If you’re looking for a cozy, all-in-one meal that brings both comfort and flavor to the table, Beef and Macaroni Soup is the answer. This hearty classic delivers tender beef, soft macaroni, and colorful veggies in a savory tomato broth that tastes like it simmered all day (even though it comes together in a flash). Whether you’re craving something nostalgic from your childhood or seeking the perfect dinner to warm you up on a chilly evening, Beef and Macaroni Soup has you covered with every gratifying spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how just a few common pantry staples can create something so richly satisfying. Every ingredient in Beef and Macaroni Soup plays a crucial role, from building the robust flavor base to adding body and visual appeal.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown the beef for deeper flavor.
- Ground beef: The main protein, providing heartiness and classic beefy flavor.
- Onion: Diced for aromatic sweetness, which rounds out the soup’s savory notes.
- Garlic: Minced cloves infuse the broth with aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings a savoriness reminiscent of traditional comfort food.
- Smoked paprika: Just a little adds a subtle smokiness that makes every bite memorable.
- Salt: Essential for drawing out the full flavors of the soup; adjust to taste.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and a finishing touch to the broth.
- Diced tomatoes (canned): These add tang, texture, and color—no need to drain.
- Tomato sauce: Enriches the broth for a thicker, more comforting base.
- Beef broth: Sets the stage for all the other flavors to shine; use low-sodium for more control.
- Elbow macaroni (uncooked): The classic pasta choice—holds up beautifully in soup.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (optional): Handy for an extra pop of nutrition and color.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): A bright finish for color and freshness right before serving.
How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s deeply browned and irresistibly fragrant. This step lays the foundation for the savory flavor in Beef and Macaroni Soup, so don’t rush it! If there’s any excess fat, drain it off to keep the soup from feeling too heavy.
Step 2: Soften the Aromatics
Once the beef is ready, toss in your diced onion and let it soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. The onion sweetens up and starts to marry with the beef. Next, stir in your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The aromatics will sizzle and become fragrant after a minute—this moment is when Beef and Macaroni Soup truly starts to come alive!
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the tomato sauce, then stir in the beef broth. Give everything a good mix and let it come to a gentle boil. The combined tomatoes create that crave-worthy, tangy-yet-silky broth that makes this soup irresistible. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes so the flavors can deepen and mingle.
Step 4: Add Macaroni and Vegetables
Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and the frozen mixed veggies (if you’re using them). Simmer for another 10 to 12 minutes, or just until the pasta is tender. The noodles plump up as they soak up the delicious broth—make sure not to overcook them so they keep their pleasant texture. At this stage, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ladle your steamy Beef and Macaroni Soup into bowls and shower each portion with a little fresh chopped parsley. The bright green not only adds a pop of color but also an extra note of freshness. Now, it’s ready to eat!
How to Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle your Beef and Macaroni Soup with freshly chopped parsley right before serving. If you want to get extra fancy, add a dusting of grated Parmesan, a squeeze of lemon for brightness, or even a drizzle of good olive oil for an indulgent sheen.
Side Dishes
This soup is satisfying on its own, but a slice of crusty bread or a warm garlic roll is pure heaven for dunking and soaking up the last drops. If you’d like something lighter, a crisp green salad makes a great counterpoint to the hearty, savory flavors of Beef and Macaroni Soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic soup mugs for a cozy, homey vibe, or go all out with bread bowls for a special occasion. For gatherings or potlucks, mini portions in small cups or shooters are always a hit—guests love a little taste of comfort that’s easy to carry around!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Macaroni Soup is a lifesaver for quick lunches or weeknight dinners. Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen and taste even better the next day.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze Beef and Macaroni Soup! For the best results, let the soup cool completely and transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. If you plan to freeze the batch, consider cooking the macaroni separately and adding it fresh when you reheat—the pasta can get a little soft after thawing, but the soup remains delicious.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it looks too thick. If microwaving, cover the soup loosely to avoid splatters and reheat in short bursts, stirring occasionally. With a little extra broth, it revives beautifully to its cozy, soupy glory.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Soup
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni gives it that nostalgic, classic feel, you can swap in shells, ditalini, or even rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, since different pastas can vary in how quickly they cook through.
Is it possible to make Beef and Macaroni Soup vegetarian?
You sure can! Use your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The soup will still be every bit as cozy and flavorful—just with a vegetarian twist.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
To keep the macaroni just right, cook it only until al dente. If you’re making the soup ahead, you can even cook the pasta separately and add it as you reheat individual servings to avoid it absorbing too much broth.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This soup is a great canvas for extra veggies like chopped spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or corn. Just toss them in along with the frozen mixed vegetables and let the soup simmer until they’re tender.
What’s the best way to adjust the seasoning?
Always give your Beef and Macaroni Soup a final taste before serving. If it needs a little boost, add another pinch of salt or even a dash of hot sauce for zing. A squeeze of lemon juice also brightens up the flavors at the end.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t tried Beef and Macaroni Soup yet, there’s no better time—this is the kind of meal that brings the whole family running to the table. With its mix of nostalgia, ease, and big flavor, it easily becomes a weeknight favorite. Grab your spoon and dig in—you’re about to find out just how comforting homemade soup can be!
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 dinner. This easy-to-make soup is loaded with ground beef, vegetables, and pasta in a flavorful tomato-based broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup: In a large pot, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef. Add onion, garlic, seasonings, and cook until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth. Simmer, then add macaroni and vegetables.
- Simmer and Serve: Cook until pasta is tender. Adjust seasoning, ladle into bowls, and garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
