten-sensitive diners—just cook it separately if you want to avoid the noodles getting mushy.
How can I make this soup even more flavorful?
For extra depth, you can toss a bay leaf into the soup while it simmers, just make sure you remember to fish it out before serving. Some folks also like to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for more complex layers of flavor in their Beef and Macaroni Soup.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen mixed vegetables?
Fresh vegetables work perfectly and make the soup even more colorful! Just chop them into uniform, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. You might want to add firmer veggies (like carrots and green beans) a little earlier in the process so they become tender.
Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Brown the beef, onions, and garlic on the stovetop, then add everything except the macaroni to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the macaroni about 30 minutes before serving so it cooks through but doesn’t turn to mush.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about the scent of Beef and Macaroni Soup bubbling on the stove—it promises comfort, warmth, and a full belly for everyone at the table. I genuinely hope you’ll give this hearty classic a try, and that it fills your kitchen with laughter and your bowls with joy. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to treat yourself to seconds!
Print
Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and hearty beef and macaroni soup that is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. This soup is loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and macaroni in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add aromatics: Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Simmer the soup: Stir in the beef broth, water, diced tomatoes with juice, and tomato sauce. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Add Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- Add pasta and vegetables: Stir in the elbow macaroni and frozen vegetables. Cook for another 10-12 minutes or until pasta is tender and vegetables are heated through.
- Adjust and serve: Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- For extra flavor, add a bay leaf while simmering (remove before serving).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
