Beef & Macaroni Soup is a comforting, hearty, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cold day or when you need a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love. This soup is a classic, often associated with childhood memories of simple, homey meals. It combines tender ground beef, flavorful vegetables, and elbow macaroni in a savory broth that’s both filling and flavorful. Best of all, it’s easy to make, requiring just a few staple ingredients, and it’s one of those recipes that can be customized to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
The beauty of Beef & Macaroni Soup lies in its versatility. You can pack it with vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic, adding layers of flavor and nutrients to the soup. The ground beef is browned and seasoned, providing a savory base, while the broth brings everything together, creating a comforting and warming dish. The macaroni adds the perfect bite to the soup, soaking up all the delicious flavors of the broth and creating a satisfying texture. This dish is great for meal prep, and leftovers taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
This soup can also be made in a variety of ways. For a healthier version, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey and incorporate more vegetables. If you’re looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can substitute the macaroni with gluten-free pasta or even use zucchini noodles. The broth can be made with either beef or vegetable broth, depending on your preference, and you can adjust the seasonings to your taste by adding herbs like oregano, thyme, or bay leaves for extra depth of flavor. A dash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end can give the soup an added savory kick.
Beef & Macaroni Soup is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, as it requires minimal prep time but delivers big on flavor. It’s the kind of meal that’s simple yet satisfying, nourishing yet light enough for any time of day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy bowl to enjoy on your own, this soup will definitely hit the spot.
Beef & Macaroni Soup Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner version)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, peeled and diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1-2 cups water (if needed to adjust consistency)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
- Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. If there is excess fat, drain it off.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add the chopped onion, carrot, and celery to the pot with the beef. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Liquids and Seasoning:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes (with juices), beef broth, and water (if you prefer a thinner soup). Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, and bring the soup to a boil.
4. Add the Macaroni:
- Once the soup is boiling, add the macaroni to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
5. Adjust the Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste. If the soup is too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Tips:
- Vegetables: Feel free to add extra vegetables to the soup. Frozen peas, corn, or green beans work well in this soup and add more color and nutrients.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño pepper when sautéing the vegetables.
- Make It Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. If freezing, cook the macaroni separately and add it when reheating, as pasta can become mushy after being frozen.
