Beef and Macaroni Soup

The rich aroma of simmering beef, tomatoes, and herbs fills the kitchen as this timeless classic comes to life. This beef and macaroni soup is everything you crave in a comforting bowl; savory, hearty, and deeply satisfying. With simple pantry ingredients and quick cook time, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you still want to serve something homemade and delicious.

This dish is more than just a soup; it’s a nostalgic nod to childhood dinners, where every bite feels like home. The elbow macaroni absorbs the flavor-packed broth beautifully, while the ground beef adds heartiness and depth. It’s perfect for reheating, meal prepping, or freezing, and pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread for dipping. Whether you’re curled up on the couch or gathering around the family table, this soup brings warmth to any moment.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon sugar

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

2. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease.

3. Stir in diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.

4. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, paprika, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper.

6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.

7. Stir in the uncooked elbow macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes or until pasta is tender.

8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

9. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

Hearty Homestyle Beef & Macaroni Comfort Soup

There’s something deeply nostalgic and comforting about a warm bowl of beef and macaroni soup. With its rich tomato base, hearty ground beef, and tender elbow pasta, this simple one-pot meal captures everything we love about classic American comfort food. It’s the type of dish that reminds many of childhood dinners, cozy weekends, or those brisk fall and winter nights when all you want is a hearty meal to warm your soul.

This soup isn’t just a quick dinner idea; it’s a reminder that food can be both simple and soul-satisfying. What makes it even better is that it comes together in under 40 minutes, uses pantry staples, and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this beef and macaroni soup will become a go-to recipe in your weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: No long simmer times or complicated steps. Just brown, pour, simmer, and serve.

• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup, more flavor. Everything cooks in one pot, which saves time and effort.

• Family Friendly: Kids and adults both love the familiar flavors of beef, pasta, and tomatoes.

• Freezer Friendly: You can easily make a double batch and freeze portions for future meals.

• Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and elbow macaroni are two of the most affordable pantry staples, making this dish perfect for budget-conscious families.

Ingredient Breakdown and Their Role

Every ingredient in this recipe is selected for both flavor and function. Let’s take a closer look:

• Ground Beef: Adds protein, richness, and savory depth to the soup. You can use lean ground beef for a lighter version or a fattier cut for more flavor.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the onions and beef, adding a smooth base of flavor.

• Onions & Garlic: These aromatics are essential for layering the flavor. Onions add sweetness, while garlic gives it a subtle bite.

• Beef Broth: Acts as the flavorful base of the soup, tying together all the ingredients with its rich umami profile.

• Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: These provide body and a tangy tomato flavor. The balance between the diced texture and smooth sauce gives the soup its rustic character.

• Italian Seasoning: A classic blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil adds depth and warmth.

• Paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and complexity to the dish.

• Sugar: Just a pinch helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.

• Elbow Macaroni: The traditional pasta choice that soaks up the savory broth while remaining satisfyingly chewy.

• Parsley: A touch of freshness to cut through the richness.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Soup Every Time

• Brown the Beef Properly: Don’t rush the browning process. Let the beef develop a golden crust in spots, it adds deeper flavor to the soup.

• Drain Excess Grease: If using a fattier beef, be sure to drain the excess fat before adding the rest of your ingredients.

• Use Quality Broth: A good beef broth makes all the difference in flavor. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought options are ideal.

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Add the macaroni at the end of cooking to avoid mushy noodles. They’ll continue to soak up liquid even after you turn off the heat.

• Adjust the Thickness: Prefer a brothier soup? Add more beef stock or water. Like it thicker? Simmer longer with the lid off.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

One of the best things about beef and macaroni soup is how flexible it is. Here are some ideas to tweak it to your liking:

• Swap the Protein: Substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian option.

• Add More Veggies: Sneak in some diced carrots, celery, zucchini, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and texture.

• Spice it Up: A dash of crushed red pepper flakes, a few drops of hot sauce, or smoked paprika can give this dish a subtle kick.

• Use Different Pasta: Shells, rotini, or penne all work well, just adjust the cooking time as needed.

• Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a creamy tomato version of the soup.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

This soup stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

• Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Tip: Cook the pasta separately and add it fresh when reheating to avoid soggy noodles.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium heat or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between. You may need to add a splash of water or broth to loosen the consistency.

What to Serve With Beef and Macaroni Soup

While this soup is filling on its own, it pairs well with several delicious sides:

• Crusty Bread: A warm baguette or garlic bread is perfect for dipping.

• Grilled Cheese: Make it a nostalgic combo with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette helps balance the richness.

• Roasted Vegetables: For a veggie boost, serve with a side of roasted carrots or green beans.

Make It Ahead

If you’re planning for busy weekdays, this recipe is excellent for making ahead. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding pasta. Store it in the fridge and when ready to eat, reheat and add the macaroni fresh. This method keeps the noodles perfectly al dente and prevents them from soaking up too much broth.

Kid-Friendly & Picky-Eater Approved

Thanks to the familiar ingredients and approachable flavors, this soup is a hit with children. If your little ones are picky eaters, skip the herbs or sneak in finely grated carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition. Serve with shredded cheese on top to make it even more enticing.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

This dish is both hearty and nourishing. Each serving provides:

• Calories: ~280 kcal

• Protein: 17g

• Carbohydrates: 26g

• Fat: 12g

• Fiber: 3g

These numbers may vary slightly based on the brands and portion sizes used.

Conclusion

Beef and macaroni soup is a timeless, satisfying meal that combines flavor, warmth, and comfort in every spoonful. It’s everything we love about homemade food, simple ingredients, big flavor, and family-friendly appeal. Whether you’re craving something quick on a weeknight or planning a cozy meal on a rainy day, this soup checks all the boxes.

It’s also incredibly versatile. With just a few tweaks, you can make it vegetarian, creamy, spicy, or packed with veggies. Best of all, it stores well, making it ideal for leftovers or weekly meal planning.

So grab your soup pot, some pantry staples, and get ready to enjoy a comforting bowl of homemade goodness that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Serve it with your favorite bread, top with fresh herbs, and enjoy the rich aroma that will fill your kitchen.