There’s something truly comforting about a warm bowl of beef and macaroni soup. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a cozy embrace, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little pick-me-up. This hearty soup has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I can’t tell you how many times it’s brought my family together around the dinner table. The rich flavors of the ground beef mingling with tender macaroni, all simmered in a savory broth, create a delicious harmony that’s simply irresistible. Trust me, once you try making this beef and macaroni soup, you’ll want to keep it close to your heart (and your recipe book) forever!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned, toss in the diced onion, minced garlic, chopped carrots, and celery. Sauté these veggies together for about 5 minutes, until they’re tender and the kitchen is filled with that wonderful aroma.
- Next, stir in the beef broth and the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain it!). Add in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. You want a gentle simmer here, so let it bubble away for a few minutes.
- Now it’s time for the star of the show—the elbow macaroni! Stir it in, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Don’t forget to give it a stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
- Once the macaroni is tender, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot, and watch everyone gather around for a comforting bowl of goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder—easy cleanup, yay!
- Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- So customizable! You can throw in any veggies you have on hand.
- Rich, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Kid-approved! Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist this soup.
- Low-fat option that doesn’t skimp on flavor—win-win!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder—easy cleanup, yay!
- Ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- So customizable! You can throw in any veggies you have on hand.
- Rich, comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out.
- Great for meal prep—leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Kid-approved! Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist this soup.
- Low-fat option that doesn’t skimp on flavor—win-win!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect beef and macaroni soup is all about those little details! Here are my top tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time:
- Don’t skimp on browning the beef: Take your time to brown the ground beef well. This step adds a depth of flavor that makes all the difference!
- Fresh veggies matter: Using fresh carrots, celery, and onions not only enhances the taste but also brings vibrant color to your soup. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Keep an eye on the pasta: Macaroni can go from perfectly al dente to mushy in a flash. Stir occasionally and taste as you go to get it just right!
- Season as you go: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the flavors!
- Let it sit: If you have the time, let the soup sit for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Experiment with herbs: Feel free to swap in fresh herbs or other dried ones like thyme or basil for a twist on the classic flavor profile.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be a beef and macaroni soup pro in no time! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to savor each spoonful!
Variations
One of the best things about this beef and macaroni soup is how easy it is to switch things up! Here are some creative variations to keep your taste buds dancing:
- Italian Twist: Add in a splash of balsamic vinegar and some chopped spinach or kale for a vibrant, Italian flair. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top is a must!
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while sautéing the veggies. It’ll warm you up in more ways than one!
- Veggie-Packed: Go wild with veggies! Throw in some zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn to boost the nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the broth to maintain the soup’s consistency.
- Herb Infusion: Swap out the oregano for fresh thyme or a mix of Italian herbs for a different aromatic experience. Fresh herbs can elevate the dish to a whole new level!
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in a cup of shredded cheddar or mozzarella during the last few minutes of cooking for a creamy, cheesy version that kids love!
- Asian-inspired: Change it up with soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil, and add bok choy or mushrooms for an Asian twist that still feels hearty and comforting.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas based on what you have in your kitchen or your mood! The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this beef and macaroni soup so special—it’s all about making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your delicious beef and macaroni soup is super simple! Just let the soup cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes beautifully! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave a little space at the top since soup expands when frozen. It should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover soup, simply take it out of the fridge or freezer. If it’s frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. To reheat, pour the soup into a pot and warm it over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If it seems a bit thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash of beef broth or water to reach your desired consistency. You can also reheat it in the microwave! Just pop it in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Easy peasy!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor the comfort of beef and macaroni soup anytime you crave it! Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Before diving into this delicious beef and macaroni soup, it’s good to have an idea of the nutrition it offers! Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just estimates per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This hearty soup not only fills you up but also provides a good balance of protein, carbs, and fats. Enjoying a bowl of this comforting dish feels good, and knowing it’s nutritious makes it even better!
FAQs
Can I use other types of meat in this soup?
Absolutely! While ground beef is a classic choice, you can easily substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of meat you choose.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
No worries at all! You can use chicken broth or vegetable broth instead. Just keep in mind that it will slightly change the flavor, but it’ll still be delicious! You can also use water in a pinch, but I’d recommend adding some extra seasonings to compensate.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Definitely! This beef and macaroni soup is perfect for meal prep. Just make it ahead of time, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually deepen and improve after a day in the fridge!
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes wonderfully! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as usual.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add any vegetables you like. Zucchini, bell peppers, or even peas can be great additions. Just remember to adjust the broth quantity if you add a lot of extra veggies to maintain the soup’s consistency.
Beef and Macaroni Soup: 6 Comforting Secrets Unveiled
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty beef and macaroni soup that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; sauté until tender.
- Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce heat.
- Add elbow macaroni and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is cooked.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can add other vegetables as desired.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: beef and macaroni soup, hearty soup, comfort food
