Why Make This Beef and Macaroni Soup
Beef and macaroni soup is a classic comfort dish that warms the soul. It’s the perfect combination of savory ground beef, tender pasta, and rich tomato flavor, all wrapped up in a hearty broth. Not only is it delicious and filling, but it’s also easy to make and can be ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or looking for a satisfying meal to share with friends, this soup ticks all the right boxes. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables and nutrients into your family’s diet while keeping everyone happy at the dinner table.
How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup
Making beef and macaroni soup is simple, and you’ll love how quickly you can whip it up. To start, gather all your ingredients, and get ready to create a heartwarming meal that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. The steps are straightforward, allowing both novice and experienced cooks to enjoy the process. With a little preparation, you will soon savor a robust bowl of beef and macaroni soup that warms from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease once the beef is cooked through.
- Push the beef to one side of the pot. If using olive oil, add it to the empty side and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Add in the dried basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring your mixture to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop beautifully.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the pot and continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Adjust seasonings if needed. After removing it from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 18g
How to Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup
Beef and macaroni soup is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it on its own, or pair it with warm, crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. It’s great for lunches, as the flavors only get better the next day, making it a perfect option for meal prep. You can also serve it as a hearty appetizer at dinner parties for a unique twist.
How to Store Beef and Macaroni Soup
Leftover beef and macaroni soup can be stored in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Simply let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to restore the soup’s consistency, as pasta can absorb liquid over time.
Expert Tips for Perfect Beef and Macaroni Soup
- For richer flavor, consider using a combination of beef broth and chicken broth.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic.
- You can swap out the elbow macaroni for other pasta types such as shells or tubes for a fun twist.
- If you like your soup with more veggies, throw in some diced carrots or bell peppers during the sautéing stage.
- Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning, as different broths can vary in saltiness.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with lentils or beans for a meat-free alternative, and use vegetable broth instead.
- Cheesy Beef and Macaroni Soup: Stir in shredded cheese just before serving for a creamy and cheesy wonder.
- Italian Twist: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar and some chopped spinach for a more Italian-inspired flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use leftover roast beef instead of ground beef?
Yes! Shredded leftover roast beef can add a delicious depth of flavor to your soup. Just add it in when you combine the broth and tomatoes to heat through. -
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If you find the soup too thick for your liking, simply add more beef broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. -
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before storing in airtight containers. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Beef and macaroni soup is a comforting and delicious one-pot meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and full of heartiness that will satisfy even the hungriest of eaters. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own, whether it’s adding in your favorite veggies or adjusting the spices to your taste. Once you take a sip of this warm, flavorful soup, you’ll understand why it’s a beloved classic. Happy cooking!
Print
Beef and Macaroni Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting one-pot meal featuring savory ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a rich tomato broth.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups beef broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease once the beef is cooked through.
- Push the beef to one side of the pot. If using olive oil, add it to the empty side and sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and water. Add the dried basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, reduce heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the elbow macaroni and continue to simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasonings if needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For added flavor, you can combine beef broth with chicken broth, and feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: beef soup, macaroni soup, comfort food, quick meals, dinner recipes
