Beef and Macaroni Soup

why make this recipe

Beef and Macaroni Soup is a comforting and filling meal that combines hearty beef, tender macaroni, and delicious vegetables in a warm broth. This recipe is great for busy weeknights when you want something quick and satisfying. It’s not only easy to make, but also a wonderful way to use leftover ingredients and feed a crowd or meal prep for the week.

how to make Beef and Macaroni Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 2 celery ribs (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
• Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Directions:

1. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Then, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
2. Brown the beef: Push vegetables to the side of the pot. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–6 minutes. If needed, drain excess grease.
3. Season and build flavor: Stir in salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, and water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
5. Cook pasta: Stir in macaroni and corn (if using). Continue cooking, uncovered, for 8–10 minutes, or until pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

how to serve Beef and Macaroni Soup

Serve Beef and Macaroni Soup hot in bowls. It pairs well with crusty bread or a side salad. For a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle additional herbs or parmesan cheese on top.

how to store Beef and Macaroni Soup

To store leftovers, let the soup cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating.

tips to make Beef and Macaroni Soup

• Feel free to add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers to increase nutrition.
• Adjust the seasonings based on your taste preference. You can add more spices for extra flavor.
• Using lean beef helps reduce the grease in the soup, but you can use any ground beef you prefer.

variation

You can turn this soup into a cheesy delight by adding shredded cheese at the end of cooking. Just stir in the cheese until it melts before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?
   Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with any small pasta like shells or rotini.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
   To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that the broth and other ingredients are also gluten-free.

3. Can I make this soup in advance?
   Yes, you can make this soup a day ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat it on the stove before serving.