If you’ve been searching for a cozy dinner bursting with hearty flavors and a touch of nostalgic comfort, Beef and Macaroni Soup is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. This family-friendly soup is brimming with tender beef, colorful veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta all swimming in a savory, tomato-rich broth that just begs for a crusty bread dunk. Whether you grew up calling it hamburger soup or just adore one-pot wonders, Beef and Macaroni Soup is proof that simple ingredients can deliver big, soul-warming results.

Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Beef and Macaroni Soup couldn’t be easier, and each item truly earns its spot in the pot. Simple, fresh veggies create a colorful base, beef brings heartiness, and the blend of spices makes this soup burst with homestyle flavor, bite after bite.

Olive Oil: Forms a flavorful base for sautéing and adds a subtle, fruity richness.
Ground Beef: Classic, savory foundation that supplies protein and deep, beefy flavor.
Yellow Onion: Sweetens and enhances the soup’s aroma as it softens.
Carrots: Add gentle sweetness and vibrant pops of orange color.
Celery: Brings a traditional soup texture and depth of freshness.
Garlic: Infuses every bite with warm, pungent character.
Diced Tomatoes (with juices): Offer acidity and a classic tomato backbone.
Tomato Sauce: Elevates the broth’s silky, robust tomato flavor.
Beef Broth: The soul of the soup, tying all the savory notes together.
Dried Basil: Lends a sweet, peppery aroma that brightens up the pot.
Dried Oregano: Balances everything with herbaceous, slightly earthy notes.
Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a gorgeous reddish hue.
Elbow Macaroni: The pasta classic, made for soaking up all that delicious broth.
Frozen Corn or Peas: A last-minute stir-in that pops with color and sweetness.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing out and balancing all the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle just before serving for a hit of green and freshness.

How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef. Let it sear for a minute before breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Continue to cook and crumble until the beef is nicely browned and no longer pink. If your beef renders a fair bit of fat, feel free to drain off the excess—just leave a thin layer behind for flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

To your beautifully browned beef, stir in the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about five minutes, letting those classic soup veggies soften and sweeten while soaking up all those tasty beef bits left in the pan. At this point, your kitchen should already smell like a cozy embrace.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Simmering Ingredients

Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just a minute—long enough for its aroma to bloom, but be careful not to let it burn. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with all their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and paprika. Give everything a hearty stir, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for fifteen minutes so all those robust flavors can meld together.

Step 4: Add the Macaroni

Once the broth is deeply flavorful, stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni. Continue simmering so the pasta soaks up both liquid and savor for about ten minutes, until perfectly tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on the texture—you want the pasta to be just right, with a little bite left.

Step 5: Add Veggies and Season to Taste

Finally, stir in the frozen corn or peas. Simmer for a few more minutes to bring everything up to the same hot temperature and let the veggies brighten up the pot. This is the moment to season with salt and black pepper—taste as you go until it’s just how you love it. Remove the pot from heat and let the Beef and Macaroni Soup rest for five minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to harmonize one last time.

How to Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup

Garnishes

I always reach for a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley before ladling Beef and Macaroni Soup into bowls. Not only does it provide a lovely burst of color, but it also adds fresh aroma to each serving. For extra flair, try grating a little Parmesan cheese on top, or add a pinch of crushed red pepper for subtle heat.

Side Dishes

This soup loves a simple side of crusty bread—think torn baguette or warm sourdough—ready for dipping into the savory tomato broth. Crisp green salads, perhaps with a sharp vinaigrette, make a refreshing contrast, and if you’re really feeling cozy, serve alongside a classic grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort-food pairing.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Beef and Macaroni Soup a little extra special, ladle it into rustic soup mugs or mini bread bowls for a dinner-party vibe. Offering small bowls as a first course also works wonderfully for larger gatherings. Or set out a toppings bar with chopped herbs, shredded cheese, and a variety of hot sauces—everyone can finish their bowl just the way they like.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Beef and Macaroni Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Expect the pasta to soak up more liquid as it sits, resulting in an ultra-thick, almost stew-like consistency that’s still absolutely delicious.

Freezing

For those planning ahead, Beef and Macaroni Soup is freezer-friendly, though with one little caveat—pasta can soften a bit upon thawing. If you know you’ll freeze some (or all), consider simmering the noodles separately and adding them fresh to the reheated soup. Otherwise, cool the soup completely, ladle into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to three months.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pour leftover soup into a pot and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, don’t hesitate to splash in a bit of beef broth or water to restore your desired consistency. Microwave reheating also works—just use a microwave-safe container, cover loosely, and stir every minute or so to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Soup

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic in Beef and Macaroni Soup, feel free to swap in small shells, ditalini, or any other small pasta shape you love. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as different shapes may cook a touch faster or slower.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, it’s easy to create a gluten-free version. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the regular macaroni, and double-check that both your beef broth and tomato sauce are gluten-free as well.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Of course! For a lighter take on Beef and Macaroni Soup, ground turkey or chicken work beautifully. You’ll get a slightly different flavor, but the soup will remain hearty and satisfying—just season generously for the best taste.

How can I add extra flavor to the broth?

If you love deeper flavors, don’t hesitate to add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce to the pot as the broth simmers. You can also toss in a bay leaf or a Parmesan rind for even more savory complexity.

My soup is very thick the next day—what should I do?

That’s totally normal, as the pasta will keep soaking up broth as it sits. To loosen things up, just stir in a little extra beef broth or water when reheating. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed for the freshest flavor possible.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so wonderfully satisfying about a big, steaming bowl of Beef and Macaroni Soup. It brings people together, warms up even the chilliest of weeks, and never fails to deliver on both comfort and flavor. I truly hope you’ll give it a try soon—and find your own reason to call it a family favorite.

Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting and hearty beef and macaroni soup that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This soup is loaded with ground beef, vegetables, macaroni, and flavorful herbs, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
6 cups beef broth
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon paprika
2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 1/2 cups frozen corn or peas
Salt and black pepper to taste

For Garnish:

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Heat the olive oil: In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Sauté vegetables: Add the onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
Add seasonings: Stir in the garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, basil, oregano, and paprika. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook the macaroni: Add the macaroni to the pot and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
Finish the soup: Stir in the corn or peas and season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

For extra flavor, add Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce while simmering.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Leftovers thicken as the pasta absorbs liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American