Hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe

Savory Beef & Macaroni Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

Bubbling with comfort and nostalgia, this hearty beef and macaroni delight soup warms every corner of your kitchen with its rich, savory aroma.

Tender beef chunks dance alongside soft macaroni in a luxurious broth that speaks of home-cooked memories.

Packed with robust flavors and simple ingredients, this soup delivers a wholesome meal in one delightful pot.

Seasoned with classic herbs and simmered to perfection, each spoonful promises pure satisfaction.

The recipe balances simplicity with deep, comforting flavors that make weeknight dinners extraordinary.

Hearty and satisfying, this soup turns an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Gather the Goodies for Beef and Macaroni Soup

For Protein and Flavor Base:
  • Prime Ground Beef: Adds rich, hearty protein and creates a deep, meaty foundation for the soup's robust flavor profile.
  • Beef Stock: Delivers a concentrated, savory liquid base that enhances the overall depth and warmth of the dish.
For Aromatic Enhancers:
  • Red Onion: Provides a sweet and sharp undertone that builds complex layers of taste and adds a subtle crunch.
  • Sundried Tomato Puree: Intensifies the tomato essence with a concentrated, slightly tangy and sweet dimension.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces a complex umami kick that rounds out the soup's savory characteristics.
For Herbal and Seasoning Elements:
  • Crushed Oregano: Brings an earthy, slightly peppery Mediterranean herbal note that complements the beef.
  • Dried Sweet Basil: Offers a gentle, sweet herbaceous flavor that brightens the entire soup's profile.
  • Fresh Chopped Tomatoes: Contributes fresh acidity and natural sweetness to balance the rich meat base.
For Texture and Substance:
  • Elbow Pasta: Creates a comforting, hearty element that absorbs the soup's rich flavors and adds satisfying body.
  • Quick-Freeze Garden Vegetables: Introduces colorful, nutritious variety and provides additional texture and freshness.

Kitchen Must-Haves: Beef and Macaroni Soup Tools

  • Soup Cauldron: Large, deep pot for cooking and simmering soup with ample space.
  • Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precisely chopping onions, tomatoes, and other ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Clean surface for safely preparing vegetables and meat.
  • Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately portioning stock and ingredients.
  • Colander: Optional tool for draining excess fat from ground beef.
  • Cheese Grater: Useful for shredding cheese as a garnish.
  • Ladle: Perfect for serving soup into individual bowls.

Let’s Make Beef and Macaroni Soup Together

Beef and Macaroni Delight Soup

  • Meat Foundation

Start by transforming ground beef with chopped red onions in a large soup pot. Cook until the meat develops a rich golden-brown color and onions become soft and translucent. Carefully remove any extra fat to keep the soup light and wholesome.

  • Flavor Symphony

Create a hearty liquid base by combining beef stock, juicy chopped tomatoes, tangy sundried tomato puree, and aromatic herbs. Let the mixture dance and bubble gently, allowing the ingredients to whisper their flavors together for a few moments.

  • Pasta and Garden Magic

Introduce uncooked pasta and colorful frozen vegetables into the simmering liquid. Let them mingle and soften, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The pasta should emerge tender yet playful, perfectly cooked.

  • Final Touch

Awaken the soup’s potential with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir with love, ensuring every spoonful carries the depth of flavors. Serve steaming hot, optionally crowned with a delicate shower of cheese, alongside rustic bread for a comforting meal that hugs the soul.

Pro Tips + Variations for Your Beef and Macaroni Soup

  • Hearty Soup Hacks: Transform your Beef and Macaroni Delight Soup with these expert tips!
  • Meat Magic: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich flavor. For extra depth, consider mixing ground beef with ground turkey or using Italian seasoned ground beef.
  • Veggie Boost: Swap frozen vegetables with fresh seasonal produce like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach. Chop vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
  • Flavor Enhancers: Add a splash of red wine or a dash of smoked paprika during simmering for a more complex taste profile. Grated Parmesan cheese can replace shredded cheese for a sharper, more intense garnish.
  • Leftover Love: This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a little extra beef stock to restore moisture and prevent pasta from becoming too soft. For best results, store pasta and soup separately to maintain ideal texture.

Plating Up Beef and Macaroni Soup Like a Pro

  • Cozy Comfort Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a slice of warm garlic bread to soak up every delicious spoonful, creating a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle a generous handful of sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese on top, letting it slightly melt and add a creamy, tangy dimension to the soup's robust profile.
  • Fresh Herb Finishing Touch: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives just before serving, bringing a bright, crisp note that cuts through the richness of the beef and adds a pop of color to the dish.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve in large, rustic bowls with extra bread on the side, encouraging everyone to dig in and enjoy a communal, satisfying meal that warms both body and soul.

Save or Serve Later: Beef and Macaroni Soup Edition

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover soup into airtight glass containers, ensuring a tight seal to lock in freshness and prevent unwanted odors from seeping in.
  • Refrigerator Readiness: Cool the soup completely before storing, which helps maintain its rich flavor profile and prevents bacterial growth during chilled storage.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion the soup into individual serving containers, leaving slight expansion room, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for quick future meals without sacrificing taste quality.
  • Reheating Recommendations: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat on stovetop using medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to restore its original creamy texture and prevent scorching.
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Hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup Recipe

Hearty Beef and Macaroni Soup


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4.9 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty beef and macaroni delight soup brings comfort to cold winter nights. Savory ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 g) prime ground beef
  • 6 cups (1.4 L) rich beef stock
  • 14 oz (397 g) fresh chopped tomatoes
  • 1 cup (170 g) uncooked elbow pasta
  • 1 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1 cup quick-freeze garden vegetables
  • 2 tbsps (30 mL) sundried tomato puree
  • 1 tsp traditional Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp crushed oregano
  • 1 tsp dried sweet basil

Instructions

  1. Sauté Base: In a large pot, brown ground beef and red onions together, meticulously draining excess fat to establish a flavor-packed foundation for the soup.
  2. Build Liquid Layer: Pour beef stock into the pot, then add chopped tomatoes, sundried tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, oregano, and sweet basil, whisking vigorously to create a harmonious aromatic blend.
  3. Develop Flavor Profile: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce heat, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld, intensifying the soup’s complex taste dimensions.
  4. Incorporate Pasta and Vegetables: Introduce elbow macaroni and quick-freeze vegetable medley into the simmering liquid, cooking until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency and vegetables become delicately tender.
  5. Final Seasoning and Presentation: Elevate the soup’s taste by carefully seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper, then serve in warm bowls, garnishing with a delicate sprinkle of freshly shredded cheese and accompanying with a slice of crusty artisan bread.

Notes

  • Drain Excess Fat Carefully: Remove extra grease from ground beef to prevent a greasy soup and enhance the clean, robust flavor profile.
  • Layer Flavors Strategically: Add herbs and sauces gradually to build depth and complexity, allowing each ingredient to contribute its unique taste dimension.
  • Monitor Pasta Texture Closely: Cook elbow macaroni just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a perfect tender-yet-firm consistency in the soup.
  • Cheese Finishing Touch: Sprinkle freshly shredded cheese on top for a rich, creamy finish that elevates the overall taste and visual appeal of the dish.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 720 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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