Nothing beats the soul-warming comfort of a steaming bowl of Beef and Macaroni Soup on a chilly evening. This hearty, one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a rich, flavorful broth that will have your family asking for seconds. Our beef and macaroni soup recipe delivers the perfect balance of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution that’s both nutritious and satisfying.
This classic comfort food recipe transforms simple pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 45 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this beef and macaroni soup offers incredible versatility and can easily be customized to suit different dietary preferences. The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic herbs, and tender pasta creates a harmonious blend of flavors that appeals to both adults and children alike.
Ingredients List
Creating the perfect beef and macaroni soup starts with gathering quality ingredients that work together to build layers of flavor. Here’s everything you’ll need for this comforting recipe:
Protein & Base:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for optimal flavor)
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Liquid Components:
- 3 cups beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (29 oz) tomato sauce
Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 bay leaves
Pasta:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
The beauty of this beef and macaroni soup lies in its simplicity – most ingredients are likely already in your pantry. The combination of herbs creates a robust flavor profile, while the brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
Instructions
Sauté Aromatics
Begin your beef and macaroni soup journey by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. The key to building exceptional flavor starts with properly sautéing your aromatics. Add the finely diced onion to the heated oil and cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges become translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute until fragrant. This foundational step creates the flavor base that will elevate your entire soup.
Cook the Beef
Add the ground beef to your aromatic base, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook the beef thoroughly, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely browned and no pink remains – typically 6-8 minutes. The rendered fat from the beef will add richness to your beef and macaroni soup, so don’t drain it unless there’s excessive grease. This browning process, known as the Maillard reaction, develops complex flavors that distinguish great soup from good soup.
Add Liquids and Tomatoes
Pour in the beef broth, ensuring you scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – these caramelized pieces are flavor gold. Add the diced tomatoes with their juice and the tomato sauce, stirring well to combine all ingredients. The liquid should just cover the beef mixture; if needed, add additional broth or water to achieve proper consistency for your beef and macaroni soup.
Season the Soup
This step transforms your soup from ordinary to extraordinary. Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaves. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the mixture. The brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes, while the Worcestershire sauce adds umami depth that makes this beef and macaroni soup incredibly satisfying.
Simmer
Bring your soup to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and allow the soup to simmer gently for 20 minutes. This simmering time is crucial for melding flavors and developing the rich, complex taste that makes this beef and macaroni soup so memorable. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, as this releases valuable steam and extends cooking time.
Cook Macaroni Separately
While your soup base simmers, prepare the elbow macaroni in a separate pot according to package directions, cooking until al dente. Cooking pasta separately prevents it from becoming mushy and allows you to control the final texture of your beef and macaroni soup. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside – we’ll add it at the very end to maintain optimal texture.
Finalize the Soup
After the simmering period, remove and discard the bay leaves. Taste your soup and adjust seasonings as needed – you might want to add salt, pepper, or additional herbs depending on your preference. This is your opportunity to fine-tune the flavor profile of your beef and macaroni soup before the final assembly.
Combine Pasta and Soup
Add the cooked, drained macaroni to your soup base, stirring gently to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, giving the pasta time to absorb some of the flavorful broth while maintaining its structure. This final step ensures every spoonful of your beef and macaroni soup delivers the perfect pasta-to-broth ratio.
Serve
Ladle your steaming beef and macaroni soup into warmed bowls and serve immediately. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
Recipe Summary
This comforting beef and macaroni soup combines ground beef, tender pasta, and aromatic herbs in a rich tomato-based broth. Ready in 45 minutes, this one-pot meal feeds 6-8 people and offers excellent meal prep potential with proper storage techniques.
Ready to create this soul-warming masterpiece? Try this beef and macaroni soup recipe today and discover why it’s becoming a family favorite across kitchens nationwide. Share your cooking results and personal variations in the comments below – we love hearing how you’ve customized this recipe! Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more comforting soup recipes, cooking tips, and seasonal meal inspiration delivered directly to your inbox.
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of pasta in this beef and macaroni soup? A: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or shells. Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well and maintain their structure during cooking. Adjust cooking times according to your chosen pasta’s package directions.
Q: How long does beef and macaroni soup last in the refrigerator? A: Properly stored in airtight containers, this soup stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For best results, store pasta and broth separately if possible, combining them when reheating to prevent mushy texture.
Q: Can I freeze beef and macaroni soup for later? A: Yes, but with considerations. The soup base freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, but cooked pasta can become mushy when frozen. Consider freezing the soup without pasta and cooking fresh macaroni when ready to serve.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftover beef and macaroni soup? A: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add small amounts of beef broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too – use 30-second intervals, stirring between each.
Q: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? A: Certainly! Brown the beef and sauté aromatics in a skillet first, then transfer to your slow cooker with remaining ingredients (except pasta). Cook on low for 6-7 hours, adding cooked pasta during the last 30 minutes.
Q: What vegetables can I add to enhance this beef and macaroni soup? A: Popular additions include diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or corn. Add harder vegetables like carrots with the liquid ingredients, and softer vegetables like bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Q: How can I make this soup healthier? A: Use lean ground beef (93/7), increase vegetable content, choose whole wheat pasta, and use low-sodium broth. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option while maintaining the hearty character of the soup.
