If you are looking for a soulful, comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out, this Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. It perfectly marries hearty ground beef with tender elbow pasta, all swimming in a rich tomato-infused beef broth that’s seasoned just right to tease every taste bud. Packed with vibrant vegetables and a melody of herbs, this soup offers a cozy, satisfying experience that’s simple enough for any weeknight yet special enough to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to capturing the full flavor and comforting texture of the Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe. Each element plays an important role, from the rich beef stock bringing depth to the broth, to the garden vegetables adding bursts of color and nutrition.
- Prime ground beef: Choose good quality beef for a tender, flavorful base.
- Finely chopped red onion: Adds a delicate sweetness and aromatic depth.
- Rich beef stock: This creates the hearty, savory foundation of the soup.
- Fresh chopped tomatoes: Bring freshness and a natural tang.
- Sundried tomato puree: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- Traditional Worcestershire sauce: Adds a savory umami boost for complexity.
- Crushed oregano: Offers a comforting herbal note.
- Dried sweet basil: Brings a gentle, sweet aroma that complements the tomato base.
- Uncooked elbow pasta: Perfect little bites that soak up all the delicious broth.
- Quick-freeze garden vegetables: Adds color, texture, and nutritional value.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- Optional – Freshly shredded cheese: Melts beautifully on top for an indulgent finishing touch.
- Optional – Warm crusty bread: Great for dipping and making the meal even more comforting.
How to Make Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Soften the Onions
Start by heating a sturdy soup pot and combining the prime ground beef with finely chopped red onions. Cook until the beef is wonderfully browned and the onions have softened to a translucent state. This step releases the meat’s rich flavor and sweetens the onions, creating a deeply savory foundation for your soup. Don’t forget to skim off any excess fat to keep your broth lean and clean-tasting.
Step 2: Build the Broth with Tomatoes and Seasonings
Next, pour in the rich beef stock, then add the fresh chopped tomatoes and sundried tomato puree. Splash in the Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle in crushed oregano and dried sweet basil. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle boil. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for about five minutes, allowing all those wonderful flavors to mingle and build a mouthwatering depth that sets this Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe apart.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Vegetables
This is where the meal really starts to come together. Toss in the uncooked elbow pasta and quick-freeze garden vegetables, then let the soup simmer for about eight minutes. The pasta softens to a perfect al dente texture while soaking up the flavorful broth. Meanwhile, the vegetables add a fresh crunch and brighten the bowl with healthy color and nutrients.
Step 4: Season to Taste
Season your soup generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir it all up to ensure every spoonful bursts with balanced flavors. This finishing seasoning step brings all components into harmony, making your Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle your steaming soup into bowls and, if you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle freshly shredded cheese on top to melt slowly into the broth’s warmth. Pair it with warm crusty bread on the side for dipping, and you’ve got yourself a hearty, soul-satisfying meal perfect for any day.
How to Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly shredded cheese adds creaminess and richness right on top of the soup’s surface. Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or basil can bring a pop of color and a burst of freshness that brightens every spoonful. For a little zing, consider a light drizzle of olive oil or a dash of hot sauce—whatever makes your heart happy.
Side Dishes
Pairing this soup with warm crusty bread is an absolute classic, perfect for soaking up every drop of the rich broth. Simple green salads or roasted vegetables complement this Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe beautifully if you want to round out the meal with additional texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a playful touch, serve the soup in deep mugs or mini cauldrons for an inviting, rustic feel. Top each bowl with a small grilled cheese sandwich or a cheesy flatbread on the side. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of paprika for an elevated finish that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors meld even more as it rests, making your leftovers taste just as comforting and delicious as the first serving.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing much flavor or texture. Reheat gently to preserve the pasta’s bite and the vegetables’ freshness.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving for the best texture, especially to keep the pasta from becoming mushy. A gentle reheating revives that homemade charm every time.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Small shapes like shells, ditalini, or small penne work well and soak up the broth nicely. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed to keep pasta tender but not soggy.
Is it okay to use frozen vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, quick-freeze garden vegetables are perfect for this soup and make it super convenient. They maintain texture and flavor well without overpowering the other ingredients.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Substitute elbow pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative or use rice or quinoa for a naturally gluten-free option. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they vary.
Can I prepare the soup in advance for a crowd?
Definitely! You can make the soup up to a day ahead, refrigerate it, and then reheat before serving. The flavors will deepen overnight, making it even tastier for your guests.
What toppings would you recommend besides cheese?
Try fresh herbs like chives or parsley, crispy bacon bits, a spoonful of sour cream, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. These add dimension and freshness to the soup.
Final Thoughts
With its hearty ingredients and rich, comforting flavors, the Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe is a true bowl of joy waiting to happen in your kitchen. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for warming up any day. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own cozy classic!
Print
Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and comforting Beef and Macaroni Soup combining tender ground beef, rich beef stock, fresh tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and tender elbow pasta. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal, topped with shredded cheese and served with crusty bread.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound prime ground beef
- ½ cup finely chopped red onion
- 14 ounces fresh chopped tomatoes
- 1 ½ cups quick-freeze garden vegetables
Liquids and Sauces
- 6 cups rich beef stock
- 2 tablespoons sundried tomato puree
- 1 teaspoon traditional Worcestershire sauce
Herbs and Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon crushed oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried sweet basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow pasta
Optional
- Freshly shredded cheese for topping
- Warm crusty bread for serving
Instructions
- Brown the Beef and Onions: In a robust soup cauldron, combine the ground beef and finely chopped red onions. Cook over medium heat until the beef is perfectly browned and the onions become translucent. Skim off any excess fat to keep the soup lean and flavorful.
- Add Broth and Flavorings: Pour in the rich beef stock. Add fresh chopped tomatoes, sundried tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, crushed oregano, and dried sweet basil. Stir the mixture well and allow it to come to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors meld together.
- Cook Pasta and Vegetables: Add the uncooked elbow pasta along with the quick-freeze garden vegetables to the pot. Continue to simmer for approximately 8 minutes until the pasta is tender yet maintains its shape.
- Season the Soup: Taste and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference. Stir the soup thoroughly to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. If desired, sprinkle freshly shredded cheese on top to add richness. Serve alongside warm crusty bread for a complete and comforting meal experience.
Notes
- Skimming excess fat helps make the soup leaner and healthier.
- Quick-freeze garden vegetables add convenient nutrition and color.
- Using fresh chopped tomatoes enhances the soup’s freshness.
- Worcestershire sauce contributes a subtle umami depth.
- Elbow pasta cooks quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent mushiness.
- Optional toppings like cheese and crusty bread enrich the eating experience.
