There’s something so cozy about a big bowl of beef and macaroni soup, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day! This hearty soup has been a staple in my home for as long as I can remember, and I love how it brings everyone together around the table. The combination of savory ground beef, tender macaroni, and vibrant vegetables creates a dish that’s not only filling but also packed with flavor. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a regular in your kitchen too. It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms the soul!
Ingredients for beef and macaroni soup
Gather these ingredients to whip up your delicious beef and macaroni soup. Make sure to prepare them as directed for the best results!
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup macaroni (uncooked)
- 4 cups beef broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), undrained
- 1 onion, chopped finely
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as carrots, peas, and corn, fresh or frozen)
How to Prepare beef and macaroni soup
Now that you’ve got all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this delightful beef and macaroni soup! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of goodness ready in no time.
Step 1: Brown the beef
First things first, heat a large pot over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. You want it nice and browned, which adds so much flavor to the soup. Just keep an eye on it to avoid any burning!
Step 2: Sauté onion and garlic
Next, add in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them into the pot and cook for another 3-5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion is translucent and fragrant. Wow, that aroma is just heavenly!
Step 3: Combine main ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring in the big guns! Stir in the diced tomatoes (don’t drain them!), beef broth, and Italian seasoning. Raise the heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where all those flavors start to meld together, and it smells amazing!
Step 4: Add macaroni and vegetables
Once it’s boiling, toss in the macaroni and mixed vegetables. Give everything a good stir and lower the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the veggies are just right. You might want to sneak a taste during this time—trust me, it’s hard to resist!
Step 5: Season and serve
Finally, season your soup with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot, maybe with a sprinkle of parmesan on top if you’re feeling fancy! This hearty beef and macaroni soup is perfect on its own, or you can pair it with some crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy every warm, delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a warm, hearty bowl of comfort that satisfies any appetite.
- Super easy to make with just a few simple ingredients!
- Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends with family.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day—if you have any!
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or spices for extra flair.
Tips for Success
To make sure your beef and macaroni soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t rush the browning of the beef—this is where you build that rich, savory flavor. Take your time and let it get nice and golden! Also, when adding the seasoning, start with a little salt and pepper, then taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out if you overdo it!
If you’re using frozen mixed vegetables, there’s no need to thaw them beforehand; just toss them right into the pot! They’ll cook perfectly as the soup simmers. And if you want to amp up the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This beef and macaroni soup stores beautifully. Just let it cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re like me and enjoy a good meal prep, this soup is perfect for making ahead of time!
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally to ensure it warms evenly. If it’s a little thick after sitting in the fridge, don’t worry! Just add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up to your desired consistency. You can also microwave it, but I find the stovetop method brings back that fresh, homemade taste. Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl once more!
Nutritional Information for beef and macaroni soup
Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for each serving of this hearty beef and macaroni soup. Keep in mind, these are based on standard ingredients, so they might vary a little depending on what you use!
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
This delicious soup not only fills you up but also offers a good amount of protein and fiber, making it a balanced meal option. Enjoy each nourishing bowl knowing it’s as good for your taste buds as it is for your body!
FAQ about beef and macaroni soup
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! While ground beef is the star of this dish, you can easily swap it out for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, but still delicious!
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want to punch up the flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a bay leaf while it simmers. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also brighten things up. Ooh, and don’t forget about the red pepper flakes for a little kick!
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just let it cool down to room temperature before sealing it up. It’s perfect for meal prep, and the flavors deepen as it sits!
Can I freeze beef and macaroni soup?
Yes, you can definitely freeze this soup! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What if my soup is too thick?
If your beef and macaroni soup turns out thicker than you’d like, just add a splash of beef broth or water when reheating. Stir it in gradually until you reach your desired consistency. It’s all about making it just right for you!
Beef and Macaroni Soup: 5 Steps to Comforting Goodness
- Gesamtzeit: 40 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Low Fat
Beschreibung
A hearty beef and macaroni soup that warms you up.
Zutaten
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup macaroni
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
Anweisungen
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring to a boil, then add the macaroni and mixed vegetables.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
- Can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Soup
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 bowl
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 4g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 12g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 5g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 40g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterin: 60mg
Keywords: beef and macaroni soup, hearty soup, comfort food
