Beef & Macaroni Soup

There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of Beef & Macaroni Soup on a chilly day. Packed with tender ground beef, vegetables, pasta, and a rich tomato-infused broth, this comforting one-pot meal is both filling and family-friendly. It combines the flavors of classic beef stew and macaroni in a delicious soup that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights.

This soup is loaded with protein, vegetables, and satisfying pasta, making it a complete meal on its own. Serve it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad for a cozy dinner everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Beef & Macaroni Soup

• Easy one-pot recipe
• Hearty and filling
• Family-friendly comfort food
• Great for meal prep
• Freezer-friendly
• Loaded with vegetables and protein
• Ready in about 45 minutes
• Perfect for cold-weather meals

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield

Serves 6–8

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup frozen green beans
• 1 cup frozen corn

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Cracked black pepper

Kitchen Equipment

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

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

Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Cook for about 6–8 minutes.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Add the Vegetables

Add:

• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened.

Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Broth

Stir in:

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Basil
• Salt
• Pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Vegetables

Stir in:

• Elbow macaroni
• Green beans
• Corn

Continue cooking for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed.

Add additional salt or pepper according to preference.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with:

• Fresh parsley
• Parmesan cheese
• Freshly cracked black pepper

Serve hot.

Cooking Temperature

Stovetop

• Brown beef over medium-high heat
• Simmer soup over medium-low heat

Safe Beef Temperature

Ground beef should reach an internal temperature of:

160°F (71°C)

Tips for the Best Beef & Macaroni Soup

Use Lean Ground Beef

Lean beef reduces excess grease while maintaining flavor.

Cook Pasta Carefully

Avoid overcooking the macaroni to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Add More Broth for Leftovers

The pasta continues absorbing liquid as the soup sits.

Add extra broth when reheating.

Let It Simmer

Allowing the soup to simmer helps deepen the flavors.

Variations

Cheesy Beef Macaroni Soup

Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese just before serving.

Spicy Version

Add:

• Red pepper flakes
• Diced jalapeños
• Hot sauce

Italian Beef Soup

Add:

• Zucchini
• Spinach
• Parmesan rind

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free pasta.

Beef and Vegetable Soup

Increase vegetables and reduce pasta for a lighter option.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs perfectly with:

• Garlic bread
• Dinner rolls
• Cornbread
• Caesar salad
• Grilled cheese sandwiches

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer

Freeze for up to 3 months.

For best results, freeze before adding pasta and cook fresh pasta when reheating.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop

Reheat over medium heat until warmed through.

Add extra broth if necessary.

Microwave

Heat individual servings in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the soup base a day ahead.

Add pasta when reheating to maintain the best texture.

Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving (based on 8 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg

Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead?

Yes. Ground turkey makes an excellent lighter alternative.

Can I Freeze This Soup?

Yes, though the pasta may soften after thawing. For best results, freeze without pasta.

What Other Pasta Shapes Work?

Try:

• Small shells
• Ditalini
• Rotini
• Mini penne

How Do I Make It Thicker?

Reduce the broth slightly or simmer longer to concentrate the flavors.