Name: Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes; 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth; 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni; 1 cup diced carrots or celery (optional); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Salt & pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe is exactly the answer. It combines hearty ground beef, tender elbow macaroni, and a medley of vibrant vegetables all simmered in a rich, savory tomato broth. This soup is simple enough for busy weeknights yet satisfying enough to gather everyone around the table. Whether you’re a longtime fan of classic American comfort food or just discovering the joy of soup that fills both belly and soul, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with raw ground meat, a white cup with yellow macaroni pasta, and a white bowl with finely chopped onions. Small clear round bowls contain spices and grated cheese, and there are two cans of crushed and plain tomato sauce. In the bottom right corner, a large clear measuring cup holds dark brown broth. The items are spread evenly, with the white marbled surface visible around them. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe has a humble but powerful role to play. Together, they create a harmony of flavors and textures—from the juicy savoriness of the ground beef to the slight sweetness of carrots or celery, and the comforting chew of macaroni that makes every spoonful so satisfying.

1 lb ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base that makes the soup hearty and filling.
1 onion, chopped: Adds sweet, aromatic depth when sautéed with the beef.
2 garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the broth with zesty, comforting flavor notes.
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes: Brings freshness and a slight tang to the tomato broth.
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Deepens the tomato flavor and thickens the soup beautifully.
4 cups beef broth: Forms the flavorful, savory liquid foundation of the soup.
1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni: Adds the classic pasta element that soaks up the rich broth.
1 cup diced carrots or celery (optional): Contributes subtle sweetness and crunch for balance and color.
1 tsp Italian seasoning: Infuses all the ingredients with fragrant herbaceous notes.
Salt & pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef, Onion, and Garlic

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Break it up as it cooks until it’s browned but not overdone. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant. This mixture forms the flavorful backbone of your soup, so make sure to stir well and drain any excess fat to keep things from getting greasy.

Step 2: Create the Tomato Broth

Next, stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. This combination gives your soup that rich, classic red color and a deep, complex tomato flavor. Add in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a lively boil — this is when all those lovely flavors start marrying beautifully.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Vegetables

Once boiling, toss in the uncooked elbow macaroni and your choice of diced carrots or celery for an extra layer of freshness and texture. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still has a little bite. Keep an eye on it so the pasta doesn’t turn mushy — perfectly cooked elbow macaroni makes all the difference!

Step 4: Final Seasoning and Serve

Give your soup a taste test and add more salt or pepper if needed. The flavors should be balanced—neither too acidic nor bland. At this point, you could stir in some shredded cheddar cheese if you want to take your soup up a notch with a creamy, cheesy twist. Serve piping hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

How to Serve Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe

A large white pot filled with rich soup that has three visible layers: a deep reddish-brown broth base with small meat pieces, bright orange carrot chunks, and scattered green herbs. The soup also contains pale yellow elbow macaroni noodles floating throughout. A shiny metal ladle is resting inside the pot on the right side. The pot is placed on a white marbled surface with a wooden board holding sliced white bread with a golden crust on the top left. Near the bottom left corner, a white towel with green stripes is partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate the experience of this soup. Freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan adds a bright, fresh finish. A dollop of sour cream can also bring a silky cool contrast to the robust tomato broth.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls that you can dip into every last drop of broth. A light green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette adds a crisp, refreshing balance to the hearty soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for individual portions that look as good as they taste. Or, layer it in a large glass bowl for a beautiful presentation that shows off all the colorful ingredients. Adding a swirl of cream or a sprinkle of chili flakes can also make each serving feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors. The pasta will continue to soak up the broth over time, so it might thicken—just add a splash of broth or water when reheating to get that perfect consistency back.

Freezing

This Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe freezes really well, but to avoid the pasta getting mushy after thawing, cook it just underdone before freezing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy meal prep, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the soup slowly on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of water or broth if it feels too thick. Microwave reheating can work in a pinch, but stove reheating helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta for this soup?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic and cooks quickly, small pasta shapes like ditalini or small shells work just as well. Just keep cooking times in mind to avoid overcooking.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, freezing works great for this soup! Just make sure to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing so it doesn’t get too soft when reheated.

Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Diced zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach can be fantastic additions to boost nutrition and color without overpowering the comforting flavors.

How long does the soup take to prepare?

This recipe comes together quickly—about 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook—making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something fast and filling.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The soup will still be hearty and flavorful!

Final Thoughts

This Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe reminds me of cozy evenings and family gatherings, where every bowl is a little celebration of simple, satisfying home cooking. It’s such an easy dish to whip up, and the comforting flavors feel like a warm embrace. Give this recipe a try soon—I promise it will become one of those dishes you turn to again and again when you want something delicious and heartwarming.

Sara

Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

How to Make Beef Macaroni Soup Recipe